Customer Reviews

Webmaster in a Nutshell : Deluxe Edition

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I was very disappointed. I guess I expected more from O'Reilley, but they definitely did not deliver. Webmaster in a Nutshell is a tiny tiny tiny book that is mediocre at best. The CD with 5 electronic books is not on a par with other reference libraries. So now I have this expensive dust collector. The only good news is that I followed the advice (unfortunately too late) of the previous reviewer and bought the Web publishing Electronic Resource Kit. I am very happy with THAT kit

My first comments are directed at the book "Webmaster in a Nutshell". The book alone is money well spent. At your fingertips you have HTML, CGI, HTTP, JavaScript, and Server Configuration quick references. I used this book while designing new pages for my website and found that every question I could pose was answered. Some of the features that I found exceptionally useful in the HTML section were the browser comparison charts and the character entities chart. The CGI section is broken down in easy to understand categories, making your search for information a breeze. The overview at the beginning of the section is also a very good refresher or introduction. If you ever wondered what those pesky HTTP error codes mean, such as the infamous "Error 404 - Not Found". The HTTP section is the place to find out. The JavaScript section like the CGI section is very well organized with excellent explanations and examples. The Server Configuration section has sections for Unix based servers, (i.e. Apache, CERN), as well as Windows based servers, (i.e. Website for Windows95 and Windows NT server). A section on Netscape server configuration is also included. My thought on the book is that it is a "must have". Then O'Reilly goes and makes it the Deluxe edition by adding the Web Developer's library on CD-ROM. On this CD you have electronic access to Webmaster in a Nutshell, plus four other outstanding books. The books included on the CD are: HTML: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition., JavaScript: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition., CGI Programming on the World Wide Web, Programming Perl, 2nd Edition., and Webmaster in a Nutshell. Not only can you read them, they have dynamic search engines that make finding the right section a snap. I could write a book singing the praises of this CD, or at least a very long short story. Suffice it to say that each book is outstanding in its own right and their inclusion in this package makes Deluxe Edition Webmaster in a Nutshell a deal to good to pass up.

For $69.95 you get a single 356-page book and a CD with 4 books in electronic format. Definitely NOT a bargain when you check on what else is out there. Further, Webmaster in a nutshell is an awful awful book that really isn't much good. I think O'Reilly had to package it in this kit just to try to get rid of the thousands of copies filling up their warehouse.

In the same price range, you will find 2 much better values. One of these values is Web Publishing Unleashed Professional Reference Edition, a 1500-page book that covers everything you need to know to truly master Web publishing. The CD ROM for the book is also packed with goodies which includes 2 books in electronic format and dozens of great applications. Street price for the book is $69.95 and you can get at at Amazon for about $48.95. Definitely a much better value.

Another great value that you will want to consider is the Web Publishing Electronic Resource Kit which includes 14 books, over 10,000 pages in searchable CD-ROM format, and a hard copy of the 1500-page book, Web Publishing Unleashed Professional Reference Edition. Street price is $89.95 and you can get it at Amazon for $71.99. An AWESOME value you just won't find anywhere else.

In the end, you will be much happier if you buy Web Publishing Unleashed Professional or the Web Publishing Electronic Resource Kit. I KNOW I am glad and everyone at my office is too.

As a programmer, I am often asked what books someone should buy to learn HTML and web programming. My suggestion is to buy this book and view the source code of sites you like. This book has quick reference to all aspects of web scripting in a very concise manner - it is short, quick and without all the fluff. It is the only book you will still use even after you've learned scripting.