Book Description

This unique book explains the basic issues of classical and modern cryptography, and provides a self contained essential mathematical background in number theory, abstract algebra, and probability—with surveys of relevant parts of complexity theory and other things. A user-friendly, down-to-earth tone presents concretely motivated introductions to these topics.More detailed chapter topics include simple ciphers; applying ideas from probability; substitutions, transpositions, permutations; modern symmetric ciphers; the integers; prime numbers; powers and roots modulo primes; powers and roots for composite moduli; weakly multiplicative functions; quadratic symbols, quadratic reciprocity; pseudoprimes; groups; sketches of protocols; rings, fields, polynomials; cyclotomic polynomials, primitive roots; pseudo-random number generators; proofs concerning pseudoprimality; factorization attacks finite fields; and elliptic curves.For personnel in computer security, system administration, and information systems. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great buy!
Other than a few 1st edition errors and too small of an anwer key, the book is definitely worth the money. It has a very down-to-earth style which is great if you're using the book on your own like me. I'm using this book for the Siemman's Westinghouse Scholarship Competition, and I think it is a great book for anyone interested in Cryptology, whether they like math or not.

Actually 4.6
I like the book quite a bit because of the actual down-to-earth language Garrett uses. It is very nice since I'm using it on my own time. There some errors in the book, however. He also selects only about 25% of the questions to anwer in the key. He could show about 50% and give an explanation on how to find the answer. Other than that, there is nothing wrong with the book and those problems shouldn't keep you from buying it.

Excellent book on cryptology
Very good book. His explanation is very clear.
I recommand to anyone who wants to learn cryptology.
I think computer scientist will get the most benefits from
this book.

A good approach
This is a math book. It tells you cryptography-related abstract algebra, number theory, etc. The good thing is it doesn't assume you have much math background.

On the other hand, it has a lot of errors. Some are just typos, some not. Personally, I think if a math book has a single math error (wrong lemma, incorrect logic, ...), it is not a qualified math book. Unfortunately, this book has more than one.

The reason I still give it four stars is that I like its approach. Without math, cryptography is not cryptography. If you don't have enough math background, this book really helps you get started. There are simply not many choices on the market of this kind. After reading this, you can go to more rigorous, advanced ones, such as Koblitz's series. An alternative (more rigorous, less abstract algebra) is Bauer's. All Koblitz's and Bauer's are excellent.

A down to earth book!!
I can't belive how much I like this book. It has great down to earth language and very helpful examples. If you are interested in cryptography but don't know where to start, then this is a book for you to pick up. Seriously, without the math, cryptography won't be the same. This is the book that has the math to help you dive into cryptography and build a good fundation before you swim toward the big ocean!
Paul is a very funny guy when he lectures, if u get a chance to go to his lecture, don't miss it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very, very basic book
Upon receipt of this book I was very, very disapointed.

If you are looking for a collection letter book that gives solid, indepth letters that include FDCPA tags and other inportant collection letter information, this is not the book to buy.

The letters are very basic (people with zero experience might find this to be a starting point) and it glosses over many topics. OR does not address them at all. (If you need letters for accounts more than 90 days past due -- there is no help here.)

I will be very wary of what I buy on Amazon based on this experience. If you are doubtful about buying it -- don't! ... Read more

Book Description

How to master the complexities of effective writing in design practice. Written and oral communication play a vital role in advancing design professionals' careers, yet few design schools offer training. Kliment spells out the various end-products of writing that professionals need, including marketing and promotion materials; reports and project communication with clients, staff, consultants, and public agencies; and writing for publication in print and electronic formats, as well as oral presentations. He presents the principles of clear writing, illustrated by realistic examples and exercises drawn from the world of design practice.

Special features:
* Principles of writing for impact
* Tips for students
* The spoken presentation
* Going online
* Layout and style dos and don'ts
* Writing for an international market ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For Architects
This is a nice book, but written primarily for architectal students. Not too useful for architectural engineers.

Inspiring for students and professionals
This is a much needed and appreciated book on clear and consice communication for students writing on their design projects, design statements for themselves about their portfolios, cover letters for employment purposes, not to mention all the aspects of proposals, business communication, applications, brochures, etc. As an educator in the design arts for over 25 years, I am especially happy to have this resource to share with design students and also find much useful information included for myself. Thanks for a great addition to my design library! ... Read more

Book Description

Titles in Barron’s Business Success series are quick reads for busy people. They advise career-minded men and women on how to succeed at all levels of management, marketing, and other business undertakings, with emphasis on survival in the corporate environment. This book helps make business writing easy, with tips on matching business language to the proper format—memos, reports, proposals, letters, and more. This new edition also gives attention to e-mail, which in recent years has become a dominant medium for business communication. An appendix presents a quick-reference grammar guide, and cartoon-style line art captures the author’s light approach. ... Read more

Book Description

Writing That Works will help you say what you want to say, with less difficulty and more confidence. Now in its third edition, this completely updated classic has been expanded to included all new advice on e-mail and the e-writing world, plus a fresh point of view on political correctness.

With dozens of examples, many of them new, and useful tips for writing as well as faster on a computer, Writing That Works will show you how to inprove anything you write:

• Presentations that move ideas and action
• Memos and letters that get things done
• Plans and reports that make things happen
• Fund-raising and sales letters that produce results
• Resumes and letters thar lead to interviews
• Speeches that make a point

Reviews (14)

Great book!
Writing That Works is a practical guide to effective business writing. Best of all, the writers practice what they preach: the book is packed with useful advice, yet it's a surprisingly quick read.

No More Turgid Prose
An easy to read, extremely useful guide to effective business writing and "written business etiquette." The guidance relating to computer/email communications is particularly valuable, and should be read by anyone who communicates regularly on-line. I plan to order copies of the book for all my senior reports.

Elements of Style for MBAs
This expanded version of an earlier edition of two seasoned advertising executive' original writing guide is something like Elements of Style, but aimed squarely at someone writing for business purposes (e.g., one of the ten chapters is "Asking for Money". There is a useful afterword describing a dozen more books to help you write better. Recommended as a good starting point for any business person wanting to write more effectively.

Very useful reference
Concise, simple and straight froward advice.
It give you advices of how to write good memo, report, e-amail,....

So Far Nothing Better
I bought this book and learned so much from it. I liked the e-mail section of the book and the suggestions of the author for clear writting are remarkable. I highly recommend it if you are interested in becoming a good communicator through writting. ... Read more

Book Description

Have you ever dreamed about making money as a freelance grant writer? Or are you applying for a grant and anticipate fierce competition?

The Everything® Grant Writing Book helps you confront this competitive market with detailed, insider information on getting through the gatekeepers to obtain the funds you need. This detailed book, written by experienced grant writer Nancy Burke Smith and freelance writer Judy Tremore, shows you exactly how create the perfect grant proposal—no matter how daunting the specifications are for the project.

The Everything® Grant Writing Book shows you how to:
·Apply for government and foundation grants
·Find the money needed
·Build community collaborations and partnerships
·Write a statement of need
·Develop a budget and budget narrative
·Fill out appropriate paperwork

From writing a letter of inquiry or intent to developing action plans and timelines to outlining and drafting the proposal, The Everything® Grant Writing Book helps you get the funds you need! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Worth twice the price!
This is a very well written, book on all aspects of grant writing. The author's have cut through the rubbish and presented facts in a simple, straight-forward manner. If I were teaching grant writing, I would use this book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Disregard the low rating at Amazon - this is a true 5* book!
I was surprised to see such a low rating on this book here at Amazon untill I found out that the rating system here is not based on book sales or even reader opinion and can be manipulated by unscrupulous people.

I have purchased several books in the "start up" series and previewed this book at BJ Daltons before buying. It is excellent.

I agree with the other reviewer regarding books that are not sold in stores or available at your local library to preview. Especially by unknown authors.

How to Start a Self Publishing Business is a true 5* book. But don't ake my word for it. Preview it at your local BJ Daltons or any other bookstore where better books are sold.

Excellent self publishing book
If you are serious about entering the self publishing field, then this is the right book for you. It is very complete, well written and obviously the authors have actual experience int he field.

I have bought other books about self publishing by supposedly experienced self publishers and was wholley dissappointed. One clue should have been that those books are not available in book stores or libraries. This one is. Never buy sight and unseen and good luck trying to get a refund with those other books!

Excellent - Great Book!
I accidently came across this book at our local Barnes & Noble. The cover really caught my attention and as I leafed through the book I just knew that I had to own it.

Having been dissappointed with other similiar books, it was refreshing to buy a book written by three authors who really have mastered their craft.

If you want to get into self publishing, this is the right book for you. You won't be dissappointed.

Individual chapters clearly outline outsourcing options
The collaborative effort of Rob Adams and Terry Adams, Start Your Own Self-Publishing Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Success is a no-nonsense instructional guide to the nuts and bolts of getting a self-publishing business off the ground. Individual chapters clearly outline outsourcing options, the potential of e-publishing, identifying one's target market, dealing with taxes when creating a publishing house, bookkeeping and production costs, advertising and marketing, and more. This is a truly first-rate primer for anyone seriously considering entering the highly competitive, exceptionally volatile, and technologically evolving world of self-publishing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Highly Recommended
Essential for business students, graduate and undergraduates alike. Helps you write professional reports and term papers. Many graduate schools require it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Okay, but it needs more Human Resource Letters
I am an Executive Human Resources Assistant. I need letters to nicely turn away candidates for jobs. I need a variety. This book does not offer more than 2 samples in this area. I did not find it very useful at all in that regard.

Simple and basic, but provides the outline you need.
It provides the guidance and logic of the letter, allowing you to do the tailoring. Use the book's contents to identify the letter. For each letter you will get a bulleted list of what should be covered in the letter as well as a complete sample letter. The book is in a neat, clean simple format, making it very easy to use and read. All of the letters contained in this book are available on computer disk -- however this is a separate purchase. ... Read more

Book Description

ERISA and other guidelines have long required fiduciaries to implement a uniform process for drafting an Investment Policy Statement (IPS).But historically, enforcement was lax, leaving companies little motivation to develop a formal practice.

Now, times have changed.Corporate scandals coupled with volatility in the markets have generated an increase in complaints, lawsuits and even the possibility of government legislation requiring an official IPS.This compact guide will help financial advisors, plan sponsors, money managers and all professional fiduciaries protect themselves, stay in compliance - and stay one step ahead of government mandate - by putting a simple IPS process in place.

Industry pro Jack Gardner provides an easy-to-follow framework for producing a well-written IPS based on practices recognized by the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies.Both templates make implementing a proper IPS easier and more accurate.

Prepare documents that meet all industry standards of compliance and federal regulations with relative ease - every time - while protecting yourself and your firm from liability using this guidebook. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Hemingway of Investment Policy Statement Authors!
Jack Gardner is a talent far beyond our concept of genius.His approach to Investment Policy Statements is on par with Joyce's approach to the interior landscape of the mind in Ullyses.He breaks new ground in his use of language, tearing the roof off of conventional writing and far surpassing any literary expectations.Congratulations Jack, you are a rising talent to be reckoned with.I look forward to your future endeavors.

This Man knows his stuff!
Whew! The book took my breathe away. It was an amazing read. It was intelligent, insightful, and extremely helpful to my work! Jack, you know you stuff, in other words you know how to FIDUICE! Thanks Jack, your the master fiduciar! ... Read more

Book Description

Combining the experience and work of many companies, this book provides tested tools for effective performance appraisals. Discussed are such topics as designing a performance review, legal considerations, implementing an effective performance review system, and presenting reviews to employees. In the accompanying CD-ROM, sample performance appraisal forms in pdf and rtf format are provided to help companies build their own systems. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

What to do after writing the book
After pouring sweat over the newest book, it's time for the next step, getting it out there for people to buy. Unlike the Field of Dreams, if you write it, they won't necessarily come unless you're John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, or Patricia Cornwell. If you are one of them, "Hi! I'm a fan of your books!" Not all authors have a publisher to do the press releases and promotional material work or at least, enough to spread the news.

In Putting It on Paper: The Ground Rules for Creating Promotional Pieces that Sell Books, Dawn Josephson walks through the steps of developing a book marketing campaign with a press kit which typically includes and she covers all items: a cover letter, a press release, a mock book review, an author bio, a sell sheet, a catalog, a give-away item, and an article. However, it doesn't stop there. The advice isn't just applicable to authors of books. It's also valuable for writers who want to promote newsletters, services, and other published works.

I've seen my share of media kits for books and products. Some don't have any benefit for my needs while others sounds like a stereotypical used car salesman trying to make the sale in an uncomfortable way.

Josephson walks the talk since her book, of course, came with a media kit and it's one of the better ones I've seen. Based on this, the book describes how to create a media kit like hers using questions and answers, key points, templates, and real-life examples using the templates. The examples are exactly what I like to see in a press release and other materials in a media kit.

Publicity is hard that authors and publicists print a general kit and send the same thing to everyone. That might make it easier, but it won't be as successful has tailoring the kit to the recipient's needs. With word processors that do mail merge saving us time, it shouldn't be a problem to give the target reader the information needed.

Creating promotional materials may sound dull, but the book actually gives it a fun spin with its 160 pages of solid advice. Applying the tips and ground rules from Putting It on Paper, any author or publicist run a successful book marketing campaign.

Good Information for a Focused Audience
If you have written a book and published, you know that the writing and the publishing were the easy parts. The most vital-and most difficult-task is promoting the book so that people will buy it. Distributors are fond of saying to authors, "Our job is to get the book onto the shelf; your job is to get it off."

In ten chapters, this author presents the how-to, step-by-step, of how to promote a book to distributors, retailers, and consumers. She covers a lot of ground to help authors get the word out. Plenty of examples to give authors guidance. Ground Rules In Action sections and Key Points summaries at the end of the chapters added value

Josephson is founder and president of Cameo Publications, a firm that has published eight books, including this one. Her experience includes writing over 1,000 articles. From my research on amazon.com, this appears to be her first book. She uses herself heavily in her examples, to the point that this reviewer felt the book was bordering on self-promotion. With her experience as a publisher and a magazine editor, she has gained a body of knowledge that is valuable for authors. The knowledge is conveyed effectively in this book. Authors would be well-advised to read and heed the advice in these pages.

Wow! Just What I Needed!
After writing a book and then reading all the other books on how to promote it, I was stumped. I had great ideas on which outlets and reviewers to approach, but I had no idea what to send them. Do I send a book to review with a quick note? Do I send a full package of materials that's longer than the book itself? What kind of information did the media and bookstores want to see? These are all the questions I had, and this book answered each and every one. By the time I finished reading Putting It On Paper, I had every element of my press kit created, and the results are outstanding. I've already had numerous media outlets contact me as a result of my press kit, and my book just got picked up by a large distribution house. Plus, I was able to arrange for three book signings with local bookstores. I highly recommend Putting It On Paper to anyone who has published a book.

The right way to do it
I wish everyone who sent me a book for review had read this book. "Putting It On Paper" contains all the basics of what a bookseller should and should not include in their press kits. Areas covered by the book include the media kit, the cover letter, the press release, mock interviews, author biographical information, a book sell sheet, a catalog sheet, extra sales materials, and even writing an article to achieve back door sales. The bottom line is that you may have the best book ever published but if readers don't know it exists then they will not buy it. That is where promotional pieces come in. Getting the book reviewed, getting distributors to carry it, or getting independent bookstores to sell it, no matter what your marketing direction you will need a promotional piece. The advice is thorough and detailed including sample layouts and templates. If you want your book to sell, "Putting It On Paper" is the road map to creating the right promotional pieces the first time and a recommended read. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A great reference of the why's and how's of proposals.
Tom Sant does a great job providing a practical tool for all of us, "proposal challenged" people! He explains why various parts of the proposal are necessary, why the order influences the recipient, and gives lots of examples of good and bad elements. I found myself reading some of the bad examples without understanding why they were so bad. Then I would read the good example and be amazed at what an improvement it was!

If you have to write even just a one page memo requesting money, time, people, or any other resource, get this book! It has significantly improved my approach, I know it will positively impact yours as well.

This Book helps you WIN!
Tom Sant's structure and approach to proposal writing and responding to RFP's has already helped me win more business. BY following his methodology, my proposals are far more persuasive and client-centered. It is a quick read, and gives you more than enough examples and some humor. If you write proposals, this is the book you need. Sant also has award winning software that follows the structure of the book and helps automate the proposal and RFP response process.

A legitimately great book
Rereading the reviews of this book, I was surprised by the one negative review of this book by Tony DaGiau. No surprise! Turns out that he runs some solo consulting company that competes head on with the Sant Corporation, Tom Sant's company! If Tony writes a book on dirty tricks, it'll be worth reading. Other than that, stick with Sant's book (and, if the book is any indication, Sant's company).

Exactly what I needed
This book should be the first resource to which you turn if you need to write a persuasive document.

Although this book is directed towards business writers, the information in it is just right for understanding the psychology and techniques of persuasion. I used the book extensively for developing grant proposals (for higher education) and saw my success ratio double. As a result, I won more backing and my colleagues are still asking how I did it.

The author makes good points that produce good results, from his pointers on style and jargon to his mini-primers on formatting. Sant is absolutely at the head of the class.

A lukewarm read
As an independent consultant looking for an in-depth resource on different approaches, strategies, and examples of proposals, I was disappointed by this book. Much of the book provides obvious advice like "focus on the client's need instead of your own" and "use simple, direct language".

The author provides numerous checklists and batteries of questions to guide the reader in developing a proposal. At first, these seem useful, but after digesting questions like "Does another vendor have a preferred position with the evaluators?" you realize that the answers don't help with writing the proposal (and Sant doesn't provide advice on what to do if your competitors are better off).

While there are examples of short letter proposals, only very brief excerpts are provided on more common multi-page proposals. Also, all the examples are laid-out in the standard book format, so you don't see different uses of typography, graphics, or layout.

On the plus side, Sant provides a good follow-up survey to improve future proposals. And buried in the many questions and checklists are useful items that can be pulled out to make your own checklist--concise and relevant enough to be of value.

To publishers: it would be great to see a "101 Best Proposals" book with the proposals in their original format and author annotations.

To the anonymous reviewer who suggests I dishonestly critiqued this book: As a software marketing consultant I don't come close to competing with Mr. Sant (considering that his firm provides proposal development services, I'm more likely a prospect). It's fine that you don't agree with my review, but claiming that I'm trying to deceive people over a non-existent rivalry is a bit much. ... Read more

Book Description

A practical and authoritative guide to better written communication.

Because Every Line You Write Is a Marketing Tool. . .™ You must present yourself in a positive way in all your written business communication. This book shows you how to make your e-mail messages work for you -- to enhance your career and foster your company's good image. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

avoid overwriting e-mails
To tell you the truth, I haven't read this book. But I thought this would be a convenient place to make fun of this guy in my office who sends out these ridiculously over-worded, multi-page e-mails with the delineated paragraphs and varying fonts to communicate an idea that a normal person could convey in less than 20 words. I get about 7 or 8 messages from him every day, giving me a "project status update" or whatever, whenever he hears something from someone, no matter how trivial or how unrelated it is to my role in the project.

I trust Ms Smith has addressed this problem in her book, and I highly recommend the book to anyone who sends out annoying, unnecessary e-mails to their co-workers all day long.

Improving your E Mail
..........................................

Filled with tips for old hands as well as for those who are new

to e-mail, this book is sure to help everyone write better

business messages on the job. Part 1 is specifically about how to

use e-mail at work. Part 2 is a useful guide to the nitty-gritty

of business writing for e-mail and on hard copy - how to get the

words and punctuation right so that you sound and look

professional.

The book is a great resource. I keep it on the shelf above my
computer so I can refer to it often. It's full of helpful
examples that show the wrong way and the right way to use words.
The complete index makes it easy to find things. You won't have
to wonder about whether to use lie or lay, which or that, fewer
or less, I or myself. You won't have to wonder about how to
address a new client or whether to send an urgent message. The
answers are all there in this one handy book.

A quick glance at e-mail and clear business writing
This book may be useful for the e-mail newcomers or for native English speakers who are not very skilled in the formal writing.

The book consists of two parts: "How to make e-mail work for you" and "How to write for business". The first part covers basic usage of e-mail, and can be helpful for e-mail newbies. However, if you've sent ten thousand messages so far, it is unlikely that you find anything useful there.

The author has dedicated the second chapter of the book to business writing. It is mostly a set of dos and don'ts, without deeper analysis. I recommend separate, deep books on business writing and correct use of English. The author, has also given a list of references that include "The American Heritage Book of English Usage" by Editors of The American Heritage Dictionaries, "The American heritage Dictionary of the English Language" by Editors of The American Heritage Dictionaries, "Alphabet to Email" by Naomi S. Baron, "Email in the Workplace" by Cristina Cavanagh, "The Chicago Manual of Style" by John Grossman, "Grammar for Grownups" by Val Dumond, "Cliffsquickreview Writing" by Jean Eggenschwiller and "E-What?" by Editors of EEI Press.

A superbly organized, practical, accessible "how-to" guide
Expertly and knowledgeably written by educational film maker and business communications expert Lisa A. Smith, Business E-Mail: How To Make It Professional And Effective is a solid, "user friendly" guide to making the best use and utilization of Internet email for business related purposes. From learning to phrase messages that are alert, easily understandable, direct, useful, and appropriate, to keeping one's messages within company guidelines, Business E-Mail is a superbly organized, practical, accessible "how-to" guide and very highly recommended reading for every business organization from a one-man shop to an international conglomerate with e-mail as an integral part of their daily operations in today's computer age. ... Read more

Book Description

Incorporates up-to-date research and communication practices and many other developments in the work place. The long anticipated revision reflects the increased diversification and professionalism of the workforce, the globalization of the workplace, and the expansion of computers and electronic media that have influenced all aspects of communication. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

NEWER EDITION AVAILABLE
Be sure to know that there is a third edition (2001) available from the Foundation Center

The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing
This book by 'The Foundation Center' is indespensible for those interested in forming a nonprofit as well as current Directors who wish to have a reference guide on current developments in the structure and dynamics of modern nonprofits. There is a wealth of information in this book, and I rate it a 'Must Read.' ... Read more

Book Description

* Learn how to write clearly and creatively the first time - and every time
* Establish good writing habits and get the reader's attention
* Enhance your confidence and effectiveness as a communicator
Concise . . .
Authoritative . . .
and User-friendly!
Effective communication is essential for professionals in every area of business today. Webster's New World Business Writing Handbook introduces you to the fundamentals of good business writing, offering you expert advice in everything from techniques for forming your thoughts to brainstorming and organizing information to proper grammar, punctuation, and usage. In no time, you'll adopt habits that will allow you to see and appreciate your progress as a writer while you learn to criticize your own work for the most dynamic and productive results.
* Provides invaluable information about key business-writing areas, including finance, scientific-technical, advertising, development, and legal and contractual
* Covers not only business letters but also style and etiquette for both e-mail and memos, advertising copywriting, formats and organizational plans for proposals, resumés, and more
* Explains the principles of effective procedure writing and preparing a powerful presentation
* Outlines the general formats for reports
* Addresses the handling of employee issues and announcements
* Offers a clear, definitive glossary of the most commonly used business-writing terms ... Read more