Digital Prepress for Comic Books : The Definitive Desktop Production Guide

Book Description

Digital Prepress for Comic Books is the ultimate reference used by professionals throughout the industry. With over 200 pages, 300 color illustrations, and detailed instructions, this manual will provide the answers and solutions you will need to successfully print a magazine. Whether you are planning to publish your own comics, or want to provide the best reproducible art possible, this item is a must-have for your professional library.

Customer Reviews:

Rough.......2006-11-04

I was quite disappointed by this book, I was expecting something with more professional level content. It's all very amateur however, the artwork used in the examples is sub-professional at best.
I was hoping that the book would deal with some of the specific Pre-Press issues relating to comics artwork, but the chapter there was frustratingly slight. You would be much better to buy a a more general pre-press book.
The quality of the packaging and printing were also quite poor for a book that cost this much.

Digital walk-through.......2006-07-16

This is a very informative and well presented, step-by-step guide to self-publishing. It covers all the complicated printing process and colouring stuff in a clear manner. Highly reccomended.

A Specialty Use of Photoshop.......2005-09-01

This book is on how to get your comic book ideas from out of your head onto a disk that you can take to a printer and get him to produce the comic book for you. The advent of powerful personal computers has meant that the hand drawn, hand lettered, hand colored prints from the past no longer are what the printer wants. Instead the book now goes to the printer on a disk.

Doing the work on a computer means software, and the author uses Photoshop. Most of the books on Photoshop are on manipulating photographs. Here the emphasis is on producing the art work for comic books. Photoshop obviously can do both, but the techniques and the particular tools used are different. For one thing there is a lot more information here on the printing process, including inks and paper.

While the author uses Photoshop, which is the professional software used throughout the industry most of the techniques could be used with less expensive software packages, or you might try buying an older version of Photoshop through eBay.

"Quark Xpress and Photoshop Four Comic Books".......2005-02-02

This book is more a specialized "how to" manual for specific software than a "definitive guide" for computer owners who want to make comics.

It is assumed by the author that the reader has three programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, and Quark Xpress. No other programs are ever mentioned, if you use anything else, this book was not written for you.

The author provides excellent information about how printing in color works, his hints on getting your colored artwork to look good on paper (as opposed to on your monitor) make "Digital Prepress for Comic Books" a worthwhile investment.

The book is, however, plagued with childish spelling errors--"there" instead of "thier," "use to" instead of "used to" etc. Considering the cost of the book, it could have benefitted from a proofreading.

If you read something read this!!!.......2003-08-12

Ok I'll be brief because my written English is not so good. If want to actually print your comics and you own or have access to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop then this book is very useful to you. The book explains pre-press procedures so that you can understand how to get the juice out of your work. Now, the information is very technical so I wouldn't recomend this book to people that are not really interested in taking comics seriously. There is a fair amount of lettering tips in Illustrator and a huge amount of information about improving your scans and "retouch" your work in digital format. It also contains a chapter on Quark Xpress to achieve a good composition (having worked in comics myself I know this chapter is important).

Bottom line: If you are an independent comic book artist with a small staff and you want to do the pre-press yourself then this book is a must. If you are only interested in the area of color and lettering then "maybe" you should get this book, it will definitely help you, thats for sure. Please also note that this book will not teach you how to pait using Photoshop but it will show you how to balance and work with color FOR PREPRESS.

He could have used another penciller for the examples but thats just my opinion. :)

Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things: How to Turn a Calculator into a Metal Detector, Carry a Survival Kit in a Shoestring, Make a Gas Mask with a Balloon, ... a Styrofoam Cup into a Speaker, and Make
Average customer rating:

wonderful fun in a yellow cover!

Better for kiddie-types

Don't waste your money on this book

Cool ideas.

Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things: How to Turn a Calculator into a Metal Detector, Carry a Survival Kit in a Shoestring, Make a Gas Mask with a Balloon, ... a Styrofoam Cup into a Speaker, and Make
Cy Tymony
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things: How to Turn a Penny into a Radio, Make a Flood Alarm with an Aspirin, Change

Gonzo Gizmos: Projects & Devices to Channel Your Inner Geek

Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices

The Unofficial MacGyver How-To Handbook: Revised 2nd Edition

MythBusters: Don't Try This at Home (MythBusters)

ASIN: 0740754963

Book Description

How to Turn a Calculator into a Metal Detector, Carry a Survival Kit in a Shoestring, Make a Gas Mask with a Balloon, Turn Dishwashng Liquid into a Copy Machine, Convert a Styrofoam Cup into a Speaker, and Make a James Bond Spy Jacket with Everyday Things

Did you know that your standard issue of Sports Illustrated magazine can be turned into over 20 useful gadgets? In author Cy Tymony's Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things, you'll learn how an average magazine can become many extraordinary gadgets such as a compass, hearing aid, magnifier, peashooter, and bottle opener.

Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things covers 40 new educational and unique projects that anybody can successfully complete with simple household items. The book includes a list of necessary materials, detailed sketches, and step-by-step instructions for each gadget and gizmo. Among the sneaky schemes are:

" Creating a electroscope out of a glass jar

" Turning a drinking cup into a speaker

" Using an AM radio as a metal detector

" Making a spy gadget jacket with over 20 individual sneaky uses ranging from a siren and

whistle to a walkie-talkie and voice recorder

These days, "be prepared" applies to more than just the Boy Scouts. Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things provides loads of practical ideas, science projects, and captivating solutions for dealing with life's unexpected challenges. Great fun for the curious, inventive, and creative of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful fun in a yellow cover!.......2007-03-26

The uniqueness of this book is in it's humor and lively spirit. I'd recommend it to anyone seeking odd knowledge.

Better for kiddie-types.......2007-01-05

This is a good bathroom book, but a little too cheesy for adult readers, but there are some neat activities.

Don't waste your money on this book.......2006-11-11

I bought this along with the author's first "sneaky" book (I'd give the first one two stars) and now wish I had saved my money. Cheesy is the best description I can give. The sneaky uses are completely obvious and, in many cases, too flimsy to survive construction. The author apparently is fascinated with safety pins, magnets, etc. but who needs a book to explain how to make a wire out of a paperclip? Also, the art is as amateurish as the ideas. Not exactly rocket science.

Cool ideas........2006-08-28

Book bought for fun. Styrofoam speaker idea is cool. Some of the ideas are a real stretch but I enjoyed the book. Not as many ideas that I could use in my classes, but overall, worthwhile.

Average customer rating:

a comprehensive guide to materials and processes
Mostly mechanical, with basic electronics.
Review of Electro-Mechanical Design Handbook

Electromechanical Design Handbook
Ronald A. Walsh
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Machine Devices and Components Illustrated Sourcebook

ASIN: 0071348123

Book Description

A-Z guide to electrical/electronic and mechanical engineering design data. The ultimate sourcebook of electro-mechanical engineering design data is now better than ever, with thoroughly updated material, new discussions of engineering economics and elastomer springs. and a bounty of new drawings. Electro-Mechanical Design Handbook, Third Edition, by Ronald A. Walsh, gives you the know-how you need to develop parts, mechanisms, and assemblies, with thorough explanations of: *Properties, uses, and strength of engineering materials *Machine element design and mechanisms *Basic pneumatics, hydraulics, air handling and heat *Fastener and joining techniques *Layout and fabrication practices, including castings, moldings, extrusions and powder metal technology *Finishes and plating practices *Dimensioning and tolerancing practices *Much, much more!

Customer Reviews:

a comprehensive guide to materials and processes.......2001-12-06

This is a very technical handbook for a working mechanical, or electro-mechanical engineer. It includes charts of materials, their densities, their dielectric constants, cross sections of bearings, mechanisms for translating rotary motion into linear motion, page after page of descriptions of fasteners, torque ratings for different screws, pictures of industrial lathes, analysis of mechanical damage suffered by high current machinery due to electrical fields, etc.

Fascinating, if you're the kind of person who subscribes to Home Shop Machinist, but not light reading by any means.

Mostly mechanical, with basic electronics........2001-08-27

Electro-mechanical suggests the book would have info on motors, solenoids, and other electromechanical items, but it has very little. It's mostly mechanical & general engineering stuff, with a very basic chapter on electrical components. Throughout the book, it goes into excessive detail on subjects where the author had material on hand, and glosses over other important areas. If you were going to buy this and Walsh's other book, Machining and Metalworking, buy both Machinery's Handbook and Christiansen's Electronics Engineers' Handbook instead as these cover all the samesubject matter and more.

Review of Electro-Mechanical Design Handbook.......2000-04-05

Excellent Handbook. Logically laid out. Has lots of data with out a lot index referencing. The handbook has material information as well as conversions and basic mathematical principles. This book takes you from the basics to detailed electro mechanical systems. a must for any Mechanical Engineer

Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics: Fundamentals and Applications

Average customer rating:

A very good source of infos

Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics: Fundamentals and Applications

Manufacturer: Elsevier Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering
Photovoltaic Solar Energy Generation (Springer Series in Optical Sciences)
The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials)
Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells
21st Century Complete Guide to Solar Energy and Photovoltaics - Solar Power, Solar Cell Research, Silicon and Solid State Materials Research, Department ... Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL (CD-ROM)

ASIN: 1856173909

Book Description

As part of the growing sustainable and renewable energy movement, the design, manufacture and use of photovoltaic devices is increasing in pace and frequency. The Handbook of Photovoltaics will be a 'benchmark' publication for those involved in the design, manufacture and use of these devices.

The Handbook covers the principles of solar cell function, the raw materials, photovoltaic systems, standards, calibration, testing, economics and case studies.

The editors have assembled a cast of internationally-respected contributors from industry and academia.

The report is essential reading for: Physicists, electronic engineers, designers of systems, installers, architects, policy-makers relating to photovoltaics.

Customer Reviews:

A very good source of infos.......2005-09-27

The book covers more or less everything you need to know about PV systems. All the elements are well described. References about national rules are also covered.
Only a few things could be improved, specially for people interested in practical applications:
- Theory about future solar cells are interesting, but not practical
- www references are often out of date
- Some full design examples would be helpful to understand the "tricks" of this technology

Fiber Optic Installations: A Practical Guide

Average customer rating:

This book is an excellent reference to telecommunication

Fiber Optic Installations: A Practical Guide
Bob Chomycz
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Fiber Optic Installer's Field Manual (First-Choice Field Manuals)
Fiber Optics Technician's Manual

ASIN: 0070116350

Book Description

This book provides practical information to the beginner as well as to persons experienced in the field on the installation, commissioning, testing, trouble shooting and repair of fiber optic communication systems. It also provides the reader with basic fiber optic transmission theory, written in easy to understand language.

Customer Reviews:

This book is an excellent reference to telecommunication.......2000-04-04

This book is an excellent reference to telecommunication engineers, providing features, equipments and data about Installation Optical Network. It's easy to read, besides being one of the most important literary composition about this matter. It's useful to optical projects, exhibiting the technical data by a practical way. So, without the slightest doubt, it's important to purchase it.

Average customer rating:

good info
HAM Radio Antenna
Good Book
Great source for antenna ideas!
A Bible for the Antenna Guru

Practical Antenna Handbook
Joseph J. Carr
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition
Practical Radio Frequency Test and Measurement: A Technician's Handbook
The ARRL Operating Manual (Arrl Operating Manual)
Complete RF Technician's Handbook
Arrl Handbook for Radio Communications 2006: 83rd Edition (Arrl Handbook for Radio Communications)

ASIN: 0071374353

Book Description

The Antenna Builder’s Bible – Updated and Better Than Ever!

Design and construct your own antennas with step-by-step instructions and plans. Joseph J. Carr’s Practical Antenna Handbook, Fourth Edition, is an update of the most popular book on antennas ever written. This empowering guide blends theoretical concepts that engineers need to design practical antennas with hard-learned lessons derived from actually building and using antennas -- real antennas, not merely theoretical constructs on a blackboard. Certain to become the toolbox favorite of radio enthusiasts and professionals of all types, from technicians to citizen banders and shortwave listeners, it covers a wide variety of antennas: high-frequency dipole; vertically polarized HF; multiband and tunable wire; hidden and limited space; directional phased vertical and directional beam VHF/UHF transmitting and receiving; shortwave reception; microwave; and mobile, marine, and emergency. This state-of-the-art edition includes a new chapter on antenna modeling software and new coverage of small transmitting antennas and receiving loop antennas.

*Packaged with CD-ROM with antenna modeling software -- including material on EZNEC for Windows 3.0.

Download Description

Design and construct your own antennas with step-by-step instructions and plans. Joseph J. Carr's Practical Antenna Handbook, Fourth Edition, is an update of the most popular book on antennas ever written.

Customer Reviews:

good info.......2007-07-09

I found this book to be very similar to the arrl's book , but of a better size. more easily handled, with the addition of the included cd, I expect to find it very useful in my experimentation with antennas, as well as of benifit to my general knowledge.

HAM Radio Antenna.......2007-01-09

A very informative and well presented text on amateur radio antennas. It is the best presentation on grounding the antenna, in contast to other ARRL books. But it could stand more detail about grounding in the next edition. For example why is it not as important to ground a 2 meter antenna. Of course the book does emphasize HF more than VHF since the author is more "into" that band.

Good Book.......2001-12-10

Antenna books follow either the practical approach (e.g. Carr's Practical Antenna Handbook) or the mathematical approach (e.g. Kraus's Antennas). To be a true antenna expert, one needs to know both. But for those of us who are not equipped to handle the mathematical approach, the practical approach will do just fine, in which case I would recommend Carr's Practical Antenna Book and ARRL's Antenna Book. Here are some differences between the two:

1. Carr is more readable.
2. ARRL is more comprehensive, with 2.5 times the number of words as Carr.
3. ARRL has more photographs and better looking sketches.
3. ARRL has a multi-author approach (with technical checks and balances) as opposed to Carr's one-man approach. Carr contains few bibliographical references, whereas ARRL has tons of references for further reading.

My opinion: Carr is better for the beginner, but ARRL is better for details and as a reference book. Better yet, get both books, since they serve complementary purposes.

Great source for antenna ideas!.......2001-08-30

As a radio operator for an Airborne Infantry (Long-Range Surveillance) unit, this book is indispensable! If you need an HF antenna for a certain wavelength or a specific job, or want an explanation of how long-range 'sky-wave' communications work, then this book is a must have!

A Bible for the Antenna Guru.......2001-06-05

An overwhelming text written for the novice and well as the expert in mind. If you want to build an antenna or have looked up curiously at the antenna in your neighbor's yard, then this is the book that will give you the answer as well as anything else you could need to get into the world of communications and RXing.

Practical Radio Frequency Test and Measurement: A Technician's Handbook

Average customer rating:

Best companion in a work bench as refence
Not quite what I was looking for, but still good
Covers the basics of setup
Okay for the first draft!
finebuss handbook for serious amateur radio operators

Practical Radio Frequency Test and Measurement: A Technician's Handbook
Joseph Carr
Manufacturer: Newnes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Complete RF Technician's Handbook
Practical RF Handbook, Fourth Edition
Electromagnetics Explained: A Handbook for Wireless/ RF, EMC, and High-Speed Electronics, Part of the EDN Series for Design Engineers
Spectrum and Network Measurements
RF Circuit Design

ASIN: 0750671610

Book Description

The book will teach readers the basics of performing the tests and measurements used in radio-frequency systems installation, proof of performance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Practical Radio Frequency Test and Measurement teaches readers the basics of performing the tests and measurements used in radio-frequency systems installation, proof of performance, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Anyone interested in gaining more practical proficiency with RF, whether engineer, technician, amateur radio buff, or hobbyist, needs a copy of this book. Joseph J. Carr, himself an accomplished practitioner in this field, examines the instruments used in the various types of measurement before moving on to specific measurement methods.

Carr includes information on basic theories of RF measurement, as well as test equipment, test set-ups, test and measurement procedures, and interpretation of results.

Provides immediate applications for anyone who works in or is interested in RF technology
Suitable for beginners, intermediate-level users, and advanced users
Written by a prolific expert in the RF field

Customer Reviews:

Best companion in a work bench as refence .......2007-07-15

Provide you the basic measurement technique. Topics are discussed clearly and followed by block diagrams for easy understanding

Not quite what I was looking for, but still good.......2007-01-12

This book is not exactly what I was looking for. I finished school a few months ago and needed a book as a quick reference to use various measuring equipment that I am not familiar with for my new job. However, it IS a good book with a lot of useful information in it. If you are in school or need to use formulas frequently, this book would be great for you!!

Covers the basics of setup.......2005-02-06

Handy guide for thinking though testing procedures for RF devices. Gives an analytical walthough of a device. Covers a lot of the scenarios that often come up when checking out a device. Would have liked a few more details, but this book serves its purpose as a practical guide.

Okay for the first draft!.......2003-02-21

I think it has the makings of a good handbook. However, I think the author should have had it reviewed by his RF colleagues. Being no RF expert, I was able to pick out several obvious mistakes. A few gems: Pg. 64, "Velocity factor (v) of 0.80, which means that the wave propagates along the line at 8 - 10 the speed of light". Pg 284, Hot S22 Methods, Lists all the S parameter formulas but leaves out S22.

Several times in the book, Joseph Carr tries to point out the significance of the Third-order intercept point with variations of the same graph along with variations of the same description. I would rather have settled for one in depth explanation. By the way Joseph, just how do you come up with the straight-line equation for the 3rd Order Response?

There were some good examples on plots using the Smith Charts. However, the graphs were barely legible.

finebuss handbook for serious amateur radio operators.......2003-02-21

This is my first Joseph Carr book and I am totally hooked.
Being a new ham and with no EE background, I find this book to be very clear and easy to understand, even for newbies like myself.

To fully grasp the ideas inside I would guess being a ham
helps. With basic college EE background this book sure is
a breeze to read. This is also a good handbook in case you forget RF fundamentals.

I am looking forward to buying more Josheph books.

Book Description

Ian Sinclair's Practical Electronics Handbook combines a wealth useful day-to-day electronics information, concise explanations and practical guidance in this essential companion to anyone involved in electronics design and construction. The compact collection of key data, fundamental principles and circuit design basics provides an ideal reference for a wide range of students, enthusiasts, technicians and practitioners of electronics who have progressed beyond the basics.
The sixth edition is updated throughout with new material on microcontrollers and computer assistance, and a new chapter on digital signal processing

· Invaluable handbook and reference for hobbyists, students and technicians
· Essential day-to-day electronics information, clear explanations and practical guidance in one compact volume
· Assumes some previous electronics knowledge but coverage to interest beginners and professionals alike

The ARRL RFI Handbook; Practical Cures for Radio Frequency Interference

Average customer rating:

The ARRL Rfi Book
Essential Reading In Today's Gang-Banging World !!!

The ARRL RFI Handbook; Practical Cures for Radio Frequency Interference

Manufacturer: American Radio Relay League
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Arrl Handbook for Radio Communications 2007 (Arrl Handbook for Radio Communications)

ASIN: 0872596834

Customer Reviews:

The ARRL Rfi Book.......2005-01-11

This book was bought used, and I was impressed with the prompt shipment to my house and the book was in Great shape! I'm very satisfied 100%. Thank You Amazon.

Essential Reading In Today's Gang-Banging World !!!.......1999-04-17

I have read only the earlier version of this book' "Radio Frequency Interfierence" ( now out of print ). This, at first glance, seems to be a better book that helps one stop Radio Frequency Interfierence with our TV's, Cable Viewing, and Enjoyment of Hi-Technology from Gang-Bangers found even in small cities. They can easily make your life into a re-run of "Poltergeist" and force you into believing that YOUR world is inhabited by electronic demons - where nothing can go wrong. I know, I survived 10 months ( enjoyed myself, actually )while wondering how to physically protect my expensive sterio system ( see home security, personal security, and Lock-Picking, even as a topic on the internet. )***YOU NEED THIS BOOK. YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW THE ARRL AND THE Federal Communications Commision work togeather to protect you - if you know how to find them. Be Proactive - get there first for you and your children. Gangs want you and your lifetime earnings.Related topics in Amazon.com - Vision Exercises. There's an out of print book no longer mentioned in Amazon: "Seeing Yourself See" by Jim Jackson. Your local Library can get this by InterLibrary Loan.

The Ciso Handbook: A Practical Guide to Securing Your Company

Average customer rating:

Sage advice for managing the security programme
Extremely valuable security reference
The CISO Handbook

The Ciso Handbook: A Practical Guide to Securing Your Company
Michael Gentile , Ron Collette , and Thomas D. August
Manufacturer: AUERBACH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Security Risk Assessment Handbook: A Complete Guide for Performing Security Risk Assessments
Managing an Information Security and Privacy Awareness and Training Program
Security Metrics: Replacing Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt
Complete Guide to Security and Privacy Metrics: Measuring Regulatory Compliance, Operational Resilience, and ROI
Computer Security: 20 Things Every Employee Should Know

ASIN: 0849319528

Book Description

The CISO Handbook: A Practical Guide to Securing Your Company provides unique insights and guidance into designing and implementing an information security program, delivering true value to the stakeholders of a company. The authors present several essential high-level concepts before building a robust framework that will enable you to map the concepts to your company's environment. The book is presented in chapters that follow a consistent methodology - Assess, Plan, Design, Execute, and Report. The first chapter, Assess, identifies the elements that drive the need for infosec programs, enabling you to conduct an analysis of your business and regulatory requirements. Plan discusses how to build the foundation of your program, allowing you to develop an executive mandate, reporting metrics, and an organizational matrix with defined roles and responsibilities. Design demonstrates how to construct the policies and procedures to meet your identified business objectives, explaining how to perform a gap analysis between the existing environment and the desired end-state, define project requirements, and assemble a rough budget. Execute emphasizes the creation of a successful execution model for the implementation of security projects against the backdop of common business constraints. Report focuses on communicating back to the external and internal stakeholders with information that fits the various audiences. Each chapter begins with an Overview, followed by Foundation Concepts that are critical success factors to understanding the material presented. The chapters also contain a Methodology section that explains the steps necessary to achieve the goals of the particular chapter.

Customer Reviews:

Sage advice for managing the security programme.......2006-02-19

This is a well-written practical guide to building and delivering an information security improvement programme. Presenting sage advice in a consistent manner, the book is a helpful primer for the person tasked by management with `fixing information security'.

The book is written by and for those in the front line, not in ivory towers. The three authors each have CISSP and other information security qualifications plus 10 to 20 years' work experience in information security management, meaning that their advice holds weight. They all combine hands-on with management and/or consulting expertise, meaning that they view information security in a business context.

The primary focus of the book is to guide, advise, encourage and support Chief Information Security Officers (or equivalents) working on their information security improvement programmes. It's a bit like having a personal trainer at the gym: the trainer points out the aims of the training and suggests how to the trainee might improve his technique, but the trainee must interpret the advice, internalize it and of course put in the hard work to improve.

The book generally avoids making specific recommendations for particular information security controls. The reader is expected to be able to figure out for himself (perhaps using some of the techniques and checklists presented) what the security improvement projects will actually achieve. Instead, it emphasizes the programme management aspects. This approach is more broadly applicable since each organization's information security needs differ. There are numerous other books and standards describing best practice security controls, but few address the overall planning.

The overall flow of the book follows the suggested lifecycle of an information security implementation or improvement project:
Assess - identify the drivers or needs for security improvement (e.g. risks, legal obligations) and the constraints
Plan - obtain management support for the programme, prepare an improvement strategy and build your team
Design - prepare information security policies, conduct a gap analysis and prepare a portfolio of projects
Execute - numerous suggestions to help manage the improvement projects successfully
Report - management reporting.

Each chapter contains a consistent structure with an introduction, some theoretical framing, the `guts' and a conclusion which links to the next chapter. The `guts' reflect the authors' practical approach, offering pragmatic and helpful guidance to the newly appointed or would-be CISO.

The writing is clear and straightforward, with key messages consistently presented and reinforced throughout the book. There are useful checklists, tables and process flows embedded in the text although some of the block diagrams seem rather too high-level and pointless (that's just my personal opinion).

I am currently working with a client to initiate a large information security improvement programme and so enjoyed reading this book cover-to-cover in a few sittings. It was gratifying to find that we are already following the recommended approach with few if any exceptions, and there's nothing substantial we would quarrel about. Better still, I am glad to have picked up some good tips and look forward to thumbing through this book every month for the next year or so. If you are a CISO, I commend this book to you.

Extremely valuable security reference.......2005-11-08

The CISO Handbook: A Practical Guide to Securing Your Company lives up to its title as being a practical guide to security. The book is antithetical approach to the products equal security approach, and takes a pragmatic approach to security.

The authors have extensive real-world experience and approach information security from a holistic perspective. They clearly understand what it takes to build an information security program. One of the biggest mistakes in security is that it is seen as plug and play. Buy a security product, install in, and like magic, you have this thing called data security. But that only works in the world of product brochures and marketing material, not in the real world. The book does not approach security from a plug and play perspective, but as an endeavor that requires a multi-year effort to come to fruition.

The five chapters deal with security from its true source, namely that of risk. The chapters are: Assess, Plan, Design, Execute and Report. These five areas encompass all of information security and those firms that have built an information security infrastructure all done it by focusing on these five areas.

The first area, Assess, is all about risk management. Many companies will purchase security products without even knowing what their specific risks are, and have often not performed a comprehensive risk analysis. Without a comprehensive risk analysis, any security product will simply operate in a vacuum. The benefits of a risk assessment and analysis are that they ensure that an organization is worrying about the right things and dealing with real, as opposed to perceived threats. The ultimate outcome of a risk analysis should be to see if the organization can benefit from the security product.

Chapter 1 ends with an assessment checklist of various areas that go into a risk assessment. One of the questions in the checklist that you likely will not see anywhere else is "describe the political climate at your company". Too many security people think only about the technology and neglect the political implications of a security system. Not taking into consideration the politics is a surefire way to potentially doom a project. Similar questions detailed in the checklist will give the reader a good feel for how secure their organization truly is; as opposed to the often perceived view of being much more secure.

Chapter 2 is aptly titled Plan. The planning phase is meant to combine the issues of assessment and to integrate options to mitigate those risks. The way in which a specific security technology or methodology is implemented is dependent on the organization. Rather than using a cookie-cutter approach, effective planning ensures that the security technologies chosen support your security program. Far too many organizations make the mistake of simply buying products without giving enough consideration into the myriad details of how they will be deployed, managed and used.

Chapter 2 emphasizes the need for planning, and the book as a whole emphasizes the need for the use of a methodology when dealing with information security. For many security technologies, the challenges of are not so much with the technology, but rather with ensuring that the technology meets business requirements, is scalable and reliable, etc.

Building a comprehensive information security program is likely to be more complex than previous experience of typical IT projects. As well as project management, technical and operational aspects, there are many policy, legal and security issues which must be taken into consideration. By following a structured methodology based on practical experience, many of the potential traps and pitfalls can be avoided. The risks to the business and the project are reduced and those that remain are quantified at an early stage.

The planning checklist at the end of chapter 2 will helps by ensuring that the solutions identified are deployed in the context of a well designed information security program. It can also be used as a wake-up call to management that often seriously underestimates the amount of time and manpower required to create an effective information security program.

One of the added benefits of planning is that it makes it much easier to integrate new regulatory requirements into the security program. A well-planned network can retrofit new requirements much more quickly and efficiently. This is a critical need given the increasing amount of new regulations that will come into play in the coming years, in addition to current regulations such as HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley and much more.

Chapters 3, 4 and 5 progress in a similar manner with the topics of Design, Execute, and Report. Each chapter details the essentials of the topic and shows how it is critical to the efficacy of an successful information security program.

What the reader may find missing from the book is particulars of the various security technologies. But that is the very function of the book, to show that information security is not primarily about the products, rather the underlying infrastructure on which those products reside on. Any product that is not deployed in a methodology similar to that of The CISO Handbook is likely to find itself lacking. The product might be there and hum along; but the security that it provides will likely be negligible.

The uniqueness of The CISO Handbook is that is shows how to design and implement an effective security program based on real world scenarios, as opposed to product reviews and vendor evaluations.

The CISO Handbook: A Practical Guide to Securing Your Company is indeed a most practical guide, as its title suggests. It is quite helpful to anyone in a security organization, whether they are the CISO, system administrator, or in a different capacity. The CISO Handbook: A Practical Guide to Securing Your Company lives up to its title as being a practical guide to security. The book is antithetical approach to the products equal security approach, and takes a pragmatic approach to security.

The authors have extensive real-world experience and approach information security from a holistic perspective. They clearly understand what it takes to build an information security program. One of the biggest mistakes in security is that it is seen as plug and play. Buy a security product, install in, and like magic, you have this thing called data security. But that only works in the world of product brochures and marketing material, not in the real world. The book does not approach security from a plug and play perspective, but as an endeavor that requires a multi-year effort to come to fruition.

The five chapters deal with security from its true source, namely that of risk. The chapters are: Assess, Plan, Design, Execute and Report. These five areas encompass all of information security and those firms that have built an information security infrastructure all done it by focusing on these five areas.

The first area, Access, is all about risk management. Many companies will purchase security products without even knowing what their specific risks are, and have often not performed a comprehensive risk analysis. Without a comprehensive risk analysis, any security product will simply operate in a vacuum. The benefits of a risk assessment and analysis are that they ensure that an organization is worrying about the right things and dealing with real, as opposed to perceived threats. The ultimate outcome of a risk analysis should be to see if the organization can benefit from the security product.

Chapter 1 ends with an assessment checklist of various areas that go into a risk assessment. One of the questions in the checklist that you likely will not see anywhere else is "describe the political climate at your company". Too many security people think only about the technology and neglect the political implications of a security system. Not taking into consideration the politics is a surefire way to potentially doom a project. Similar questions detailed in the checklist will give the reader a good feel for how secure their organization truly is; as opposed to the often perceived view of being much more secure.

Chapter 2 is aptly titled Plan. The planning phase is meant to combine the issues of assessment and to integrate options to mitigate those risks. The way in which a specific security technology or methodology is implemented is dependent on the organization. Rather than using a cookie-cutter approach, effective planning ensures that the security technologies chosen support your security program. Far too many organizations make the mistake of simply buying products without giving enough consideration into the myriad details of how they will be deployed, managed and used.

Chapter 2 emphasizes the need for planning, and the book as a whole emphasizes the need for the use of a methodology when dealing with information security. For many security technologies, the challenges of are not so much with the technology, but rather with ensuring that the technology meets business requirements, is scalable and reliable, etc.

Building a comprehensive information security program is likely to be more complex than previous experience of typical IT projects. As well as project management, technical and operational aspects, there are many policy, legal and security issues which must be taken into consideration. By following a structured methodology based on practical experience, many of the potential traps and pitfalls can be avoided. The risks to the business and the project are reduced and those that remain are quantified at an early stage.

The planning checklist at the end of chapter 2 will helps by ensuring that the solutions identified are deployed in the context of a well designed information security program. It can also be used as a wake-up call to management that often seriously underestimates the amount of time and manpower required to create an effective information security program.

One of the added benefits of planning is that it makes it much easier to integrate new regulatory requirements into the security program. A well-planned network can retrofit new requirements much more quickly and efficiently. This is a critical need given the increasing amount of new regulations that will come into play in the coming years, in addition to current regulations such as HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley and much more.

Chapters 3, 4 and 5 progress in a similar manner with the topics of Design, Execute, and Report. Each chapter details the essentials of the topic and shows how it is critical to the efficacy of an successful information security program.

What the reader may find missing from the book is particulars of the various security technologies. But that is the very function of the book, to show that information security is not primarily about the products, rather the underlying infrastructure on which those products reside on. Any product that is not deployed in a methodology similar to that of The CISO Handbook is likely to find itself lacking. The product might be there and hum along; but the security that it provides will likely be negligible.

The uniqueness of The CISO Handbook is that is shows how to design and implement an effective security program based on real world scenarios, as opposed to product reviews and vendor evaluations.

The CISO Handbook: A Practical Guide to Securing Your Company is indeed a most practical guide, as its title suggests. It is quite helpful to anyone in a security organization, whether they are the CISO, system administrator, or in a different capacity.

The CISO Handbook.......2005-10-09

At last a comprehensive view of what a total security program needs to be. So much of the literature on the subject is about technology only that this wholistic approach is a breath of fresh air. It is clearly and simply written and provides an easy to follow roadmap for any security manager to follow in developing an enterprise security program.

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