Who produces the best books?

Discussion in 'CIW Certifications' started by CGooders, Jun 12, 2007.

  1. CGooders

    CGooders Bit Poster

    37
    1
    20
    Hi all,

    I know this question has been ask probably a lot of times but I want to make sure I am getting the right book for the money as some of the prices are quite staggering. I have heard good things of O'Reilly but what about Dummies or HTML Dog?

    I am after a book on XHTML and want to spend my money wisely not stupidly, I checked up my local library today and nothing on HTML/XHTML which surprised me. Anywho I went on eBay and a lot of different books are on there and was wondering who were better out of O'Reilly, HTML Dog, a "Bible" on XHTML or Dummies. I know its down to opinion but was hoping if anyone has had any books published by the mentioned businesses and how they got on with them?

    Cheers
     
    Certifications: Master CIW Designer
    WIP: Microsoft 70-305 & 70-306.
  2. stuPeas

    stuPeas Megabyte Poster

    774
    12
    76
    As you say, learning style comes into it (taste) but to a greater extent, both "what you already know" and "how deep you want to go" also apply.

    I find that the Dummies series is really good for the novice, but be prepared for the knowledge to be cut short. O'reilly are very good, but are at the other end of the scale. O'reilly often presume "some" knowledge (if not with the actual topic, then certainly with related topics.

    I find the "Sams teach yourself....." series to be a good mid-line, and also the "visual quickstart guides" complement the Oreily books.

    To be perfectly honest, don't ever just rely on one source. If you can afford it, buy a dummies (or Sams, or Visual QS) and then use the web to fill in the gaps before going with O,reily.

    Saying all that, you could just learn from the web, or at least get a working knowledge before going with an advanced book.

    With (X)HTML, you should be able to master it from web tutorials. Because most of the tags are now "deprecated", it would also be in your favour to look into CSS at the same time as (X)HTML.

    Hope this helps.
    Stu:biggrin
     
    Certifications: C&G Electronic, CIW Associate (v5).
    WIP: CIW (Website Design Manager)
  3. CGooders

    CGooders Bit Poster

    37
    1
    20
    Cheers stuPeas

    Well I want a good book as when I learn off the internet I seem to learn slowly with it and tend to find books more helpful.

    Well I think O-Reilly is out of the question as I know I aint an expert so I will go for a different book, I think I will give dummies a miss as I think I know the basics. Well the plan is to learn (X)HTML, CSS, PHP, and Photoshop as I see a lot of employers wanting this skill set for a junior web designer. Obviously I want to expand my skill set into Javascript, CGI etc but you got to start somewhere.

    Thanks again
     
    Certifications: Master CIW Designer
    WIP: Microsoft 70-305 & 70-306.
  4. nellyp123

    nellyp123 Byte Poster

    213
    13
    0
    I was in the same boat as you, trying to find a good solid reference book that teaches everything there is to know about XHTML. Got one in the end, only last week. Its called HTML/XHTML The complete reference forth edition, by Osborne...the ISBN number is:007222942. I think the fith edition is out late this year, but this book also covers CSS quite indepth which we all know is very important when learning XHTML.
    Another book i have is quite old but is still a good read and thats....HTML complete.
    And with regards to learning CSS, dreamweaver ect....check out this web site www.sitepoint.com Some really good books on there which i have used.

    Hope this helped?
     
    Certifications: CIW Professional
  5. CGooders

    CGooders Bit Poster

    37
    1
    20
    Cheers for the site nellyp123, I got some book hunting to do.
     
    Certifications: Master CIW Designer
    WIP: Microsoft 70-305 & 70-306.
  6. Keimos

    Keimos Byte Poster

    137
    3
    29
    Hi CGooders,

    I have the HTML complete book and did have the XHTML book from Sybex until I lent it to someone. The most useful bits are the reference sections that come with, IE colour codes , special characters etc.

    HTML Dog - XHTML with CSS is very good and quite easy to read although I would suggest a dedicated book on CSS

    Mastering™ XHTML Premium Edition - ISBN: 0782128181 / 9780782128185

    I have also used the Bibles which are very detailed but have loads of info. I am waiting for the latest version that includedes all the latest updates and amendments and comes out in July

    HTML, XHTML, & CSS Bible 4th Edition - ISBN: 0470128615 / 9780470128619.

    The basic tip I would give is make sure you like the way the book is written and that the book has a good reference section with -
    • XHTML Elements and Attributes
    • Cascading Style Sheets Reference.
    • Scripting Reference.
    • XHTML Special Characters


      Regards
      Keimos
    • XHTML Color Codes.
     
    Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist

Share This Page

Loading...
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.