Recommended Reading
C++
- Overland, B. C++ In Plain English. ISBN: 0-7645-3545-5
Much of this book is a dedicated to reference: Operators, Keywords, Pre-Processor Elements, Library Functions, and I/O Stream Classes. The remainder is an easy to follow tutorial focusing on topics ranging from Basic Features to Classes and Pointers.
Computer Cryptography
- Mel, H., Baker, D. Cryptography Decrypted. ISBN: 0-201-61647-5
Cryptography Decrypted is a clear introduction to the practical uses of cryptography. Covering concepts such as authentication, confidentiality, integrity, and non-repudiation, this book focuses on modern e-security. An appendix covers a couple of the more frequently encountered cryptographic algorithms, but it is not a rigorous mathematical treatement. - Schneier, B. Applied Cryptography. ISBN:0-471-11709-9
Applied Cryptography is the authority in its field and provides everything from a mathematical background to c source code. Learn methods of cryptanalysis, weaknesses in algorithms and almost everything that pertains to applied cryptography. Although there is some mathematical treatment of the subject, this book does not delve into the theory.
Java
- Campione, M., Walrath, K., Huml, A. The Java Tutorial, Third Edition. ISBN: 0-201-70393-9.
A good starting point for those interested in learning Java. This book covers all of the basics from the general language to swing and applets. Library references are included on a CD-ROM, as are the basic compiler and virtual machine which are needed to run programs. Also included are other freeware and shareware programs such as Forte (TM), Sun's version of a GUI compiler/debugger. - Jackson, J., McClellan, A. Java 2 by Example. ISBN: 0-13-079669-7
This book works well as a supplement for those who have roots in Java. Included are multiple coded examples from simple programs and Applets to more complicated interfaces and abstract classes.
Mathematical Computer Science
- Lewis, H., Papadimitriou, C. Elements of the Theory of Computation. ISBN: 0-13-262478-8
Lewis and Papadimitiou provide a concise, rigorous introduction to concepts such as non-determinism, automata, Turing machines, computational complexity, and the classes P and NP. Most proofs are easy to follow, those that are more difficult are well explained. - Papadimitriou, C. Computational Complexity. ISBN:
0-201-53082-1
Papadimitriou provides a very complete intermediate level text, covering algorithms, logic, the standard complexity classes such as P and NP, undecidability, and completeness.
Number Theory & Abstract Algebra
- Garrett, P. Intro to Abstract Algebra. http://www.math.umn.edu/~garrett/m/intro_algebra/index.shtml
Garrett provides a rigorous introduction to abstract algebra. The book is a full introduction to group theory, first semester, and Galois theory, second semester. Perk: it's free.
- Stein, W. Elementary Number Theory and Elliptic Curves. http://modular.fas.harvard.edu/edu/Fall2002/124/stein/
Stein gives an excited account of the elements of number theory with an eventual focus on elliptic curves. Perk: it's free.
Visual Basic
- Sams. Teach Yourself Visual Basic 6. ISBN: 0-672-31310-3
This book walks the reader through many basic concepts in the form of code and analysis. The book would not serve as a reference, but does work very well in introducing not only the Visual Basic language but also the daunting intricacies of the Visual Basic programming environment.
Web Programming
- Deitel, Deitel, & Neito. Internet & World Wide Web - How to Program. ISBN: 0-13-016143-8
Perhaps the first thing that jumps out at you with this book is its price. Information is costly, and this book has it! Introduced are an array of topics such as JavaScript,Cascading Style Sheets, VBScript, ASP, JSP, Active X, CGI, and more. It is equivalent to many books in one. The book is not a comprehensive examination of any one of the above, but it provides an excellent base, and certainly provides enough knowledge to begin writing state of the art, interactive web applications.
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