I really wanted to give this book a top-rating, unfortunately, I cannot do so. Before I point out the problems with this book, I think it is only fair to point what is good about this book.
========= What I liked about this book =========
This book is packed with some very useful VB components that you can plug into your own ASP pages if you so desire. The author carefully goes through each line of code and explains its purpose. Most book authors (i.e. Noel Jerke) just list the source code which is already on the CD! The author also lists all the database tables and describes the purpose of each field. Of course, screen shots are also provided as well. If weren't for problems that I encountered with the CD that accompanies this book, I would have given this book a top-rating.
========= Why I couldn't give this book a top-rating =========
Sometimes it hard to know who to blame (the publisher or the author) when a book doesn't meet your expectations. In this case, I would have to say both parties are probably guilty.
Quick summary: My two biggest complaints about this book is that the contents on the CD is incomplete and the book doesn't have a Web site where you contact the author or at least download an errata. Before you buy this book you might wish to read the rest of my review.
After only 2 hours of use -- the book literally fell apart at the bindings!
The contents of the book is actually very good (very few typos, etc). The problem that I had with this book is the CD that comes with it. While the screenshots in the book shows the contents in a chapter format. The CD has everything lumped into 3 big folders: Database, Web Site, and Components. The problem with this approach is that you have no idea what goes with what! Trust me it is one big mess.
To fix this problem, I had to spend several hours organizing the contents of the CD before I could start to use the book! Basically, what I did was organize the material on the CD into folders on my hard disk so that CD contents corresponded to the material contained in the book. By the way, I am not finished with organizing the contents of the CD. I am still trying to organize the last 3 chapters (Schools, Online Stores, Auction). Hopefully, I am not missing any important files.
After spending several hours organizing the contents of the CD, I found several problems:
* The SQL Server script C19SQLServerScript.sql is supposed to be the script for chapter 19 when in fact it is actually for chapter 10! I had to rename the script and create my own SQL Server script for Chapter 19!
* All of the files for Chapter 17 are missing!
======== Additional complaints ========
* The book provides screen shots displaying sample test data. However, the author does not provide any sample test data! Creating sample test data is a very, very time consuming chore and detracts from learning the contents of the book. The author could have included the sample test data in the Acccess database files found on the CD. Then all the book reader would need to do is use the Access Upsizing Wizard to import the data into the SQL Server tables.
* No Web site (or Web page) is available for the reader to download an errata or contact the author.
