Download 243 Free eBooks on Design, Data, Software, Web Development & Business from O’Reilly Media

Last week we highlighted for you 20 Free eBooks on Design from O'Reilly Media. Little did we know that we were just scratching the surface of the free ebooks O'Reilly Media has to offer.

If you head over to this page, you can access 243 free ebooks covering a range of different topics. Below, we've divided the books into sections (and provided links to them), indicated the number of books in each section, and listed a few attractive/representative titles.

You can download the books in PDF format. An email address–but no credit card–is required. Again the complete list is here.

Business & Leadership (10 ebooks total)

The Secrets Behind Great One-on-One Meetings

Your Critical First 10 Days as a Leader

more

Data, Artificial Intelligence & Big Data (95 ebooks total)

What Is Data Science?

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Analyzing Data in the Internet of Things

more

Design (20 ebooks)

Design Essentials

Designing for the Future

Experience Design

more

Hardware & the Internet of Things (24 ebooks)

What Is the Internet of Things?

Building a Hardware Business

Pitching Your IoT Project

more

Software/Programming (36 ebooks)

A Whirlwind Tour of Python

Java: The Legend

20 Python Libraries You Aren't Using (But Should)

more

Security (8 ebooks)

Privacy and the Internet of Things

Cracking Security Misconceptions

more

Web Development & Performance (19 ebooks)

Getting Started with the Web

Developing Great Web APIs

Modern Javascript

more

Web Performance & DevOps (31)

Mobile App Analytics

Modern Web Operations

DevOps in Practice

more

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Source: Download 243 Free eBooks on Design, Data, Software, Web Development & Business from O'Reilly Media

3 Website Building Principles I Learned in 13 Years of Web Design

O n a cold, crisp, autumn day last year, I was sitting in Union Station discussing a new project with a business owner. In business since 1989, his company had never had a web presence. He handed me a large three-ring binder with a nice, corporate-looking cover. Inside was his brand's story, his company's certifications, and descriptions of projects his company had completed.

Looking down at the binder, he said, "I've been in business for more than two decades, but when I meet with a potential client, they ask for my website. And because I don't have one, it's like my business doesn't exist."

How things have changed.

When I started a web design business in 2002, my biggest challenge was convincing business owners they needed an online presence. And back then, it took someone with a technical understanding of the Internet to launch even the most simple of websites.

Today, it doesn't take much to get a website up and running. For many startups, online services like Weebly, Wix, or SquareSpace can provide an inexpensive (and relatively simple) on-ramp to a business website.

Getting your new business online may be easier than ever before, but there are still many critical elements to consider. These three tips are key topics I always address with my clients.

Cover the Basics

It's important to understand that for most every website, there are three basic elements: domain name, hosting, and the content management system.

Domain Name: This is your web address (www.mywebsite.com) and once configured, it directs web traffic to the server hosting your website. There's a reason this is the first item I address — it's the most important piece to any website.

Buying a domain name is not too different from buying a house: most people only buy one or two in their lifetime. A common mistake I've encountered is the lack of attention paid to the domain name account. Business owners often relegate the upkeep of the domain to an assistant or a bookkeeper who, in many cases, files the information away and forgets where the login credentials are kept. Often, a domain fails to get renewed, making the website unavailable, and in extreme cases, ownership can be lost.

Hosting: Every website needs to be hosted on an Internet-connected server. While it is possible to host your website on a personal computer, it's not a great idea. There's typically a fee associated with hosting, but for many who use a website builder service (like Wix or Weebly), any hosting charges are typically included in the monthly fee.

Content Management System (CMS): Most websites today run on some type of a content management system. Think of this as the website platform. The most popular of these is WordPress. In fact, approximately twenty-four percent of all websites are powered by WordPress. The number of CMS options today is vast and costs run from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When it comes to choosing a CMS, there are many considerations, but there are two very important elements:

First, the CMS should fit the business objective of the website. So, if your objective is to sell products online, use a CMS built for e-commerce — not a blogging CMS that's been modified for e-commerce.

Second, the person who will be managing the site should have the requisite technical skills for the chosen CMS.

Make It Easy To Use

With the proliferation of devices that connect to the Internet, it's more important than ever to take into consideration how end-users will view and use your website. This begins with a responsively-designed website that works as well (and looks as good) on an HD monitor as it does on a smartphone display — and everything in between.

The most effective websites begin with user-centered design, which includes:

clear objectives

simple, user-friendly navigation

concise, well-written copy

a plan of what content gets displayed based on screen size

incorporating unambiguous, strong calls to action throughout the site

While user-centered design is the norm for most web development firms today, it can be challenging (but not completely impossible), when using a do-it-yourself service.

Don't Let It Gather Dust

For many businesses, the launch of a new website signals the completion of project — and that's where it often ends. This is apparent by the number of sites whose first and only blog article reads, "Hello world! This is your first blog post."

There are many factors that go into good search engine optimization (SEO) — too many to cover here. But one of the most important factors is relevant and timely content. In fact, many marketers believe that Google and other search engines now value quality and authoritative content over traditional SEO.

Content marketing can be one of the most effective (and inexpensive) ways to stay in front of your audience. Once published, blog articles, news articles, and videos can be distributed through social media channels, email marketing, and RSS (Really Simple syndication) to extend the reach of your website. I cannot stress enough the value of a good website content management plan.

What gets measured gets done. Measuring the effectiveness of a website should be an integral part of any governance plan. Sure, your testing may have gone smoothly before the launch. But now you need to know if everything is working as hoped in a real-world environment. While most CMS platforms have built-in analytics of some form, Google Analytics is where many web marketers turn to better understand and analyze how their website is performing.

Today, websites vary from the simple, one-page brochures to complex, cloud-based sites integrated with dissimilar software. And clearly, there are many more advanced factors for consideration within the web development process than noted in this article.

But, no matter what type of site your business requires, it's likely to be the first interaction with prospects — and the first opportunity to distinguish your business from your competitors. Make sure you get these basics covered so it's available and ready for all those first impressions.

Source: 3 Website Building Principles I Learned in 13 Years of Web Design

Aurora HDR 2017 – Getting More Creative with HDR Photos

If you're a web designer or online professional working with photo content much of the time, it may be time to consider using High Dynamic Range (HDR) photo post-processing techniques.

HDR post-processing allows you to reproduce scenes as the human eye sees them; which is different from how the camera sees them.  HDR processing also enables you to produce photos featuring unusual, exciting, or dramatic special effects.

Trey Radcliff, the highly-popular HDR photography tools expert, has teamed with Macphun to produce an advanced technology, state-of-the-art, HDR software system that enables photographers, web designers, and other online professionals to create amazing HDR photos.

The result of this joint effort is the Aurora HDR 2017™; a post-processing system that features every tool you'll ever need to create the special images you're looking for.

HDR images are most often based on three photos taken of the same scene, but at different shutter speeds (these are referred to as brackets). Thanks to a special image processing algorithm, the Aurora HDR 2017™ can effectively post-process single shutter speed images as well.

HDR post-processing is most commonly used for landscape photos, where the contrast between land and sky tends to be quite pronounced. Other typical candidates are photos taken in bright sunlight, and low-light or backlit scenes.

The Aurora HDR 2017's New and Exciting Features

The best way get a comprehensive understanding of how you can use this tool to make some truly exciting things happen, is to check out the video tools section. The 30+ videos address a variety of key topics in detail; ranging from how to create HDR images, to editing, layers, and the latest new features.

Speed Improvement

The Aurora HDR 2017 cuts the time formerly required to create HDR photos, by more than half. This 50% increase in speed is evident in all aspects of using this photo post-processing tool.

Polarize Tool

If you've worn a pair of polarized sunglasses, you'll know what to expect from this tool. It instantly and dramatically makes colors more vivid, enhances the appearance of the sky, and removes unnecessary glare. Move the slider on the right to witness the polarizing effect in action.

Batch Processing

Pick the photos, select batch processing, and let Aurora HDR 2017 do the rest. Your brackets are automatically grouped, your selected settings and effects are applied, and you'll see the fantastic results instantly, with one less arranging and bookkeeping chore to worry about.

       How three brackets are displayed, and how the Aurora HDR final image appears. HDR Noise Reduction

Noise reduction in the previous versions was good, but thanks to new smart technology, it has undergone a dramatic improvement. Low-light color noise is automatically removed when the brackets are merged; or when an HDR photo is being created from a single shot.

Top and Bottom Adjustments

The ability to selectively enhance the top and bottom of your HDR photos is markedly improved in this redesigned adjustment tool. You have complete control over the exposure, contrast, and vibrant characteristics, as you move the slider buttons to the left or right for the top, the bottom, and for the blend, shift, and rotate controls.

Luminosity Masking

This feature enables you to automatically make luminosity selections based on Zone System light levels. It is used to enhance the light levels of part of an image without having to resort to brushes or complex settings. It's intuitive and quick; and it allows more subtle changes than the previous method.

Radial Masking

Radial masking is a powerful new feature that enables you to highlight an object in a photo you wish to have stand out. The radial mask can be reshaped, and the density, feathering, and other settings adjusted as needed.

Advanced Tone Mapping

Photographers often look for sharper, more natural-looking results in the photos they take. The new Aurora HDR 2017™ delivers less noise, sharper details, and better overall results. This is especially true when starting with a RAW file.

Top Reasons Why Professionals Should Choose the Aurora HDR Tool

A Trey Ratcliff, Aurora HDR processed creation.

A photo creation like the above, is the result of Trey Ratcliff's partnership with Macphun. The images Trey has produced have been viewed well over 100 billion times.

Aurora HDR 2017™ is standalone software; Lightroom, Photoshop, or other image processors are not need to achieve stunning results.

This powerful tool combines Macphun's unique tone mapping technology with Trey Ratcliff's artistic vision. Its unique layer system, combined with Image Radiance, masks, brushes, vignettes, and more, is a game changer,

Given the abundance of carefully crafted resets, it's no longer necessary to be a professional photographer to achieve professional results.

Aurora's Intuitive Dashboard

The unique layer system fully supports blend modes, custom textures, etc.; while using original exposures as a source.

Besides its use as a standalone application, Aurora HDR can be used as a plugin for Photoshop, Lightroom, and Aperture. Aurora HDR has more than 70 presets that deliver awesome results with a single click; a feature you won't find in Lightroom or Photoshop.

You can expect 24/7 support and detailed user education from Macphun; including the highly instructive, easy to follow, tutorials. Aurora HDR 2017™ is currently available in 4 major languages, with more coming soon.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

The Aurora HDR 2017™ is simply the best. It's the most complete, and the most powerful HRD photo editing application on the market. Macphun's goal is to make this the best HDR software for all available platforms; including giving Windows users the opportunity to realize the same benefits in 2017 that Mac users enjoy today.

A Holiday Offer Just for You

Macphun, Aurora HDR's creator, is offering this special package to help you celebrate the holidays. You can purchase this outstanding photo processing application for only 89USD. Do so now, and as an added treat, you'll receive this package of goodies:

2 beautiful books that show the wonders of Iceland

A creative pack of 9 Pro HDR presents for your creative pursuits.

Video Training hosted by Trey Ratcliff.

If your goal is not just professional-looking photography, but really professional-looking photography, give Aurora HDR 2017 a try. You'll be happy you did.

Source: Aurora HDR 2017 – Getting More Creative with HDR Photos

GoWebDardy announces latest eCommerce website design as its strength

DURGAPUR, India - Jan. 2, 2017 - PRLog -- GoWebDardy, the fastest growing IT company, has announced that the adoption of the latest technologies regarding the design of the eCommerce websites has helped the organization to grow faster and to keep themselves updated.

The convenience of using the online shopping system has evolute the requirements of developing & designing eCommerce websites. The dexterous developers & designers of GoWebDardy has comprehended the significance of the latest tools & trends to put up an eCommerce website.

Months of the survey have resulted in the conclusion that the look & feel does matter a lot in the eCommerce website design. Integration of relevant images rather text helps in convincing the viewers to subscribe to the website more quickly & frequently. The frame of the retail sites should be simply designed with the search bar, header, web banner and product lists, and should facilitate the purpose of the vendors & the n eeds of the clients.

Pop-ups, query list & feedback forms can be highly effective if integrated properly. The implementation and management of the latest frameworks such as the Magento, ZenCart, Drupal Commerce, simpleCart, Shopify, Bigcommerce, OpenCart, Volusion, Wix, PrestaShop, Weebly and so on have helped the employers of GoWebDardy to create and design optimized, volatile and effective eCommerce websites that satisfy the customers' requirements.

GoWebDardy is a developing web, app & software development & designing company with expertise in designing dynamic eCommerce websites in India and across the world. Apart from designing & developing sites that are both webs & app responsive, we evaluate the ranks on the search engines with the help of SEO & Digital Marketing facilities which has helped us in coming forth on the top pages of the search engines with the generation of the high rated potential traffic to our websites.

Contact us an d let us assist you in creating your own eCommerce website visit http://www.gowebdardy.com/

End

Source: GoWebDardy announces latest eCommerce website design as its strength

Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism

Mobile Website and App Development in Dubai UAE – Prism Contact Details, Telephone Numbers, Website, Address, Location Map, Direction, Photos, Videos, Opening Hours, Email Address, Sale Promotions, Offers & Deals.

Prism

Address: P.O. Box: 52308, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTel: +97144300795Email: info@prism-me.comWebsite: www.prism-me.com

Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism

Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism – We specialise primarily in web-based application development by utilising the latest technologies. We are experts at building or enhancing custom-based web-solutions that allow our clients to satisfy unique requirements, specifically related to their business model.

Our creative process ensures that we are creating the best for web/mobile based applications to our clients:

The processes that we follow are:

Software Requirements:Taking the creative brief from the client.

Software Development Planning:Planning the features of the website or the application as per the clients requirements and not the other way around.

Software Design:Designing the application as per plan according to the latest standards in web technology and software development.

Software Development:create a robust software backend to support the front end UI and usages of the application.

Software Test Plan/Cases:After the development phase we do a testing phase in which we perform the following testing techniques. Code and Unit test + Integration test + System testing + User Acceptance test as well as testing the software and the applications on different platforms as well as structural environments.

Release and Maintenance:Only once the website or the app has passed our stringent QA test do we release it to the client after obtaining full approval and roll out. Even after roll out we do offer after sales service, maintenance and hosting management services to support our clients. Trust and Transparency are why our clients keep coming back to us… again and again.

Prism

Prism – Founded in 2000, Prism specializes in web design, digital marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), PR, event and exhibition management, advertising, brand management and a lot more. with a team of 35 plus staff in 3 countries, Prism is the epitome of the modern integrated marketing agency. We love to create content that is creative and socially viral. We work with some of the best brands in the Digital Marketing business. Our event division has created some of the best award winning events and destination weddings in Dubai Oman Bahrain and Qatar.

We stand for Creativity and a strategic approach to Digital Marketing and Live Social Engagement.

– Creative agency in DubaiAPrism Advertising is a division of the Prism Group. is an advertising agency with over 16 years of excellence in UAE. Founded in 2000 as the flagship of the Prism Group, Prism has won numerous awards over the years for its creative advertising and Branding services. We have worked with some of the biggest brands in the middle east and continue to work with clients that have been with us for more than 7 to 10 years. This is the biggest testament to our quality and service. please take a look at our portfolio.

– Best SEO Agency in DubaiPrism has been Voted the Best SEO agency in Dubai More for more than 5 years by TOPSEOs, SEO GLOBAL, SEO Managers Guild of America, and other leading SEO industry stalwarts.

We have ranked more than 150 website in UAE on the first rank / first page of Google Bing and Yahoo.

– Best Event Management Company in DubaiPrism has also won Best Event Management Company in Dubai for 2 years in 2011 and 2013. We are also nominated for Best Government Event Production for our event work with Dubai Government and DEWA in 2010. Please take a look at some of the events we have produced for Retail Brands, Government agencies, FMCG industry as well as exhibition and event industry forums in our portfolio.

We would love to have you in for coffee or tea and discuss the future of your brand or business.

Our ApproachEvery project that we under take is well researched before we suggest solutions to our clients. Every design is undertaken only after a detailed brand study is done with our client. From creating a logo to executing a complete 360° brand marketing campaign, the same attention to detail goes into each project. It is this approach that has won us accolades in the work that we produce for our clients and is justified by the fact that 90% of our business comes for client referrals. So benefit from our domain expertise in digital marketing and branding strategy to experience the creative difference that we create on your advertising campaigns. We believe that our creative tactics combined with a strategic approach is what makes the difference for our clients.

Why work with us1. We only work with a small group of clients and thus treat your project as if it were our own.2. We only employ the best and the brightest from around the world. We are able to do so because of our unique recruiting strategies and our globally-desired office locations: Dubai and the US. If those locations are undesirable and/or unavailable to a potentially-valued team member, then we may offer the ability for the applicant to join our globally-distributed workforce from their current locale.3. Because of our flexible team building strategies, we are able to design high-quality teams to complete client engagements for a wide variety of project sizes and budgets.4. And, because we are a boutique firm, we are able to design client engagements on a limited project basis or on an ongoing team basis…each as desired by the client.

Technology We Work WithWe develop our products and services using the latest and greatest technology available in the marketplace. We constantly strive to acquire overall team talent with as broad of technical knowledge as possible.A sampling of the technologies that we are proficient in are as follows:

Tools for web & Mobile application Development• Microsoft Visual Studio 2012• EclipseXcode4• Internet/Intranet Technologies• HTML, DHTML, XML, PHP• Client and Server side scripting• Active Server Pages, Java Server Pages• Java applets and servlets• MS Front Page, DreamWeaver• Mobile Platforms iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Programming Languages• AJAX• C#• DHTML• HTML• Java Script• Java• JQuery• Objective C• SQL

Prism

Address: P.O. Box: 52308, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTel: +97144300795Email: info@prism-me.comWebsite: www.prism-me.com

Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism Dubai UAE | Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism Contact Details, Reviews, Location Map, Telephone Number, Address, Working Hours, Photos & Videos of Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism in Dubai UAE. Find Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism in Dubai business directory with contact details, telephone numbers, email addresses, websites, location maps, driving directions, deals, offers, prices, costs, reviews and ratings.

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Updated: Jan 1, 2017

Source: Mobile Website and App Development Dubai by Prism