February 2024 MBR The Computer Shelf

The Computer Shelf

Algorithmic Thinking, second edition
Daniel Zingaro
No Starch Press
www.nostarch.com
9781718503229, $49.99, PB, 480pp

https://www.amazon.com/Algorithmic-Thinking-2nd-Problem-Based-Introduction/=
dp/1718503229

Synopsis: Are you hitting a wall with data structures and algorithms? Wheth=
er you're a student prepping for coding interviews or an independent learne=
r, this newly updated and expanded second edition of "Algorithmic Thinking:=
 Unlock Your Programming Potential" by Daniel Zingaro is your essential gui=
de to efficient problem-solving in programming.

You will be able to unlock the power of data structures and algorithms by l=
earning about the intricacies of hash tables, recursion, dynamic programmin=
g, trees, graphs, and heaps. Become proficient in choosing and implementing=
 the best solutions for any coding challenge.

"Algorithmic Thinking" includes real-world, competition-proven code example=
s. The programs and challenges featuring in "Algorithmic Thinking" aren't j=
ust theoretical -- they are drawn from real programming competitions enabli=
ng you to train with problems that have tested and honed the skills of code=
rs around the world.

"Algorithmic Thinking" is ideal for getting 'interview ready" by preparing =
yourself for coding interviews with practice exercises that help you think =
algorithmically, weigh different solutions, and implement the best choices =
efficiently.

All the code examples are written in C and designed for clarity and accessi=
bility to those familiar with languages like C++, Java, or Python. If you n=
eed help with the C code, no problem: recommended reading resources are als=
o included.

Simply stated, "Algorithmic Thinking" is the complete package, providing th=
e solid foundation you need to elevate your coding skills to the next level=
.

Critique: Now is a fully updated and expanded second edition, Daniel Zingar=
o's "Algorithmic Thinking: Unlock Your Programming Potential" from No Starc=
h Press is an ideal, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'user friendly' instruct=
ional resource for C Programming Language students and software development=
 professionals alike. Also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $29.=
99), "Algorithmic Thinking: Unlock Your Programming Potential: 2nd Edition"=
 is a highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and college/un=
iversity library Computer Program Structured Design collections and curricu=
lum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Dr. Daniel Zingaro (https://danielzingaro.com) is an Associ=
ate Professor of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University =
of Toronto Mississauga. He is well known for his uniquely interactive appro=
ach to teaching and internationally recognized for his expertise in active =
learning. He is also the author of Learn to Code by Solving Problems (No St=
arch Press) and a co-author of Learn AI-Assisted Python Programming (Mannin=
g).

Math for Security
Daniel Reilly
No Starch Press
www.nostarch.com
9781718502567, $49.99, PB, 312pp

https://www.amazon.com/Applied-Math-Security-Introduction-Programmers/dp/17=
18502567

Synopsis: For those who wish to explore the intersection of mathematics and=
 computer security with this engaging and accessible guide, "Math for Secur=
ity: From Graphs and Geometry to Spatial Analysis" will equip you with esse=
ntial tools to tackle complex security problems head on. All you need are s=
ome basic programming skills. Once you've set up your development environme=
nt and reviewed the necessary Python syntax and math notation in the early =
chapters, you will be able to dive deep into practical applications, levera=
ging the power of math to analyze networks, optimize resource distribution,=
 and much more.

Of special note are the final chapters that will enable you to take your pr=
ojects from proof of concepts to viable applications and explore options fo=
r delivering them to end users.

As you work through various security scenarios, you will be able to: Employ=
 packet analysis and graph theory to detect data exfiltration attempts in a=
 network; Predict potential targets and find weaknesses in social networks =
with Monte Carlo simulations; Use basic geometry and OpenCell data to trian=
gulate a phone's location without GPS; Apply computational geometry to Voro=
noi diagrams for use in emergency service planning; Train a facial recognit=
ion system with machine learning for real-time identity verification; Use s=
patial analysis to distribute physical security features effectively in an =
art gallery.

Critique: Impressively comprehensive, expertly organized and thoroughly 'us=
er friendly' in presentation, "Math for Security: From Graphs and Geometry =
to Spatial Analysis" will prove of particular interest to aspiring security=
 professionals, social network analysts, or innovators seeking to create cu=
tting-edge security solutions."Math for Security" will empower readers with=
 an interest in web encryption, computer hacking, and Python programming to=
 resolve complex problems with precision and confidence -- as well as embra=
cing the intricate world of math as a secret weapon in creating and maintai=
ning computer security. While a core addition to personal, professional, co=
rporate, and college/university library Computer/Database Security collecti=
ons and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that "Mat=
h for Security" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $29.99)=
.

Editorial Note: Daniel Reilly is a security researcher, analyst, and consul=
tant based out of Seattle, WA. He has worked in the security field for 20 y=
ears, more than half of which has been spent developing and managing operat=
ional security for small businesses.

The Art of Randomness
Ronald T. Kneusel
No Starch Press
www.nostarch.com
9781718503243 $49.99 pbk / $29.99 Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Randomness-Using-Randomized-Algorithms/dp/171850=
3245

Synopsis: The Art of Randomness is a hands-on guide to mastering the many w=
ays you can use randomized algorithms to solve real programming and scienti=
fic problems. You'll learn how to use randomness to run simulations, hide i=
nformation, design experiments, and even create art and music. All you need=
 is some Python, basic high school math, and a roll of the dice.

Author Ronald T. Kneusel focuses on helping you build your intuition so tha=
t you'll know when and how to use random processes to get things done. You'=
ll develop a randomness engine (a Python class that supplies random values =
from your chosen source), then explore how to leverage randomness to:

Simulate Darwinian evolution and optimize with swarm-based search algorithm=
s
Design scientific experiments to produce more meaningful results by making =
them truly random
Implement machine learning algorithms like neural networks and random fores=
ts
Use Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to sample from complex distributions
Hide information in audio files and images, generate art, and create music
Reconstruct original signals and images from only randomly sampled data

Scientific anecdotes and code examples throughout illustrate how randomness=
 plays into areas like optimization, machine learning, and audio signals. E=
nd-of-chapter exercises encourage further exploration.

Whether you're a programmer, scientist, engineer, mathematician, or artist,=
 you'll find The Art of Randomness to be your ticket to discovering the hid=
den power of applied randomness and the ways it can transform your approach=
 to solving problems, from the technical to the artistic.

Critique: The Art of Randomness: Randomized Algorithms in the Real World is=
 a useful reference and resource for anyone who needs to apply the power of=
 randomized algorithms, including programmers, scientists, engineers, mathe=
maticians, even artists and musicians. A wealth of graphs, tables, and exam=
ple programing code in Python to help clarify the text's discussion of appl=
ications such as reconstructing original signals or images from randomly sa=
mpled data, implementing machine learning algorithms like neural networks a=
nd random forests, and designing scientific experiments with better randomn=
ess, in order to generate more meaningful results. The Art of Randomness is=
 highly recommended especially for college library collections and the pers=
onal study of aspiring and practicing professionals. It should be noted for=
 personal reading lists that The Art of Randomness is also available in a K=
indle edition ($29.99).

Javascript Crash Course
Nick Morgan
No Starch Press
www.nostarch.com
9781718502260 $49.99 pbk / $23.99 Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/JavaScript-Crash-Course-Nick-Morgan/dp/1718502265

Synopsis: JavaScript Crash Course is a fun-filled, fast-paced introduction =
to programming with JavaScript. Dive right in and you'll be writing code, s=
olving problems, and building working web applications and games in no time=
. You'll start by learning fundamental programming concepts, such as variab=
les, arrays, objects, functions, conditionals, loops, classes, and more. Ai=
ded by engaging examples and hands-on exercises, you'll build on this found=
ation and combine JavaScript with HTML and CSS to create interactive web ap=
plications that you can run right away.

Then you'll put your new skills into play with three substantial projects: =
a Pong-style game with a virtual opponent, an app that generates electronic=
 music, and a platform for visualizing data fetched from an API.

Along the way, you'll learn how to:

Update web pages in real time by manipulating the Document Object Model
Trigger functions in response to events like key presses and mouse clicks
Generate graphics and animations with JavaScript and HTML's Canvas element
Visualize data with the D3.js library and scalable vector graphics (SVG)
Make electronic music with Tone.js and the Web Audio API

If you've been thinking about digging into programming, JavaScript Crash Co=
urse will get you writing real programs fast. Why wait any longer? Jump on =
your magic carpet and ride!

Critique: Javascript Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction t=
o Programming is a user-friendly guide to quickly learning Javascript for w=
riting code, solving problems, building web applications, making games, and=
 much more. Chapters cover Javascript basics, and offer several interactive=
 projects to try one's hand at coding as soon as possible! Ideal for high s=
chool and college students, self-study, and public library collections, Jav=
ascript Crash Course is a "must-have" for anyone who needs to learn Javascr=
ipt fast for school, business, or just plain fun. Highly recommended! It sh=
ould be noted for personal reading lists that Javascript Crash Course is al=
so available in a Kindle edition ($23.99).

The Android Malware Handbook
Qian Han, et al.
No Starch Press
www.nostarch.com
9781718503304, $49.99, PB, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Android-Malware-Handbook-Detection-Analysis/dp/17185=
0330X

Synopsis: "The Android Malware Handbook: Detection and Analysis by Human an=
d Machine" is a groundbreaking guide to Android malware. It distills years =
of research by machine learning experts in academia and members of Meta and=
 Google's Android Security teams. The result is a comprehensive introductio=
n to detecting common threats facing the Android eco-system today.

"The Android Malware Handbook" explores the history of Android malware 'in =
the wild' since the operating system was first launched and then focuses on=
 static and dynamic approaches to analyzing real malware specimens. Next, i=
t examine machine learning techniques that can be used to detect malicious =
apps, the types of classification models that defenders can implement to ac=
hieve these detections, and the various malware features that can be used a=
s input to these models.

In adapting these machine learning strategies to the identification of malw=
are categories like banking trojans, ransomware, and SMS fraud, you will Di=
ve deep into the source code of real malware; Explore the static, dynamic, =
and complex features you can extract from malware for analysis; Master the =
machine learning algorithms useful for malware detection; Survey the effica=
cy of machine learning techniques at detecting common Android malware categ=
ories.

Critique: Comprehensive and exceptionally user friendly in organization and=
 presented, "The Android Malware Handbook: Detection and Analysis by Human =
and Machine" is an ideal textbook from the team of Android experts Qian Han=
, Salvador Mandujano, Sebastian Porst, V.S. Subrahmanian, Sai Deep Tetali, =
and Yanhai Xiong should be considered essential reading for anyone with an =
interest in computer viruses, computer software testing, and computer hacki=
ng. While a core addition to personal, professional, and college/university=
 library Computer Science collections and supplemental curriculum studies l=
ists, it should be noted that "The Android Malware Handbook" is also availa=
ble in a digital book format (Kindle, $29.99).

Editorial Note #1: Qian Han, is a Research Scientist at Meta since 2021, re=
ceived his PhD in Computer Science from Dartmouth College and his Bachelor'=
s in Electronic Engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

Editorial Note #2: Salvador Mandujano, Security Engineering Manager at Goog=
le, has led product security engineering, malware reverse engineering and p=
ayments security teams. Before Google, he held senior security research and=
 architecture positions at Intel and Nvidia. He has a PhD in Artificial Int=
elligence from Tecnologico de Monterrey, an MSc in Computer Science from Pu=
rdue, an MBA from The University of Texas, and a BSc in Computer Engineerin=
g from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.

Editorial Note #3: Sebastian Porst is manager of Google's Android Applicati=
on Security Research team, which tries to predict or research novel attacks=
 on Android devices and Android users by malware or through app vulnerabili=
ties. He has an MSc Masters from Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germ=
any in 2007.

Editorial Note #4: V.S. Subrahmanian is the Walter P. Murphy Professor of C=
omputer Science and Buffet Faculty Fellow in the Buffet Institute of Global=
 Affairs at Northwestern University. Prof. Subrahmanian is one of the world=
's foremost experts at the intersection of AI and security issues. He has w=
ritten eight books, edited ten, and published over 300 refereed articles.

Editorial Note #5: Sai Deep Tetali, Principal Engineer and Tech Lead Manage=
r at Meta, works on privacy solutions for augmented and virtual reality app=
lications. He spent 5 years at Google developing machine learning technique=
s to detect Android malware and has a PhD from University of California Los=
 Angeles.

Editorial Note #6: Yanhai Xiong is currently an Assistant Professor in the =
Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Louisvi=
lle. She has a PhD from Nanyang Technological University focusing on applyi=
ng AI techniques to improve the efficiency of electric vehicle infrastructu=
re and a BS in Engineering from the University of Science and Technology of=
 China. will guide you through the Android threat landscape and prepare you=
 for the next wave of malware to come.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo=
ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these=
 reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte=
rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi=
duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.

The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo=
rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat=
ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
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 (dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal=
muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish=
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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review