Book Chapters

Browse through our list of free online computer science, engineering and programming textbooks excerpts and chapter downloads.

The 3 types of chatbots for beginners and how to build them

Various types of chatbots exist, but three types, in particular, are easiest for beginners to learn and build independently. Find out more in this chapter excerpt.
How procurement's little-known importance helps supply chain

The procurement department's importance is likely little-known within their own company. But procurement can contribute more than cost analysis to the supply chain.
The role of smartNICs in modern enterprise networks

This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' looks at how smartNICs can support distributed services platforms for both cloud providers and enterprises.
5G core network functionality driven by SDN, NFV

To reap the full benefits of 5G, operators are using SDN, NFV and network slicing to build out core network functionality.
Understanding virtual meetings pros and cons

This chapter excerpt from 'Suddenly Virtual' explores the importance of using video for virtual meetings and the challenges of always being on camera.
A glimpse into Python network automation and APIs

This chapter excerpt from 'Mastering Python Networking' dives into the importance of APIs and network state when working with Python network automation and intent-based networking.
Advice on intent-based networking and Python automation

In his book, 'Mastering Python Networking,' Eric Chou provides network practitioners with the concepts they need to understand APIs, intent-based networking and automation.
Tips to prepare for Google Cloud Architect certification

Author of 'Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect All-in-One Exam Guide' Iman Ghanizada explains how to approach the cloud architect certification and role in this Q&A.
The role of IT4IT in cloud service management (CSM)

In his book 'Cloud Service Management and Governance -- Smart Service Management in Cloud Era,' author Enamul Haque explains how IT4IT can help the reader create a plan for CSM and ensure managers understand the value each cloud service provides their organization.
Cutting through the fear of how AI will affect jobs through automation

Dive into Steven Shwartz's recent book, 'Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths,' with a chapter excerpt on employment and the future of work.
Overcome common IoT edge computing architecture issues

IoT and edge computing connect the previously unconnected world, which comes with its share of difficulties that development teams and architects must not underestimate.
Why developers should consider automated threat modeling

Traditional threat modeling is hard. Can automated threat modeling make development and security teams' lives easier?
Investigate IoT and edge computing nuances for architects

Author of 'IoT and Edge Computing for Architects' Perry Lea shares his expert advice on how to design interconnected architecture that addresses the challenges of both technologies.
PMP exam prep: Are you ready to take the exam?

Before signing up to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, use this guide to ensure that you fulfill all requirements, including educational and professional experience.
CLI commands every IT pro should know

This excerpt from 'CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition,' published by McGraw-Hill Education, provides an introduction into common command-line prompts for Windows, Linux and macOS.
CompTIA troubleshooting steps and solving common computer problems

This excerpt from 'ITF+ CompTIA IT Fundamentals All-in-One Exam Guide, Second Edition,' published by McGraw-Hill Education, provides a practical framework to follow when troubleshooting is necessary.
6 lessons learned from 'The Phoenix Project'

In The Phoenix Project, a seminal business novel about a fictional American company working through its digital transformation, there is a wealth of insightful lessons about DevOps, IT and working for a modern corporation in general.
The Phoenix Project book club - Chapters 1 and 2 podcast

This podcast (with transcript) covers the first two chapters of The Phoenix Project, a popular business and technology book about DevOps.
If software architects' soft skills fail, so does the business

Mark Richards and Neal Ford, authors of 'Fundamentals of Software Architecture,' share real-life examples of why architects must communicate well, and explain how to do it.
Gene Kim explores DevOps transformation in 'The Unicorn Project'

This chapter excerpt from Gene Kim's 'The Unicorn Project' touches on one of the book's core themes: Roadblocks occur when developers, ops and business leaders are misaligned.
Book excerpt: Communication structures of an organization

The following is an excerpt from 'Team Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow,' by Matthew Skelton and Manuel Pais, as well as a Q&A with the authors.
AWS managed services improve performance, cost efficiency

In this book excerpt from Effective DevOps with AWS, learn how to drive performance improvements and reduce costs with data management services.
Book excerpt: Digital surveillance in the post-Snowden era

In this book excerpt, author Timothy Edgar explains how Edward Snowden's NSA leaks ushered in a new era for U.S. digital surveillance techniques and privacy protection.
Chapter excerpt: Master the Linux boot procedure in RHEL 7

GRUB 2 and systemd are two new additions to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7. Use this chapter excerpt to overcome common challenges when using these features during the boot procedure.
Book excerpt: Achieving digital trust in the information age

In this book excerpt, Jeffrey Ritter explains the essential attributes of digital trust and why it's so important to business success in the information age.
Book excerpt: AWS S3 tutorial for newbies

Andreas and Michael Wittig, authors of 'Amazon Web Services in Action,' wrote about how to get started with Simple Storage Service, one of the most frequently used products in AWS.
Three ways to build a big data system

In a book excerpt, author Dale Neef outlines and compares different approaches organizations can take when trying to bring a big data system into their IT environments.
CRM in marketing success hinges on emotional connections

In this book excerpt, consultant David Forbes advocates that companies focus on understanding what motivates consumers when marketing their products.
Book excerpt: How to get started with SAPUI5

An expert explains how to start off on the right foot with SAPUI5, with step-by-step advice for setting up the SAPUI5 library and development environment.
Book excerpt: How the SAP HANA platform stores data

This excerpt from 'Implementing SAP HANA, 2nd Edition,' explains the ins and outs of row and column storage, and how SAP HANA's approach to data storage can improve compression and performance.
Want to get into mobile marketing? Know your customer

In this book excerpt, author and industry watcher Chuck Martin shows how customers' mobile behaviors should dictate companies' marketing strategies.
How to evaluate the viability of a data mining project

In a book excerpt, author David Nettleton details questions to ask and factors to consider in weighing the potential benefits of data mining projects.
Excerpt gives vital vSphere 5.1 tips for vSphere Management Assistant

The VMware vSphere 5.1 Cookbook shares simple recipes for the busy virtualization administrator who wants to tap into some new features.
Book excerpt: Production Planning and Control with SAP ERP

Read a chapter from a book by Jawad Akhtar that provides a step-by-step approach to creating different production types in SAP ERP.
Defining and using KPIs in a successful business intelligence system

In this book excerpt, author David Loshin discusses how to select key performance indicators and turn data into actionable knowledge for BI success.
Integrating data warehouse architecture with big data technology

This book excerpt discusses considerations for the physical integration of big data technologies into the data warehouse architecture.
Get going with Microsoft Power View and SharePoint

In this book excerpt, the authors explain Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services and how to get started with Power View.
Administering Solaris Zones

This excerpt about Solaris Zones, in a book about Oracle Solaris 11, shows how to create and configure a Solaris Zone and manage it on your system.
VMware vCAT chapter excerpt: VMware vCloud operations and management

'VMware vCloud Architecture Toolkit (vCAT): Technical and Operational Guidance for Cloud Success' teaches admins how to build a cloud infrastructure.