Basic Electronics. Theory and Practice

Mercury Learning and Information, Sean Westcott, Jean Riescher Westcott

This updated edition introduces students and hobbyists to electronics, covering microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless communication. Each chapter includes a lab, progressing to building a robot with Arduino and Netduino. New material on Raspberry Pi and Python is included, with companion files featuring videos and code samples.The course begins with basic electronics concepts, building circuits, and understanding components. It covers digital theory and practical applications with sensors, motors, and microcontrollers. Topics include electricity theory, currents, circuits, tools, safety, and components like resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors. Advanced topics include power supplies, soldering, digital theory, integrated circuits, memory, and microcontrollers.These concepts are crucial for innovation in electronics. This book transitions readers from basic labs to constructing a robot using open-source hardware. It covers Raspberry Pi projects and explores cybersecurity and IoT. Appendices include math for electronics, a timeline of innovations, careers in electronics, and a glossary. This guide provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making it invaluable for mastering electronics.

Big Data Using Hadoop and Hive. Master Big Data Solutions with Hadoop and Hive

Mercury Learning and Information, Nitin Kumar

This book is a guide for developers and engineers to use Hadoop and Hive for scalable big data applications. It covers reading, writing, and managing large datasets with Hive and provides a concise introduction to Apache Hadoop and Hive, detailing their collaboration to simplify development. Through clear examples, the book explains the logic, code, and configurations needed for building successful distributed applications.The course starts with an introduction to big data and Apache Hadoop fundamentals. It then covers the Hadoop Distributed Filesystem and how to get started with Hadoop. The journey continues with interfaces to access HDFS files, resource management with Yet Another Resource Negotiator, and MapReduce for data processing. The book also explores Hive architecture, storage types, and the Hive query language.Mastering these concepts is vital for creating scalable big data solutions. This book ensures a smooth transition from novice to proficient Hadoop and Hive user, providing practical skills and comprehensive knowledge. By the end, readers will be able to set up, configure, and optimize Hadoop, utilize Hive for data management, and effectively solve big data challenges.

Blockchain, Bitcoin, and the Digital Economy. Unlocking the Future of Financial Technology

Mercury Learning and Information, Len Mei

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to blockchain technology, discussing its fundamentals, development issues, potential applications, security, and use in cryptocurrency. It also delves into fintech, its current status, and related concepts in the digital economy. The rapidly changing nature of these topics makes the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in blockchain and cryptocurrency. Numerous references offer up-to-date information on these subjects.The course begins with an overview of blockchain and its basic concepts, followed by an in-depth look at Bitcoin and its associated issues. The journey continues with consensus mechanisms, exploring altcoins, and mutual distributed ledgers. The book then shifts focus to applications of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency, highlighting industrial uses, payment systems, and lending. Governance, regulation, and future trends in blockchain technology are also covered.Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrency. This book ensures a smooth transition from novice to knowledgeable enthusiast, equipping readers with practical insights and comprehensive knowledge. By the end, readers will grasp blockchain technology's impact on various industries and its potential for future innovations.

Classic Game Design. From Pong to Pac-Man with Unity: Crafting Timeless Retro Games with Expert Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, Franz Lanzinger

This book teaches you to design and develop classic arcade video games. Using modern, free software tools like Unity, you’ll create five retro games inspired by the classics. All source code, art, and sound files are provided in the companion files. You'll enjoy customizing graphics, adjusting scoring, coding AI, and creating sound effects, gaining a deep understanding of the roots of modern video game design from the '70s and '80s.The course begins with an introduction and essential tools, then guides you through creating various retro games. Each chapter builds on the previous one with detailed instructions, exercises, and classic game design rules. The book includes historical anecdotes from a former Atari programmer and insights on applying classic game design concepts to modern games.Understanding these design elements is crucial for developing engaging video games. This book transitions readers from beginners to proficient game developers, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for mastering classic game design with modern tools.

Computational Physics. A Comprehensive Guide to Numerical Methods in Physics

Mercury Learning and Information, Darren Walker

This updated edition introduces computational physics for performing experiments on the computer. It provides a grounding in scientific programming with examples in the context of physics problems. Using C++ as the primary language, it covers interpolation, integration, and solving differential equations, from simple concepts to advanced topics. The book includes a chapter on high-performance computing and parallel programming.Understanding computational physics is crucial for data manipulation and real-world simulations. The book starts with introductory topics and progresses to advanced material, including a C++ library and sample programs. Readers will learn problem-solving methods and constructing models.This journey equips readers with skills for scientific tasks, demonstrating efficient problem-solving and model construction. The practical approach ensures users can apply these concepts in real-world scenarios, making it an essential resource for those interested in computational physics.

Computer Concepts and Management Information Systems. A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Computing and Information Management

Mercury Learning and Information, C. P. Gupta, K. K. Goyal

This book provides a self-teaching introduction to computer fundamentals and management information systems (MIS). It covers hardware components, software applications, Microsoft Office, information systems, ERP, CRM, security, business ethics, and cybercrime. The goal is to make these complex subjects accessible and easy to understand.The course begins with basic computer concepts, followed by an introduction to software. It then offers detailed information on Microsoft Office, covering Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. The journey continues with a deep dive into MIS, exploring its applications, ERP systems, security measures, business ethics, and the challenges of cybercrime.Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the digital world and leveraging technology in business. This book transitions readers from beginners to knowledgeable users, blending theoretical insights with practical skills. Companion files with source code examples and figures enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for mastering computers and MIS.

Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL With C++ (Edition 3). Mastering 3D Graphics and Animation Techniques

Mercury Learning and Information, V. Scott Gordon, John L. Clevenger

This edition provides step-by-step instruction on modern OpenGL 4.0+ GLSL shader programming with C++, covering theoretical foundations of 3D computer graphics. Every shader stage is explored, from basics like modeling, textures, lighting, and shadows, to advanced techniques such as tessellation, noise maps, water, and stereoscopy. Expanded coverage includes camera control, refraction, and ray tracing with bounding volume hierarchies. Companion files include source code, shaders, model files, and skyboxes for all examples in the book.Understanding these concepts is crucial for creating sophisticated 3D graphics applications. The course begins with OpenGL basics and pipeline understanding, followed by mathematical foundations and managing 3D graphics data. It covers texture mapping, 3D models, lighting, shadows, enhancing surface detail, and advanced topics like parametric surfaces, tessellation, and geometry shaders. Final chapters delve into simulating water, ray tracing, and stereoscopy for 3D graphics.This book equips readers with the knowledge to master OpenGL programming and 3D graphics, making it invaluable for developers and enthusiasts aiming to advance their skills. The practical approach and comprehensive examples ensure thorough learning, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL with Java. A Comprehensive Guide to Modern 3D Graphics Programming

Mercury Learning and Information, V. Scott Gordon, John L. Clevenger

This book is designed for computer science undergraduates and professionals interested in mastering 3D graphics using OpenGL in Java with JOGL. It follows a “teach-yourself” format with numerous examples that can be run as presented. Unique in its approach, it covers OpenGL 4.0+ shader programming using Java, providing all the necessary materials to install JOGL and execute every example. The course starts with an introduction to OpenGL and the graphics pipeline, followed by mathematical foundations essential for 3D graphics. It then delves into managing 3D graphics data, texture mapping, and creating 3D models. Lighting, shadows, and enhancing surface detail are covered, along with advanced techniques like parametric surfaces, tessellation, and geometry shaders. The final chapters explore simulating water, ray tracing, and stereoscopy for 3D glasses and VR headsets. This book equips readers with comprehensive skills in OpenGL programming and 3D graphics, making it an invaluable resource for developing sophisticated graphics applications. The practical approach ensures thorough learning, bridging the gap between theory and application.