Enterprise Transformation to Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse. Strategies for the Technology Revolution: Navigating Future Technologies with Agility and Innovation

Mercury Learning and Information, William Kimmerly

This book guides organizations in effectively responding to the metaverse, a rapidly converging collection of advanced technologies, methods, and models. The metaverse is poised to be as disruptive as the personal computer, Internet, and smartphone, impacting personal, social, professional, and business lives. The book covers essential metaverse technologies and concepts, helping organizational leaders plan their transformation strategies.The journey begins with an introduction and key definitions, followed by the evolution of IT governance and responses to disruptive technologies. It delves into AI, machine learning, blockchain, platforms, algorithms, edge computing, quantum computing, and immersive technologies like VR, AR, MR, and XR. Further chapters explore holographic technologies, deep tech, and other metaverse-related technologies, along with organizational structures and governance frameworks for the metaverse era.Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the metaverse transformation. The book concludes with a detailed hypothetical case study, illustrating how such a transformation can be achieved. This resource helps executives and professionals chart an effective course to the metaverse, blending theoretical insights with practical applications.

Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning for Developers. A Practical Guide to Advanced Techniques and Applications of NLP

Mercury Learning and Information, Oswald Campesato

This book introduces developers to basic concepts in NLP and machine learning, providing numerous code samples to support the topics covered. The journey begins with introductory material on NumPy and Pandas, essential for data manipulation. Following this, chapters delve into NLP concepts, algorithms, and toolkits, providing a solid foundation in natural language processing.As you progress, the book covers machine learning fundamentals and classifiers, demonstrating how these techniques are applied in NLP. Practical examples using TF2 and Keras illustrate how to implement various NLP tasks. Advanced topics include the Transformer architecture, BERT-based models, and the GPT family of models, showcasing the latest advancements in the field.The final chapters and appendices offer a comprehensive overview of related topics, including data and statistics, Python3, regular expressions, and data visualization with Matplotlib and Seaborn. Companion files with source code and figures ensure a hands-on learning experience. This book equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in NLP and machine learning.

Computer Security and Encryption. Advanced Techniques for Securing Digital Information

Mercury Learning and Information, S. R. Chauhan, S. Jangra

This book addresses the rapid growth of cybercrime by focusing on cryptography and system security. It emphasizes rigorous security models and practices in network and system design. The first part introduces system security concepts, object models, and inter-object communications, providing a foundation in cryptography for beginners and advanced readers alike.The course starts with basic security concepts, moving to public key cryptography, SSL, and transaction security on the web. It covers IP security, firewalls, public key certificates, and security at the IP layer. Readers will also learn about remote access with Internet Protocol security and virtual private networks. The final chapters address the security of emerging technologies like Big Data Analytics, cloud computing, IoT, Smart Grid, SCADA, control systems, and Wireless Sensor Networks.Understanding these concepts is crucial for protecting against cyber threats. This book transitions readers from basic knowledge to advanced security practices, blending theoretical insights with practical applications. It is an invaluable resource for mastering cryptography and system security in today's digital age.

Surviving A Cyberattack. A Comprehensive Guide to Digital Security for Families and Businesses

Mercury Learning and Information, Todd G. Shipley, Art Bowker

This essential guide empowers individuals, families, and small business owners to secure their digital environments. Beginning with the basics of cybersecurity, it explores practical strategies for protecting social media, safeguarding family members, and securing online transactions. Readers will learn actionable techniques to defend against cyber threats and protect digital assets.With dedicated chapters on small business security, responding to cyberattacks, and navigating future digital trends, this book delivers practical, step-by-step advice. It ensures readers are equipped to tackle the challenges of modern digital security with confidence and clarity.By the end, readers will gain the skills to identify threats, respond effectively, and build a safer digital presence for themselves and their loved ones. This guide is perfect for anyone seeking to enhance their online security, regardless of prior experience.

Photograph Restoration and Enhancement. Master the Art of Restoring and Enhancing Photographs Using Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 Version

Mercury Learning and Information, Vickie Ellen Wolper

Updated for Photoshop CC 2021, this edition offers hands-on learning with a building block teaching style. Suitable for all skill levels, it teaches photo restoration and tonal correction. Learn to repair damage, improve discolored photos, colorize black and white images, digitize large photos, and adjust content for perfect shots. Tips, notes, figures, and projects help you master restorations and enhancements.The course starts with preparing an image for Photoshop and an introduction to the software. It covers selection, layers, transformations, painting, printing, and repairing photo flaws. Advanced topics include correcting lighting, enhancing photos, and mastering trade secrets. Final chapters address special challenges and applying skills to complex projects.These skills are vital for high-quality photo restorations. This book transitions readers from basic to advanced Photoshop techniques, blending theory with practice. Companion files with photos, projects, figures, and videos enhance learning, making this an essential resource for mastering photo restoration.

Empirical Cloud Security. A Guide To Practical Intelligence to Evaluate Risks and Attacks

Mercury Learning and Information, Aditya K. Sood

This book, updated to include the latest research and developments in cloud security, is essential for security professionals, DevOps engineers, penetration testers, cloud security engineers, and cloud software developers. It offers practical approaches to securing cloud infrastructure and applications against threats, attacks, and data breaches. The content is refined for better accessibility and engagement, providing a comprehensive guide to cloud security.The course starts with fundamental cloud security concepts and progresses to hands-on assessment techniques based on real-world case studies. It covers cloud architecture, IAM for authentication and authorization, network security, database and storage security, cryptography controls, secure code review, and monitoring and logging. The practical strategies for assessing security and privacy are crucial for building a robust cloud infrastructure.The journey concludes with advanced topics such as privacy in the cloud, identifying security flaws and attacks, and understanding the impact of malicious code. New case studies reveal how threat actors exploit cloud environments, offering preventative measures to enhance cloud security. This structured approach ensures a thorough understanding and practical application of cloud security principles.

Digital Signal Processing. An Introduction to Mastering Advanced Techniques for Transforming and Analyzing Signals

Mercury Learning and Information, R. Anand

This book covers the fundamental concepts of digital signal processing (DSP), introducing discrete-time signals, the z-transform, frequency analysis, discrete and fast Fourier transforms, digital filters, FIR, and statistical DSP. With applications ranging from engineering to telecommunications and medical imaging, this text focuses on representing signals with mathematical models and processing them using discrete-time systems.Understanding DSP is crucial for professionals in various fields as it allows for effective signal representation and manipulation. The book starts with an introduction to DSP and a review of discrete-time signals and systems, followed by a detailed exploration of the z-transform and frequency analysis using DTFT. It further delves into discrete Fourier transforms, fast Fourier transform algorithms, and the implementation of discrete-time systems.The journey continues with in-depth discussions on digital filters, including the design and analysis of infinite impulse response (IIR) and finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The book also covers statistical digital signal processing, multirate DSP, and applications in speech and radar. Through a variety of exercises and a comprehensive glossary, readers will gain a solid understanding of DSP fundamentals and applications.

Programming Fundamentals Using MATLAB. Master the Basics and Beyond of MATLAB Programming

Mercury Learning and Information, Michael Weeks

This book introduces MATLAB syntax and environment, ideal for beginners with no programming background. The first four chapters cover basic programming concepts, computing terminology, MATLAB syntax, control structures, operators, arrays, and matrices. Next, the book explores grouping data, working with files, creating images, building graphical user interfaces, experimenting with sound, and debugging. The final chapters present case studies on using MATLAB with tools like Arduino, Linux, Git, and Mex, essential for basic programming knowledge.Understanding MATLAB is crucial for data analysis and technical computing. This book transitions readers from basics to advanced topics, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Companion files with code and four-color figures enhance learning, making this an essential resource for mastering MATLAB.