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.

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.

Cybersecurity. A Self-Teaching Introduction

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

This book provides fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and cybercrime in an easy-to-understand, self-teaching format. It covers data security, threats, viruses, malicious software, firewalls, VPNs, security architecture, design, policies, cyberlaw, and cloud security.The course starts with an introduction to information systems and cybersecurity application security. It progresses to developing secure information systems and understanding information security policies, standards, and cyberlaw. The final chapters address the security of emerging technologies, including cloud security, IoT, and AES.Understanding these concepts is crucial for protecting data and systems against cyber threats. This book transitions readers from basic knowledge to advanced cybersecurity practices, combining theoretical insights with practical applications. It is an invaluable resource for mastering cybersecurity 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.

Data Structures and Program Design Using C++. A Self-Teaching Introduction to Data Structures and C++

Mercury Learning and Information, D. Malhotra, N. Malhotra

This book introduces the fundamentals of data structures using C++ in a self-teaching format. It covers managing large amounts of information, SEO, and creating Internet/Web indexing services. Practical analogies with real-world applications help explain technical concepts. The book includes end-of-chapter exercises such as programming tasks, theoretical questions, and multiple-choice quizzes.The course starts with an introduction to data structures and the C++ language, progressing through arrays, linked lists, queues, searching and sorting, stacks, trees, multi-way search trees, hashing, files, and graphs. Each chapter builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of data structures.Understanding these concepts is crucial for managing large databases and optimizing web services. This book guides readers from basic to advanced data structure techniques, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Companion files with source code and data sets enhance the learning experience, making this book an essential resource for mastering data structures with C++.