Robert Bruce Thompson – författare

Experience the magic of biology in your own home lab. This hands-on introduction includes dozens of educational (and fun) experiments that let you explore this fascinating field on your own. Perfect for middle- and high-school students and DIY enthusiasts, this full-color guide teaches you the basics of biology lab work and shows you how to set up a safe lab at home. The Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments is written with the needs of home-schoolers firmly in mind, as well as those of adults who are eager to explore the science of nature as a life-long hobby.* Investigate the chemistry of life from simple acids, bases, and buffers to complex carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes, and DNA * Explore photosynthesis, fermentation, osmosis, nitrogen fixation, and other life processes * Observe populations and ecosystems and do air and water pollution tests * Investigate genetics and inheritance * Do hands-on microbiology, from simple culturing to micro-evolution of bacteria by forced selection * Gain the hands-on experience you need to pass the AP Biology exam * And much, much more Through their company, The Home Scientist, LLC, the authors also offer inexpensive custom kits that provide specialized equipment and supplies you'll need to complete the experiments. Add a microscope and some common household items and you're good to go.

The provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It's loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.

If you''re one of the many who has decided to build your own personal computer system, you know that doing so can be quite a challenge. The information can be overwhelming--and so can the number of choices.It''s true, whether you''re perusing online sites, or wandering the aisles of your favorite retail store, shopping for PC components is no easy task. Until now. Thanks to PC Hardware Buyer''s Guide, the experience of building your own PC system has never been easier.This handy pocket guide is the ideal shopping companion for do-it-yourself types. Loaded with valuable information, it starts off by providing a piece-by-piece overview of all the components that comprise a standard desktop computer. Then it sinks its teeth into the crux of the issue: how to choose the right parts for you, based on your particular profile (gamer, mainstream user, etc.). It does so by helping you identify which parts are:

Compatible to each otherRegarded as the best performingClosest in line with your budgetFor quick-lookup purposes, the PC Hardware Buyer''s Guide even includes a simple reference chart with recommended brands and models. Just refer to the chart and the guesswork is gone. And don''t worry about the shelf-life of the information, either. The PC Hardware Buyer''s Guide features several rules of thumb for choosing components that endure past the latest models, so you don''t need to buy a new guide with each passing year.In a market where very little written information exists, this is the only pocket guide that covers PC hardware.

PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include:

Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIAExtensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MPFull details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interfaceExtended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RWDetails about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to)New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0)Enhanced troubleshooting coveragePC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It''s loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.

With the advent of inexpensive, high-power telescopes priced at under $250, amateur astronomy is now within the reach of anyone, and this is the ideal book to get you started. "The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders" offers you a guide to the equipment you need, and shows you how and where to find hundreds of spectacular objects in the deep sky - double and multiple stars as well as spectacular star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. You get a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and terminology of astronomy, and specific advice about choosing, buying, using, and maintaining the equipment required for observing."The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders" is designed to be used in the field under the special red-colored lighting used by astronomers, and includes recommended observing targets for beginners and intermediate observers alike. You get detailed start charts and specific information about the best celestial objects.The objects in this book were chosen to help you meet the requirements for several lists of objects compiled by The Astronomical League or the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: Messier Club; Binocular Messier Club; Urban Observing Club; Deep Sky Binocular Club; Double Star Club; and, RASC Finest NGC List.Completing the list for a particular observing club entitles anyone who is a member of the Astronomical League or RASC to an award, which includes a certificate and, in some cases, a lapel pin. This book is perfect for amateur astronomers, students, teachers, or anyone who is ready to dive into this rewarding hobby. Who knows? You might even find a new object, like amateur astronomer Jay McNeil. On a clear cold night in January 2004, he spotted a previously undiscovered celestial object near Orion, now called McNeil's Nebula. Discover what awaits you in the night sky with "The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders."

PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include:

Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIAExtensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MPFull details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interfaceExtended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RWDetails about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to)New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0)Enhanced troubleshooting coveragePC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It''s loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you''re a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you''ll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion.This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a ''scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to:

Dark-Adapt Your Notebook ComputerChoose the Best BinocularClean Your Eyepieces and Lenses SafelyUpgrade Your Optical FinderPhotograph the Stars with Basic EquipmentThe O''Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don''t dream it-you do it--and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

If you're taking a basic course in classical physics, or have a healthy curiosity for the way things work in the physical world, the Illustrated Guide to Home Physics Experiments provides an ideal hands-on introduction to physics lab techniques and data analysis. With this book and a few simple (and inexpensive) tools and materials, you'll learn to conduct experiments that answer questions about our world, make demonstrations to show off physical principles, and do theoretical lab work to discover how the world works. Perfect for do-it-yourselfers, home-schooled high school students, and college students, this book will help you: Learn everything from the basics of motion all the way to particle physics - including energy, thermodynamics, magnetic fields, optics, and much more Take careful measurements of physical phenomena and conduct data analysis Build and perform physics demonstrations that are fascinating and fun Construct computer models to represent aspects of the physical world It's easy to get started. You can build most of the experiments and demonstrations in this book with ordinary household tools, using materials that you can scrounge, borrow, or get free.The most important thing is your willingness to enter the door of discovery that awaits you. The Illustrated Guide to Home Physics Experiments is your key.