New Releases by Mark Long

In the quiet town of Paden, where shadows conceal sinister secrets, Cady Lane, a newly arrived pastor''s wife, finds herself entangled in a web of murder, deception, and ancient vendettas. When two preachers are brutally slain, Cady''s quest for justice leads her to a startling revelation: her own husband harbored a dark past. Determined to uncover the truth and protect those she holds dear, Cady crosses paths with a disfigured vigilante seeking retribution for his own shattered life. As the cycle of violence threatens to consume them all, Cady must confront her darkest fears and make a harrowing choice that will determine the fate of an entire community. With relentless suspense and chilling twists, "Sins of the Cloth" explores the depths of loyalty, the power of forgiveness, and the lengths one will go to safeguard the innocent in the face of unspeakable evil.

Would you know if a small god paid you a visit? Would you trust in the least of miracles or believe in the messages that appear out of the blue on your computer screen? What would it take to make you believe? As the story unfolds, there is an ancient godling adrift in the Universe and he is desperate for believers.This tiny god, who comes to be known as Bob, is small, powerless and unseen. Drifting through the ages he is brought to consciousness following a tragedy but, he must gain followers, as without true believers, there is no capacity for miracles. Worse, without them, he will cease to exist. So, Bob goes to work, invisible and inexperienced, silently watching and hoping for people to love him. He learns all about vending machines and then computers and quickly grasps the human concept of spending money. As the days pass into mundane routine, his energy increases as his unknowing colleagues mutter... "Oh God." But modern life takes its toll, even on a higher deity. Bob needs a sacrifice......not any old sacrifice, no blood or guts or murder and mayhem, just a chocolate bar given freely. Ray Charles and Mary Callahan had no idea that their lives were going to be changed forever when a very weak but desperate god introduces himself. Ray''s anger over his wrecked car tyre draws Bob like a beacon to him. Mary''s emotional turmoil teaches Bob all about love and betrayal. He watches over her but not even a god is safe from making serious mistakes. Soon, a psychiatrist, the Police and even the Pope are brought into the confusion.But then, Bob finds that he needs a far bigger audience if he is going to save the world from impending doom. Can he do it? The first in a new humorous fiction series and written in a tongue-in-cheek style by author Mark Long, this story is both thought-provoking and funny. It''s guaranteed to make you smile. Available as a paperback or on Kindle.

An omnibus volume containing (I) the fertile ground approach to wholesale economic development, and case studies of economic development in (II) mid-large MSAs, (III) mid-small MSAs, and (IV) small MSAs. Mid-large MSAs are 500,000 up to 1,000,000 in 2010 population; mid-small 250,000 up to 500,000; small 50,000 up to 250,000. The authors discuss how theories do and do not apply to actual situations and actual growth in median family income between 1990 and 2010.

"This course prepares you to pass the CompTIA CS0-001 Cybersecurity Analyst certification exam. It covers every topic tested during that exam and will help you gain the knowledge you need to further your career in cybersecurity. Taught by security expert Mark Long, the course works best for IT security analysts, vulnerability analysts, and threat intelligence analysts with 3-4 years of hands-on experience."--Resource description page.

"Database administration, design and development continue to be some of the most sought-after skills in Information Technology, but where do you start to learn such a big topic? In this course, Mark Long teaches you the fundamentals about Microsoft''s SQL Server database management system to help you take the first step on a path to becoming part of this exciting field. Mark has worked with SQL Server for almost 20 years and brings his experience along to present database fundamentals in an easy to understand manner to get you started. This course will also help you prepare to take Microsoft''s 98-364 Database Fundamentals MTA exam so you can become Microsoft certified right away."--Resource description page.

Microsoft''s SQL Server platform is one of the top three relational database products in the world''s enterprise marketplace, which means that those with SQL Server skills are in high demand everywhere. This course is designed for those who want to become a SQL Server administrator. The course prepares you to take Microsoft exam 70-764, the first of two tests you must pass in order to earn the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL 2016 Database Administration certification. Passing the 70-764 exam indicates to the world that you have what it takes to administer the SQL database infrastructure. Learn about the topics that will be covered on Microsoft exam 70-764 Get closer to earning the MCSA SQL 2016 Database Administration certification Understand the structure and implementation of SQL Server security Discover how encryption is utilized and implemented in SQL Server 2016 Learn how to manage indexes on the SQL Server platform See how data backups and restorations happen on the SQL Server 2016 platform Survey the tools used to monitor and tune SQL Server performance Mark Long is a long term contributor to O''Reilly Media having authored more than a dozen book and video titles including CompTIA Security+ SY0-401 (2014 Objectives), Windows Presentation Foundation Basics, Learning Windows PowerShell, and Securing Windows Networks. Mark holds many certifications including Microsoft''s MCSE, MCDBA, and MCT; and as the head of his own consulting company, he solves IT issues for numerous Fortune 500 companies.

"Microsoft exam 70-762 is one of two exams you must pass to earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) SQL 2016 Database Development certification. This comprehensive course covers the material included in the 70-762 exam, moving you one step closer to the goal of becoming a true database professional. Taught in a friendly, easy-to-understand style by long time database development expert Mark Long, this course works for those new to the world of SQL databases, as well as those just needing a review."--Resource description page.

"Microsoft''s SQL Server database platform is dominant in the enterprise database marketplace, making those with MS SQL Server skills highly sought after in any job market. Possessing a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) SQL 2016 Database Development certificate tells employers worldwide that you have these skills. Earning the certificate requires you to pass two exams: The MS 70-761 and the MS 70-762. This course prepares you to pass MS 70-761. MS 70-761 is all about Transact-SQL, the programming language central to working with MS SQL Server. Designed for those relatively new to the world of MS SQL Server, the course covers the basics of database development and then moves into an easy-to-understand, step-by-step, detailed presentation of how to work with Transact-SQL. This course features lots of hands-on coding with plenty of animations, photos, and screenshots all designed to help you grasp Transact-SQL''s underlying concepts and technologies."--Resource description page.

"Microsoft exam 70-765 (aka "Provisioning SQL Databases") is one of two tests you must pass to earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): 2016 Database Administration certification. This course supplies you with the knowledge you need to pass the 70-765. It''s also a practical introduction to Microsoft''s Azure cloud platform service. It covers the processes, implications, technologies, and actions involved in utilizing SQL Server in the cloud in both PaaS and IaaS environments. After you learn how to create and use a free Microsoft Azure subscription, you will get hands-on experience with SQL Server in various cloud-based configurations, giving you an understanding of the implications and purposes for various options."--Resource description page.

"In this Windows Presentation Foundation Basics training course, expert author Mark Long will teach you the basics of Windows Presentation Foundation. This course is designed for users that have no previous knowledge of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), although knowledge of C# and Visual Basic is recommended. You will start by learning how to get and install Visual Studio. From there, Mark will teach you about WPF and XAML. This video tutorial also covers WPF layout, WPF layout with panels, and WPF content controls. You will also work through building the sample application. Finally, you will learn about WPF items controls, WPF basics, and the WPF look and feel, including learning how to apply styles and use skins. Once you have completed this computer based training course, you will have learned the basics of Windows Presentation Foundation. Working files are included, allowing you to follow along with the author throughout the lessons."--Resource description page.

Novice developers working with WPF/XAML understand the basics of how to use layout panels and controls to make user interfaces for apps that often look, feel, and function... basic. Wouldn''t it be great if those same interfaces could be made more polished, more scalable, more functional, and easier to use? WPF wizard Mark Long shows you how in this entertaining and engaging course covering five key functionalities of WPF: Dependency properties, data binding, templates, triggers and dialogs. Master your understanding of these core concepts says Long and your Windows apps will become masterful too. Master the core WPF functionalities that transform apps from beginner basic to polished pro Refresh your knowledge of XAML, .NET classes, properties, attributes and property elements Dive deep into custom dependency properties - a game changer in the .NET environment Uncover the value of data binding to see how it will simplify the way you work with data Expand your knowledge of control and data templates to boost your data presentation skills Explore triggers to learn how to make cool things happen with mouse-overs and more Unlock the potential of dialogs, custom dialogs, and Windows common dialogs Twenty-five year IT veteran Mark Long is a noted expert on all things Windows. He is a long term contributor to O''Reilly Media having authored twelve book and video titles including Windows Presentation Foundation Basics, Learning Windows PowerShell, and Securing Windows Networks.

"Holding the CompTIA A+ certification is an IT career builder. Why? Because it indicates to IT hiring managers worldwide that you have the knowledge needed to set up and operate the technologies commonly deployed in today''s IT centers. Obtaining the A+ certification requires that you pass two exams: The CompTIA A+ 220-901 and the CompTIA A+ 220-902. This course prepares you to pass the CompTIA A+ 220-902. It''s taught by 25 year IT veteran Mark Long in a fun, friendly, step-by-step manner designed for the learner seeking the A+ certification for the first time and for existing A+ certification holders looking to re-certify."--Resource description page.

"The CompTIA A+ certification is recognized by employers world-wide as a demonstration of computer technician competency. Two CompTIA exams must be passed before a person can obtain the A+ certification. In this video, CompTIA pro Mark Long uses hands-on demonstrations, photos, and animations to review the content covered in the first exam: 220-901. A key benefit of this video is instruction on how to obtain a copy of CompTIA''s published 2015 objectives. Knowing the objectives helps you identify your knowledge weaknesses and allows you to focus on what you need to know to pass the exam. The course is targeted at beginning level computer technicians eager to land their first real IT jobs as well as existing A+ certification holders who need to re-certify."--Resource description page.

The intent of this book is to cover the basics that I believe have been either left out of your education or forgotten over time. Hopefully it will become one of those well-worn books that you drop on the desk of the new guy when he asks you a question. There is something for every student, engineer, manager, and teacher in electrical engineering. My mantra is, "It ain''t all that hard!" I believe that way more than 50% of the people who read this book will get something out of it, so good luck, read on: It ain''t all that hard! Well, that about says it all. If you do decide to give this book a chance, I want to say thank you, and I hope it brings you success in all you do!

"In this Programming in Microsoft C# - Exam 70-483 training course, expert author Mark Long will teach you the fundamental aspects of C#, and help you prepare for Microsoft''s 70-483 certification exam. This course is designed for the absolute beginner, meaning no experience with C# is required. You will start by learning about the Visual Studio setup, then jump into learning the C# basics, such as classes, objects, C# types, and value and reference types. From there, Mark will teach you how to work with C# types, such as how to use properties and fields, access modifiers, and understand and use constructors. This video tutorial also covers how to implement class hierarchies, understand delegates and events, and garbage collection basics. Finally, you will learn about asynchronous programming and data security, such as how to encrypt user files and hash data. Once you have completed this computer based training course, you will have gained a solid understanding of the fundamental aspects of C#, as well as be able to complete the 70-483 certification exam."--Resource description page.

"In this Securing Windows Networks training course, expert author Mark Long teaches you the tools and functionalities available to secure Microsoft networks. This course is designed for users that have a basic understanding of Microsoft networking. You will start by learning the basics of system security, then jump into learning about operating system security, including users and groups, permissions and rights, and managing user accounts. From there, Mark will teach you about Windows access control, protecting local data, and securing data in transit. This video tutorial also covers file sharing, securing the registry, system hardening, and Windows firewall. Finally, you will learn about security monitoring, backup and recovery, and Windows 10 security enhancements. Once you have completed this computer based training course, you will be able to apply these tools, principles, and functionalities available to secure your own Windows networks. Working files are included, allowing you to follow along with the author throughout the lessons."--Resource description page.

"The CompTIA Network+ N10-006 (2015 Objectives) certification is recognized internationally as validation of the technical knowledge required for foundation-level IT network technicians. Network+ certification exhibits third-party validation that the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate, and configure basic network infrastructure. In this course, Mark Long takes you step by step through the process and technologies you need to get ready to take this exam."--Resource description page.

A modern take on Seven Samurai, Rubicon transfers the classic story to modern-day Afghanistan, with the “samurai” as Navy SEALs. A true, groundbreaking reinterpretation of a classic. Five paramilitary Navy SEAL operators defend the residents of a remote mountain farming village in Afghanistan from attacks by marauding Taliban. Led by the war-weary Hector, the operators and villagers form mutual bonds of honor and respect, leading up to a climactic battle where the “Lions of Panjshir” are desperately outnumbered. Based on an idea by Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects), with story by founding member of SEAL Team Six Dan Capel, and written by New York Times best-selling author Mark Long (The Silence of Our Friends), Rubicon is a compelling story of honor, duty, and brotherhood.

"In this Learning Windows PowerShell training course, expert author Mark Long will teach you how to use this task-based command-line shell and scripting language, built on the .NET framework, designed especially for systems administration. This course is designed for the absolute beginner, meaning no prior experience with Windows PowerShell is needed."--Resource description page.

"In this Microsoft Transact - SQL training course, expert author Mark Long teaches you the basics of Transact - SQL, and helps you understand how to create databases, tables, stored procedures, and much more. This course is designed for the absolute beginner, meaning no previous experience with Transact is required. You will start by learning about databases, then jump into learning about the Microsoft SQL server. From there, Mark will teach you about the T-SQL foundations, how to create a database with T-SQL, and querying with T-SQL. This video tutorial also covers how to modify data with T-SQL, as well as T-SQL programming basics, such as comments, set and select, and batches. You will also learn how to program objects and create and drop indexes. Finally, you will learn to understand normalization and transactions."--Resource description page.

"In this CompTIA A+ 220-802 Exam training course, expert author Mark Long will teach you everything you need to know to prepare for a career in IT and successfully complete the A+ 220-802 exam. You must pass the A+ 220-801 and A+ 220-802 exam to receive the CompTIA A+ certification. You will start by learning about the various Windows operating systems, including how to install Windows and use the command line tools. You will then learn about networking command line tools and administrative tools, such as performance monitor, Windows firewall, and task manager. Mark will teach you about the control panel utilities, including folder and power options and user accounts. This video tutorial will also cover how to configure Windows networking, sharing resources, and security. You will also learn about different mobile devices, such as Android, iOS, and Bluetooth. Finally, you will cover troubleshooting techniques, including common hard drive symptoms, network issues, and printer symptoms. Once you have completed this computer based training course, you will have the developed the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the A+ 220-802 (2012 Objectives) exam. "--Resource description page.

"In this Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 training course, expert author Mark Long teaches you the fundamentals of the latest version of Exchange. This course is designed for the absolute beginner, meaning no previous experience with Exchange is required. You will start by learning the basics of Exchange, including how it works, the terminology, and mail flow. You will then learn about the active directory, administration center, and the basics of database maintenance. Mark will teach you mailbox basics, public folders, and how to manage Exchange data. This video tutorial will also teach you client access basics and configuration."--Resource description page.

Core Strategy: A Framework for Planning and Predicting High Growth Ventures Common to all high-growth new ventures is impeccable timing for their product/business model - when either a large volume of customers or a handful of customers, who order large volumes, will soon be in "must have" mode and competitors lack the "motivation/means to co-opt." Conventional approaches to discover and design this "holy grail" have only been providing winners 20% of the time. This book describes a Silicon Valley tested framework that increases the acceleration and predictability of new venture strategy making by 2x - 4x over conventional approaches. The Core Strategy Framework provides a surprisingly easy-to-use pattern recognition logic for planning technology, product, production, business model, management team and finance requirements. The Core Strategy Framework offers an unconventional but critically decisive and proven schema for identifying your marketplace''s circumstances of customers, competitors, complementors and the technological/innovation trajectory of lead platforms and the migration of end-users'' value expectations. The Core Strategy framework provides a common navigational language that allows technologists, business experts and venture investors to transform the current hip-shoot fuzzy Front End Innovation into a predictable next-generation process.