Most Popular Books by James Floyd Kelly

Arduino Adventures: Escape from Gemini Station provides a fun introduction to the Arduino microcontroller by putting you (the reader) into the action of a science fiction adventure story. You''ll find yourself following along as Cade and Elle explore Gemini Station—an orbiting museum dedicated to preserving and sharing technology throughout the centuries. Trouble ensues. The station is evacuated, including Cade and Elle''s class that was visiting the station on a field trip. Cade and Elle don’t make it aboard their shuttle and are trapped on the station along with a friendly artificial intelligence named Andrew who wants to help them get off the damaged station. Using some old hardware, a laptop, and some toolboxes full of electronics parts, you will follow along and build eight gizmos with Cade and Elle that will help them escape from Gemini Station. The hardware is Arduino. Each new challenge opens a new area of Arduino and basic electronics knowledge. You’ll be taken incrementally from a simple task such as turning on a light through to a complex combination of microcontroller, electronic components, and software programming. By the end of the book you’ll be well on your way towards being able to create and implement any sort of electronically controlled device you can imagine, using the stunningly popular Arduino microcontroller. Provides eight challenges, each challenge increasing in complexity Builds around a fictional storyline that keeps the learning fun Leaves you on a solid foundation of electronic skills and knowledge

Stop paying for software. A world full of high–quality software is out there that you don''t have to spend a dime for. If you''ve just spent your entire computing budget on a PC only to find that you need software to do anything interesting, this is the book that will show you how to get what you need without wreaking havoc on your finances. Install the right software to make a great work computer for no extra cost. Packed with the practical, hands–on guidance and technical know–how that you''ve come to expect from Apress, Don''t Spend A Dime: The Path to Low–Cost Computing takes you on a tour of the very best zero–cost software in each of the many categories that matter to the typical PC user. Learn to edit photos on the Internet without having to install any software at all. Find out where to get a free office suite for word processing and spreadsheet work. Whatever your need, James Kelly, best–selling technology author, guides you through the exciting and often confusing world of zero–cost computing. This book Tells you what you need to install to have a fantastic work computer without spending a dime Saves you money by showing you how to meet your computing needs Saves you time by pointing you directly to the best free software Saves you work by illustrating the most commonly performed tasks with each zero–cost software Gives you choices and the ability to make your own decisions for your own needs and requirements Before you go buy that $400.00 office suite—or worse, before you “borrow” it from work—stop! Let this book show you how to save hundreds of dollars in expensive software. Learn all about the free tools that the digerati use to make their lives better, and stop paying out the nose for software. Don''t spend a dime!

You know that Ubuntu software costs nothing. Now you want the PC system that costs as little as possible and runs Ubuntu and OS applications without complaints and calls to tech support. So you spent your hard–earned dollars on the hardware only, and have your own optimized Ubuntu PC. This is the book that will show you how to get what you need without wreaking havoc on your finances. Put together the parts to make a great work computer for little cost. Packed with the practical, hands–on guidance and technical know–how that you''ve come to expect from Apress, Ubuntu on a Dime takes you on a tour of the very best low–cost hardware, while only using zero–cost software in each of the many categories that matter to the typical PC user. You''ll learn how to find the best and cheapest hardware, and how to put it together to make a working PC. Learn to edit photos on the Internet without having to install any software at all. Find out where to get a free office suite for word processing and spreadsheet work. Whatever your need, James Kelly, best–selling technology author, guides you through the exciting and often confusing world of zero–cost computing. This book Takes you step–by–step through a PC build Tells you what you need to install to have a fantastic work computer without spending a dime Saves you money by showing you how to meet your computing needs Saves you time by pointing you directly to the best free software Saves you work by illustrating the most commonly performed tasks with each zero–cost software Gives you choices and the ability to make your own decisions for your own needs and requirements Before you go buy that $900 dollar computer and that $400 office suite—or worse, before you “borrow” it from work—stop! Let this inexpensive book show you how to save hundreds of dollars in expensivesoftware, and never depend on the big PC providers and their tech support again. Learn all about cheap, fast hardware, find out about the free tools that the digerati use to make their lives better, and stop paying out the nose. Don''t spend a dime!

Will help you pick and use the best apps and services to pull together all your content, media, and knowledge: email, Internet, books, movies, TV, personal and work documents, magazines, financial data, and more.

Do you like to build things? Are you ever frustrated at having to compromise your designs to fit whatever parts happen to be available? Would you like to fabricate your own parts? Build Your Own CNC Machine is the book to get you started. CNC expert Patrick Hood-Daniel and best-selling author James Kelly team up to show you how to construct your very own CNC machine. Then they go on to show you how to use it, how to document your designs in computer-aided design (CAD) programs, and how to output your designs as specifications and tool paths that feed into the CNC machine, controlling it as it builds whatever parts your imagination can dream up. Don''t be intimidated by abbreviations like CNC and terms like computer-aided design. Patrick and James have chosen a CNC-machine design that is simple to fabricate. You need only basic woodworking skills and a budget of perhaps $500 to $1,000 to spend on the wood, a router, and various other parts that you''ll need. With some patience and some follow-through, you''ll soon be up and running with a really fun machine that''ll unleash your creativity and turn your imagination into physical reality. The authors go on to show you how to test your machine, including configuring the software. Provides links for learning how to design and mill whatever you can dream up The perfect parent/child project that is also suitable for scouting groups, clubs, school shop classes, and other organizations that benefit from projects that foster skills development and teamwork No unusual tools needed beyond a circular saw and what you likely already have in your home toolbox Teaches you to design and mill your very own wooden and aluminum parts, toys, gadgets—whatever you can dream up

Windows Live Movie Maker is a small but powerful movie editing application from Microsoft. It is a complete rewrite of the old Movie Maker software with a new audience in mind. The focus of this new edition is on giving you the power to quickly create movies and slideshows to share with your friends and family. The movies can be a combination of your favorite pictures and home movies set to your own soundtrack. You can add cool effects to transition between scenes, and captions to add a narrative to your movie. With Movie Maker, users can: Edit digital video and photos, including adding music and narration Apply animation effects to videos and photos Create DVDs for personal use, including menu systems for navigation

My Motorola Xoom™ Complete Walkthroughs with callouts to Xoom photos that show you exactly what to do Tips and Advice when you run into Xoom problems or limitations Dozens of App Recommendations to help you get the most from your Xoom Full-color, step-by-step tasks walk you through getting and keeping your Xoom working just the way you want. Learn how to: • Connect your Xoom to a WiFi network • Check email accounts and browse the web • Read eBooks and listen to music • Take photos and shoot video with the built-in cameras • Play some fun and addictive games • Never get lost with built-in GPS navigation and maps • Stay in touch with webchat and Instant Messaging • Turn your Xoom into a great personal assistant • Put dozens of Google’s free services to work • Use accessories to extend your Xoom’s capabilities

Follow the adventures of Evan and his archaeologist uncle as they explore for treasure from an ancient kingdom. Help them succeed by building a series of five robots using LEGO''s popular MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 robotics kit. Without your robots, Evan and his uncle are doomed to failure and in grave danger. Your robots are the key to their success in unlocking the secret of The King''s Treasure! In this sequel to the immensely popular book, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT: The Mayan Adventure, you get both an engaging story and a personal tutorial on robotics programming. You''ll learn about the motors and sensors in your NXT 2.0 kit. You''ll learn to constructively brainstorm solutions to problems. And you''ll follow clear, photo-illustrated instructions that help you build, test, and operate a series of five robots corresponding to the five challenges Evan and his uncle must overcome in their search for lost treasure. Provides an excellent series of parent/child projects Builds creative and problem-solving skills Lays a foundation for success and fun with LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Please note: the print version of this title is black & white; the eBook is full color.

Build five robots to overcome obstacles and lead a team of explorers deep into a Mayan tomb. You are along for the ride with Evan and his archaeologist uncle as they explore a Mayan pyramid complete with traps and treasures. Using a variety of EV3 robots, the archaeology team is able to move deeper into the tomb, all the way to the sarcophagus of King Ixtua. But beware of the traps! The pyramid''s design has successfully deterred unwanted visitors through the centuries, and your team will need to be careful and alert. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3: The Mayan Adventure guides in the design, construction, and programming of unique explorer robots to open “the newly discovered tomb of an ancient Mayan king." You will learn and use a workmanlike design methodology that teaches you about your robot’s motors and sensors. Complete building and programming instructions are provided for each robot, giving you as much guidance as you want, to learn as you build. Can you help Evan and the team of explorers navigate through the old pyramid and gain entry to King Ixtua''s tomb? Read the stories, dig in to the environments, and create the robots that will reveal the secrets of The Mayan Adventure. Updates the beloved Mayan Adventure to the latest LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 hardware and software. What You''ll Learn Begin your first robot right away – one that can open a long-lost Mayan king’s tomb Learn a design process, backed up by written forms and step-by-step support Gain true skill in brainstorming and problem solving, and in the testing and fixing of robots Share design documents with other “Mayan archaeologists,” teachers, and robotic engineers Begin a design tool collection for use in future projects Who This Book Is For The new user who wants step-by-step building and programming instructions, teachers interested in real engineering design methods and systems thinking, and parents wanting an engaging story along with projects to strengthen the bond with a son or daughter

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programming Guide is suitable for young programmers, age 10 and up, as well as parents and teachers who want to learn the new language for themselves or be able to assist students/children with learning to properly program their robots. Includes easy-to-follow examples for each and every programming block Provides programming techniques simple enough to be understood by young programmers, ages 10 and up Provides a test robot (with instructions) in the appendix for running the programs

Discover the history of computers and coding. From Ada Lovelace''s initial idea of computer programming to today''s coding languages like Scratch, Python, Javascript, and more. This reading book for kids explores the world of coding, while building reading skills and teaching exciting vocabulary. Packed with photographs, diagrams, fun facts, and strong visual clues to keep your little ones engaged. What exactly is a computer? How do they work? What is a code? What are the different coding languages? This beginner''s book explores it all and more. Young children will find out what coding is, how it developed, and how modern codes are used for everyday purposes. It''s the perfect reading book for ages 5-7 who are starting to read fluently with support. Level 2 titles contain carefully selected photographic images to complement the text, providing strong visual clues to build vocabulary and confidence. Additional information spreads are full of extra fun facts, developing the topics through a range of nonfiction presentation styles such as diagrams and activities. Explore, Engage And Learn! There''s a message for readers to decode, plus tips for writing their own code with child-friendly Scratch programming. This kid''s educational book explores the world of coding and is full of facts kids will love reading. While learning to read, kids will also: - Learn about what coding is - Explore the world of early computers - Discover coding languages and coding today - Enjoy cool coding tips and test their knowledge Trusted by parents, teachers, and librarians, and loved by kids, DK''s levelled series of kids reading books is now revised and updated. With shiny new jackets and brand-new nonfiction narrative content on the topics kids love, each book is written and reviewed by literacy experts and contains a glossary and index, making them the perfect choice for helping develop strong reading habits for kids ages 3-11. Add other Level 2 titles to your collection covering a range of topics like LEGO City: Heroes to the Rescue: Find Out How They Keep the City Safe, What Is An Election?, Hello Hedgehog, Amazing Bees, Life In The Stone Age, many Star Wars titles and more.

Netbooks are lightweight, and easy to use. And best of all is the low price. Whether you already own a netbook or are considering purchasing one, the good news doesn’t end there, however. Throw in some free open source and "cloud computing" software and you’ve got yourself a powerful little computer at a fraction of the cost of the bigger laptops and desktops. This book is all about finding the best netbook for your needs and then keeping the cost of netbook ownership down. You can choose to spend some of your savings on a few "must have" extras such as a CD/DVD burner and a nice carrying case or save even more money by installing some (or all) of the 100% free software covered in the chapters of this book. Windows Netbooks: The Path to Low-Cost Computing is your guide to pushing a netbook to its maximum potential and keeping spending to an absolute minimum. Learn how to protect your netbook with 100% free antivirus applications and then get to work with 100% free word processing, spreadsheet, email, calendar, and presentation applications. You’ll find these and many more applications, along with helpful discussions on netbook hardware and maintenance, that will super-charge your netbook, your productivity, and your Internet time.

SkylandersTM Trap Team: An Epic Adventure Awaits You! The magical floating islands of Skylands await you! But if you really want to master Skylanders Trap Team, you need a great guide. Here it is! Whether you’re young or old, you’ll love how this book offers everything you need to know to thrive in Skylands. It’ll help you discover the Skylanders’ most powerful new secrets–and it’s so easy! This book is packed with full-color pictures and great step-by-step instructions from Hayley “SkyPanda” Camille! She’ll help you get started, meet the characters, master your best strategies, and lots more! Get started fast! See what each of Trap Team’s characters can do Master the elements: Life, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Tech, Undead, Magic, Light, and Dark Get ready for Doom Challenges and Arena Battles Capture villains in the Traptanium Portal Play as a villain yourself Find golden hordes, trophies, jewels, soul gems, scrolls, and more Beat other characters in Skystones Smash Unlock tricky Lock Puzzles Explore Skylanders Academy Expand your game with new Adventure Packs Challenge Kaos and ultimately defeat him! SkylandersTM Trap Team is a trademark of Activision Publishing Inc. This book was not created by nor is endorsed by Activision.

Congratulations! You’re on Mars Base Alpha, the first human outpost on the red planet. Don’t relax, though. It’s not all roses and unicorns up here. Mars isn’t called "The Bringer of War" for nothing! You’ve just been rained on by a meteor shower and it’s up to you—you!—to put your LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robotics skills to work to save the day, and the base! And that’s only the beginning of the challenges that lie ahead. LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT: Mars Base Command is a book of challenge. It’s about challenging yourself to design and build robots to solve problems, tough problems. Taking a similar approach to best-selling LEGO author James Kelly’s other books, this book presents a series of four challenges in the setting of mankind’s first-ever manned base on the planet Mars. Each challenge begins with a backstory to set the scene. You’re given instructions for constructing a playing field, including devices that your eventual robot must manipulate. Your job is to build a robot that will execute the challenge and garner you the most points. The book requires the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Education Resource Set. Scoring sheets are included that allow for the book’s use in educational and group settings. Teachers can base lesson plans around the different concepts taught in each challenge. Groups and clubs can choose to run mini-competitions in which teams or individuals compete against each other in a race to save the base. LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT: Mars Base Command is an excellent choice for an individual, a group, or a teacher wishing to learn about and have more fun with LEGO’s best-selling robotics platform. Please note: the print version of this title is black & white; the eBook is full color.

Make the most of your new iPad or iPad mini-without becoming a technical expert! This book is the fastest way to get comfortable, get productive, get online, connect with friends and family, enjoy media, play games, post to Facebook and Twitter, and more! Even if you''ve never used an iPad before, this book will show you how to do what you want, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. iPads have never, ever been this simple! Who knew how simple iPad and iPad mini could be? This is today''s best beginner''s guide to using your new iPad or iPad mini...simple, practical instructions for doing everything you really want to do! Here''s a small sample of what you''ll learn: Master gestures and touchscreen tips you can use in any iPad app Get productive fast with Notes, Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, and Notifications Use iCloud to automatically sync and share data with iPads, iPhones, and Macs Browse the Web more efficiently with Safari''s best shortcuts Capture high-quality photos and video with your iPad Share "Photo Stream" albums with other iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch users Make free FaceTime video calls Post to Facebook and Twitter from your iPad Get the best new free and paid apps from Apple''s App Store Make the most of iTunes and your iPad''s amazing media capabilities Read new bestsellers and free classics with iBooks Transform your iPad into a great online gaming device Use Find My iPhone to find a lost iPad in the house, or lock it if it''s stolen Adding hardware that makes your iPad more fun and useful Finding Wi-Fi connections and making the most of paid data plans

Want to master 3D modeling and printing? Tinkercad is the perfect software for you: it''s friendly, web-based, and free. Even better, you don''t have to rely on Tinkercad''s technical documentation to use it. This guide is packed with photos and projects that bring 3D modeling to life!

Walks you through choosing and assembling a 3D printer kit, brainstorming and designing new objects with free software, and printing on your 3D printer.

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international program for kids ages 9 to 14 that combines a hands-on, interactive robotics program and research presentation with a sports-like atmosphere. Authors James Floyd Kelly and Jonathan Daudelin-both participants in numerous FIRST LEGO League competitions-have teamed up to bring coaches, teachers, parents, and students an all-in-one guide to FLL. Written for both rookie and experienced teams, FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide includes in-depth coverage of topics like team formation and organization, robot building and programming, and the basics of getting involved with FLL. Before the authors delve into the specifics of robot and team building, they reveal the fascinating history of the FIRST organization and the sometimes puzzling structure of the FLL competition. Using a combination of real-life stories and candid commentary from actual FLL teams, as well as recollections of their own experiences, they offer an abundance of helpful guidance and dependable building and programming examples. FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide explores the complex workings and structure of the FLL competition, including its four key components: Robot Game, Technical Interview, Project, and Teamwork. You''ll learn how to: Organize, recruit, and manage a team Find equipment, mentors, and funding Design, build, and program winning robots Tackle each of the four FLL components-from Robot Game to Teamwork Use strategies and techniques from FLL masters to increase your scores No matter what your role in the FLL competition, FIRST LEGO League: The Unofficial Guide will make you a better competitor, builder, designer, and team member. The only ingredient you need to add is your competitive spirit!

Furnishes detailed, step-by-step instructions for designing, constructing, and programming ten innovative robots--including the Grabbot, Dragster, and The Hand--with detailed guidelines on how a NXT program works and its applications in the world of robotics. Original. (All Users)