All of Java's Input/Output (I/O) facilities are based on streams, which provide simple ways to read and write data of different types. Java provides many different kinds of streams, each with its own application. The universe of streams is divided into four large categories: input streams and output streams, for reading and writing binary data; and readers and writers, for reading and writing textual (character) data. You're almost certainly familiar with the basic kinds of streams – but did you know that there's a CipherInputStream for reading encrypted data? And a ZipOutputStream for automatically compressing data? Do you know how to use buffered streams effectively to make your I/O operations more efficient? Java I/O tells you all you ever need to know about streams – and probably more. A discussion of I/O wouldn't be complete without treatment of character sets and formatting. Java supports the UNICODE standard, which provides definitions for the character sets of most written languages. Consequently, Java is the first programming language that lets you do I/O in virtually any language. Java also provides a sophisticated model for formatting textual and numeric data. Java I/O shows you how to control number formatting, use characters aside from the standard (but outdated) ASCII character set, and get a head start on writing truly multilingual software.

Teaches you how to develop Java programs, from start to finish, for connecting to databases using Java's new database connectivity environment, JDBC. Tells how to easily install drivers for most databases. Features a section on programming ODBC Java programs, including a robust ODBC client template for developing your own applications. Features a handy, ready-to-use Interactive SQL query client, including fully-explained and annotated source code. Teaches how to write your own database drivers for the JDBC. Reveals how to optimize your Java database programs for maximum efficiency and minimum time.

This is the first Star Wars comic book ever! Long before Dark Horse became the publisher of Star Wars comics, Marvel printed this first issue of Star Wars in 1977. This original Star Wars series revolves around all your favorite characters from the classic science fiction trilogy. Look for Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, and those pesky Stormtroopers. May the Force be with you. Enjoy!

DVD Album Creator provides you a handy tool to create professional slideshow DVDs with your digital photos. It is equipped with a built-in burner and the output DVDs can be watched on TV with your set-top DVD player. Apart from video, you may incorporate various transition effects and audio to enrich your DVDs. Photos in each slideshow are divided into chapters like scene selection menu in DVD movies, you can use remote control of your DVD player to navigate through photos manually. DVD Album Creator also supports up to 8 sets of subtitles, using EXIF data or IPTC data of your digital photos in subtitles is just a matter of a few clicks.

With the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hitting theaters today in most countries there couldn't be better time to look back at the original comic book series that started it all. The Shredder is ready to cause some trouble in this action-packed issue by the Eastman and Laird. Also look for Casey Jones to jump in the fight with his sports equipment. Enjoy!