Acknowledgments
Writing this book has been one of the most challenging and exciting projects I have done in my career, but I could not have done it without the aid and support of some specific individuals whom I would like to thank.
First, I'd like to thank my friend and technical editor, Dallas Brown, of HashBang Industries, who took up the challenge of correcting my mistakes and keeping me honest. Your time spent, and your thoughtful comments were excellent.
Along that same line, I'd also like to thank my friend, Brad Miller, of Cynical Peak Software, who also provided welcome criticism and an extra set of eyes on several chapters, and who always seems to be awake and online at the same times I am.
For pressing forward with the book, even with a tight schedule, I'd like to thank all the folks at John Wiley & Sons. I look forward to working with you on new projects in the future.
For teaching me to marvel at the wonders of technology and encouraging me to pursue my dreams in computers, I'm thankful to my father, Robert A. DeVoe.
Many thanks to my children, who have endured these several months of my working late without complaint. You have earned your trip to Disneyland! It is for you that I do everything I do.
Finally, and most importantly, I'd like to thank my wife, for her unerring support, not just in this project, but in all my work. Without her, this book could not have been finished. You lift me when my spirits are low and tired, and inspire me to keep reaching for new accomplishments ...