I know the best way to learn (for me at least) is to buy a good book. The thing is, how can someone know what is good until the 30 return policy is up? So I am asking for help in selecting a book to assist me in my adventures into the strange and dynamic world 1's and 0's. So can anyone recommend any good books? I am interested in learning PERL and C++ and UNIX shell. Any suggestions would be great.

Brandon- I'm with you on the learn by book method. I spent $50 on programming books last month, and learned more than I have after spending $4,000 on tuition the past 3 years. I have "Learn PERL in a weekend" by Thomas Nowers. Although I liked it, it did not go as in depth or have as many references as I would have liked. Nevertheless, it delivers what it promises...you really can "learn perl in a weekend." If I could go back, I would probably purchase "CGI 101" because I read the first 6 chapters online and liked them. Also that one has some SQL stuff that I would have liked to learn. Read the first 6 chapters of that one on cgi101.com. I have never read anything but textbooks on C++ and nothing but online tutorials for Unix Shell. Best of luck, SN

Hi, Take a walk to the bookstore, have a sit, read a few chapters. if you feel that you learn something, it is a good book for you. A good book for me may not be a good book for you. It is all depended on your background. Beginners, Advances, intermediates level..... have fun!

Over many years I have discovered that whenever I wish to learn more about a computing subject that Wrox provide the best books. I have just obtained VisualStudio.NET and again have found the Wrox titles to be very good. I think they are aimed at those seriously interested in a subject, not novice, neither to they contain lots of white space and pictures of windows. I hasten to add that I have no connection with Wrox. Have a look at their in a bookshop and also look at their web site www.wrox.com. Enjoy.

cranley: I am also considering to learn .NET stuff. Which good books did you get from Wrox for .Net?