Gnuplot in Action is the first comprehensive introduction to gnuplot—from the basics to the power features and beyond. Besides providing a tutorial on gnuplot itself, it demonstrates how to apply and use gnuplot to extract intelligence from data. Particular attention is paid to tricky or poorly-explained areas. You will learn how to apply gnuplot to actual data analysis problems. This book looks at different types of graphs that can be generated with gnuplot and will discuss when and how to use them to extract actual information from data. About the Technology Statistical data is only as valuable as your ability to analyze, interpret, and present it in a meaningful way. Gnuplot is the most widely used program to plot and visualize data for Unix/Linux systems and it is also popular for Windows and the Mac. It's open-source (as in free!), actively maintained, stable, and mature. It can deal with arbitrarily large data sets and is capable of producing high-quality, publication-ready graphics. So far, the only comprehensive documentation available about gnuplot is the online reference documentation, which makes it both hard to get started and almost impossible to get a complete overview over all of its features. If you've never tried gnuplot—or have found it tough to get your arms around—read on. About the Book One of gnuplot's main advantages is that it requires no programming skills nor knowledge of advanced mathematical or statistical concepts. Gnuplot in Action assumes you have no previous knowledge of either gnuplot or statistics and data analysis. The books starts out with basic gnuplot concepts, then describes in depth how to get a graph ready for final presentation and to make it look "just right" by including arrows, labels, and other decorations. Next the book looks at advanced concepts, such as multi-dimensional graphs and false-color plots—powerful features for special purposes. The author also describes advanced applications of gnuplot, such as how to script gnuplot so that it can run unattended as a batch job, and how to call gnuplot from within a CGI script to generate graphics for dynamic websites on demand. What's Inside Creating graphs with gnuplot Data transformations and filters Preparing/polishing graphs for final presentation Publishing graphs in print or on the Web Using gnuplot's power features Gnuplot scripting and programming Types of graphs and when to use them Techniques of graphical analysis How to build, install, and develop for gnuplot Command and Option reference organized by concept About the Reader Gnuplot in Action makes gnuplot easy for anyone who needs to do data analysis, but doesn't have an education in analytical tools and methods. It's perfect for DBAs, programmers, and performance engineers; business analysts and MBAs; and Six-Sigma Black Belts and process engineers. About the Author Philipp K. Janert is Chief Consultant at Principal Value, LLC. He has been a gnuplot user for more than 15 years and regards it as one of the indispensable tools in his toolbox. He has worked for small start-ups and in large corporate environments, both in the US and overseas, including several years at Amazon.com, where he initiated and led several projects to improve Amazon's order fulfillment processes. Philipp K. Janert has written about software and software development for the O'Reilly Network, IBM developerWorks, IEEE Software, and Linux Magazine. He holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Washington. Visit his website at www.principal-value.com. Quotes Knee-deep in data? This is your guidebook to exploring it with gnuplot. - Austin King, Mozilla Sparkles with insight about visualization, image perception, and data exploration. - Richard B. Kreckel, GiNaC.de Incredibly useful for beginners - indispensable for advanced users. - Mark Pruett, Systems Architect Dominion Bridges the gap between gnupolt's reference manual and real-world problems. - Mitchell Johnson, Border Stylo A Swiss Army knife for plotting data. - Nishanth Sastry, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge/IBM

Pro SQL Server 2008 Analytics provides everything you need to know to develop sophisticated and visually appealing sales and marketing dashboards using SQL Server 2008 and to integrate those dashboards with SharePoint, PerformancePoint, and other key Microsoft technologies.

In this Wrox Blox, you'll learn how to create powerful Dashboards for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. First, we introduce Web Part Pages and some of the out-of-the box Web Parts available in WSS. We then look at how to use Web Part Connections to add interactivity to our Dashboards. Later we create advanced Dashboard Views using the Data Form Web Part available with SharePoint Designer 2007. While the author focuses on Windows SharePoint Services, all of the topics discussed also apply to Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 as it is a superset of WSS. This Wrox Blox will be valuable for anyone wishing to share data on their SharePoint site.

THE DEFINITIVE, COMPREHENSIVE, OFFICIAL GUIDE TO XCELSIUS 2008 DASHBOARDS Using Xcelsius, you can create powerful, interactive dashboards, gather data from spreadsheets or databases, and deliver knowledge that can be instantly understood and acted upon. Now there’s a definitive, authoritative guide to making the most of Xcelsius 2008, the newest version of this breakthrough product. Loren Abdulezer, editor-in-chief of Xcelsius Journal, shares insider’s knowledge that goes far beyond any other book or online help resource. Abdulezer introduces Xcelsius 2008, reviews its core concepts, and demonstrates the wide range of dashboards it can create. After you know what’s possible, you’ll go deep inside Xcelsius, gaining hands-on experience with every feature you need to master. You’ll learn how to quickly represent any data with charting components; use dials, gauges, and speedometers; incorporate multiple layers in your dashboards and visualizations; use Xcelsius to perform more useful analyses and manage more interactively; work with maps, demographics, and segmented data; create “smart data” and alerts; and much more. Abdulezer offers tips and tricks you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll learn how to work with data that isn’t rock-solid--and even how to create your own custom components that go beyond Xcelsius’s built-in features. Whether you’re a business intelligence or database professional, power user, developer, or consultant, this book will help you create superior Xcelsius dashboards--and make better decisions. THE ONLY XCELSIUS 2008 DASHBOARDING BOOK YOU NEED Use Xcelsius 2008 to get better answers, identify emerging trends and opportunities, and manage more effectively Learn hands-on, through step-by-step examples using real business data Discover tips and tricks proven in real-world environments Deliver dashboard content in whatever format works best: as HTML pages, PowerPoint presentations, PDF files, or Word documents Fully leverage the information in your Excel spreadsheets--and go beyond Excel to use XML source data, too Implement Xcelsius best practices drawn from the hard-won knowledge of the entire global user community ON THE WEB Registered owners of the book can find all this and more online: All sample files used in the book Additional guides and tutorials to help you build dashboards Templates and example files for new dashboard interfaces Introduction 1 Part I Xcelsius 2008 Fundamentals 1 Motivation for Using Xcelsius 2008 11 2 Showcase of Xcelsius 2008 Dashboards 33 3 Getting Familiar with Xcelsius 2008 43 4 Embedded Spreadsheets: The Secret Sauce of Xcelsius 2008 69 5 Using Charts and Graphs to Represent Data 127 6 Single Value Components: Dials, Gauges, Speedometers, and the Like 157 Part II Xcelsius 2008 Best Practices and Techniques 7 Using Multi-Layer Visibility in Your Dashboards and Visualizations 181 8 Managing Interactivity 203 9 Xcelsius and Statistics 229 10 Financial Analysis 257 11 Maps in Xcelsius 275 12 Smart Data and Alerts 297 13 Working with Less-Than-Optimal Data 315 14 Other Dashboard Techniques and Practices 337 Part III Advanced Features 15 XML and Data Connectivity 353 16 Creating Custom Components for Fun and Profit 371 Part IV Appendices A Supported Spreadsheet Functions in Xcelsius 2008 401 B Xcelsius Product Family Comparison 415 C Xcelsius Best Practice Techniques and Hip Pocket Tips 425 Index 431

Today's information environment demands that we all save time, improve efficiency, and be more creative in our thinking. Mind Mapping is an essential business tool you can add to your intellectual armory. This Infoline will introduce you to the concept of Mind Mapping. You will learn how to read and create Mind Maps, use Mind Maps for common business and training processes, and increase your creativity and effectiveness by using Mind Maps. Trainers can more specifically use Mind Maps to outline prospective courses or programs, illustrate a business case for new projects or funding, organize training program content, l generate ideas during meetings and training sessions, andl draw connections between business needs and developmental efforts.

What’s the use of putting out reports that no one reads? Properly created dashboards are graphical representations that put data in a context for your audience, and they look really cool! How cool? You’ll find out when you see the dazzling examples in Excel 2007 Dashboards & Reports For Dummies. And, before long, everyone’s eyes will be riveted to your dashboards and reports too! This revolutionary guide shows you how to turn Excel into your own personal Business Intelligence tool. You’ll learn the fundamentals of using Excel 2007 to go beyond simple tables to creating dashboard-studded reports that wow management. Get ready to catch dashboard fever as you find out how to use basic analysis techniques, build advanced dashboard components, implement advanced reporting techniques, and import external date into your Excel reports. Discover how to: Unleash the power of Excel as a business intelligence tool Create dashboards that communicate and get noticed Think about your data in a new way Present data more effectively and increase the value of your reports Create dynamic labels that support visualization Represent time and seasonal trending Group and bucket data Display and measure values versus goals Implement macro-charged reporting Using Excel 2007 as a BI tool is the most cost-efficient way for organizations of any size create powerful and insightful reports and distribute throughout the enterprise. And Excel 2007 Dashboards and Reports for Dummies is the fastest you for you to catch dashboard fever!

Describes how to use Advanced DataGrid, OLAP DataGrid, Advanced charting, and automation agents.

THE ONLY VISIO 2007 BOOK YOU NEED “This book makes Visio as much fun as a video game.” Bob and Joy Schwabach, “On Computers,” Universal Press Syndicate We crafted this book to grow with you, providing the reference material you need as you move toward Visio® 2007 proficiency and the use of more advanced features. If you buy only one book on Visio® 2007, Special Edition Using Microsoft Office Visio® 2007 is the only book you need. • Working with shapes, stencils, and themes • Using the Data Graphics feature for extra customization • Importing content from Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project • Displaying data as text, data bars, icons, and color-coding using Data Graphics • Creating custom stencils, icons, and templates • Storing and displaying employee information in organization charts • Customizing the layout of organization charts • Creating database models, flowcharts, and Gantt charts • Connecting shapes in network drawings • Using digital ink and animation • Creating macros • Handling guides and rulers • Working with layers • Getting the most from ShapeSheets

Create and distribute data-connected Microsoft Office Visio diagrams and reports Get full details on the powerful features of Microsoft Office Visio 2007 inside this comprehensive volume. Written by Visio expert David Parker, Visualizing Information with Microsoft Office Visio 2007 demonstrates how to effectively visualize, explore, and communicate complex business information. Learn to use PivotDiagrams, Data Graphics, and Smart Tags, as well as link data to shapes and create meaningful Visio documents and reports. Plus, you'll get vital security information, time-saving tips, troubleshooting techniques, and downloadable macros and code samples. Essential Skills for Database Users and Professionals Create shapes and link them to data Summarize and analyze information using PivotDiagrams Use Data Graphics, Smart Tags, and SmartShapes to reinforce information Generate robust Excel, HTML, and XML reports Create custom, reusable templates, stencils, and masters Update and enhance diagrams with Reviewer's comments and markups Integrate Visio diagrams with other Windows applications Publish and securely distribute Visio documents and summaries Extend functionality using VBA macros, add-ins, and wrapper applications

Get expert advice and learn how to master Microsoft® Office Visio® 2007—from the inside out! This book packs hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds, all in concise, fast-answer format. Includes a companion CD.

Whether you're designing a network, a business plan, or an office building, Visio 2007 can transform your vision into sophisticated diagrams and drawings and this comprehensive reference shows you how. You'll discover how to use Visio for IT, architecture, engineering, and business projects; explore the new features of Visio 2007; learn to publish Visio diagrams to the Web; and much more. If you want to develop your skills in Visio, this is the book you need to succeed.

Ready to put Intuit's QuickBase to work? Our new Missing Manual shows you how to capture, modify, share, and manage data and documents with this web-based data-sharing program quickly and easily. No longer do you have to coordinate your team through a blizzard of emails or play frustrating games of "guess which document is the right one." QuickBase saves your organization time and money, letting you manage and share the information that makes your business tick: sales figures, project timelines, drafts of documents, purchase or work requests--whatever information you need to keep business flowing smoothly. QuickBase: The Missing Manual shows you how to choose among QuickBase's dozens of ready-made applications (mini-databases, essentially) and how to customize one to fit your needs exactly. You'll also learn to assign people different roles within the application. The guide also shows you how to: Capture and modify data: Whatever kind of data you need to store--sales leads, catalog listings, project milestones, workflow checklists--you can use QuickBase's forms to record and organize that data so it makes sense to you. Filter, sort, and group data: Easily find the records that match your criteria, and then sort those records into groups that make their relationships clear. Display your data: QuickBase uses different views (Table, Grid Edit, Summary/Crosstab, Calendar, Chart, and Timeline) to display and summarize data. Switching between them is easy, like taking tasks listed in a table and displaying them as a timeline. Create reports: Print out a hard copy, embed charts in the annual report, or email this month's sales numbers. Because Intuit frequently introduces new features to QuickBase, you'll find updates to this book at our Missing Manual web site so you can benefit from the latest technology and user suggestions right away.

The smart way to learn the latest version of Microsoft® Office Visio® 2007—one step at a time! Build exactly the skills you need by working at your own pace through easy-to-follow lessons and hands-on practice files on CD.

Reveal your inner business artist with Visio Turn your ideas into diagrams and drawings with Visio's stencils and templates If you have an idea you want to get down on electronic paper, Visio 2007 is for you, and so is this book! They're both flexible and user-friendly. Here's how to use Visio to capture ideas from simple to intricate, update data in a drawing with a single click, add and manipulate text, work with connectors, and more. Discover how to Create business, engineering, software, or network diagrams Format an entire drawing using themes Analyze "what-if" scenarios with PivotDiagrams Produce layered multipage drawings Save drawings to publish on the Web

The Visualization Handbook provides an overview of the field of visualization by presenting the basic concepts, providing a snapshot of current visualization software systems, and examining research topics that are advancing the field. This text is intended for a broad audience, including not only the visualization expert seeking advanced methods to solve a particular problem, but also the novice looking for general background information on visualization topics. The largest collection of state-of-the-art visualization research yet gathered in a single volume, this book includes articles by a “who’s who? of international scientific visualization researchers covering every aspect of the discipline, including: · Virtual environments for visualization · Basic visualization algorithms · Large-scale data visualization · Scalar data isosurface methods · Visualization software and frameworks · Scalar data volume rendering · Perceptual issues in visualization · Various application topics, including information visualization. * Edited by two of the best known people in the world on the subject; chapter authors are authoritative experts in their own fields; * Covers a wide range of topics, in 47 chapters, representing the state-of-the-art of scientific visualization.

Teach yourself how to diagram business and technical information using Visio 2003—one step at a time! Build exactly the skills you need by working at your own pace through easy-to-follow lessons and hands-on practice files on CD.

Hands-on tips for powerful presentations in this all-new companion to the bestselling Say It with Charts Through four editions, Gene Zelazny's classic how-to Say It with Charts has generated more than $1.5 million in revenues. Now, in the companion Say It with Charts Workbook, Zelazny shows you how to make even more of your visual communication skills, working "one-on-one" with you on how to masterfully use the latest techniques and tools to enliven every presentation. More than just a rote listing of techniques, Say It with Charts Workbook features performance-improving strategies and suggestions that will help keep both you--and, even more important, the audience--comfortable and at ease. Part refresher course, part workbook, part self-test, it arms you with: • Step-by-step instructions and guidelines • Performance-improving strategies and suggestions • Tactics for customizing graphics to specific audiences

Take your Microsoft Visio experience to the next level! This supremely organized reference packs hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and handy workarounds for Visio 2003 in concise, fast-answer format.

This book is for database designers and database administrators using Visio, which is the database component of Microsoft's Visual Studio .NET for Enterprise Architects suite, also included in MSDN subscriptions. This is the only guide to this product that tells DBAs how to get their job done. Although primarily focused on tool features, the book also provides an introduction to data modeling, and includes practical advice on managing database projects. The principal author was the program manager of VEA's database modeling solutions. · Explains how to model databases with Microsoft® Visio for Enterprise Architects (VEA), focusing on tool features.· Provides a platform-independent introduction to data modeling using both Object Role Modeling (ORM) and Entity Relationship Modeling (ERM), and includes practical advice on managing database projects.· Additional ORM models, course notes, and add-ins available online.

Because most people don't have the luxury of sitting down uninterrupted for hours at a time to learn Visio, this 10-Minute Guide focuses on the most often used features, covering them in lessons designed to take 10 minutes or less to complete. In addition, this guide teaches the user how to use Visio without relying on technical jargon, by providing straightforward, easy-to-follow explanations and lists of numbered steps that tell the user which keys to press and which options to select.