Isn't it helpful when an arrow on a map points out exactly where you are? So you are here! Maybe you are here because you have used Delphi before and you want to see what is new in Delphi 4. Maybe you are here because your boss told you to be here. Or maybe you are here as a complete beginner who would like to explore the wonderful world of Windows programming. Regardless of why you are here, welcome! I can assure you that the trip will be an interesting one. You will no doubt find it enjoyable, too. It will involve some work, but there will be some fun thrown in along the way. Believe me when I say that there's nothing quite like taking a passing thought and turning it into a working Windows program. I hope you get the fever and lose yourself in hour after hour of programming. I encourage you to experiment as you read this book. Putting the book down and playing around for a while can prove more valuable than the best teacher. Getting through this book isn't a race. The first one to reach the end doesn't receive a prize. I'd rather you spent 21 weeks learning Delphi programming than to rush through this book without taking time to apply the concepts discussed here. By the way, my experience has been that the best way to learn is to have an application in mind that you want to write and then work on that application as you work through this book. Solving real-world problems is the kind of schooling that sticks. So it doesn't really matter why you are here. What's important is that you are here. I'm glad you are here, and I hope you enjoy your Delphi experience. Relax, put your feet up, and have fun learning how to use Delphi. I know I did.

This third edition of Linux Unleashed is the result of the demand for Linux, and for our books, for which we are grateful. Along with our Red Hat Linux Unleashed and my Linux System Administrator's Survival Guide, we have managed to cover most aspects of the Linux market with books aimed squarely at the reader. As with the first two editions, we have had a lot of help from the fine editors at Sams, and from technical reviewers from the Linux community. Thanks to Grace Buechlein for her fine efforts to get this edition in on time and into production. Thanks to Dean Miller and the rest of the editorial and production staff at Sams for whipping it into shape. The result of all this effort is hopefully a book even better than the previous edition, with more information aimed at you, our reader. Personally, my thanks to Kamran for once again working well with me to produce another book. If all my collaborations were as friendly and easy as this, I'd be a happy writer indeed. To my parents, thanks for understanding the need to stay in front of the computer and not make the trips to visit as often as I would have liked. Thanks to Bill, Phyllis, Roy, Mark, and Guy for providing welcome diversions, companionship, and support through the many long nights spent at the console. And finally, thanks to Yvonne, who knows writing is important to me and lets me get on with the job.