As you progress through this book, you’ll note a number of references to the code archive. This is a downloadable ZIP archive that contains complete code for all the examples presented in the book.

The archive contains one folder for each chapter of the book. Each of these folders in turn contains CS and VB subfolders, which contain the C# and VB.NET versions of all the examples for that chapter, respectively. In later chapters, these files are further divided into two more subfolders: Lessons for standalone examples presented for a single chapter, and Project for files associated with the Dorknozzle Intranet Application, a larger-scale project that we’ll work on throughout the book, which I’ll introduce in Chapter 4, Web Forms and Web Controls.

No book is perfect, and we expect that watchful readers will be able to spot at least one or two mistakes before the end of this one. The Errata page on the book’s Website will always have the latest information about known typographical and code errors, and necessary updates for new releases of ASP.NET and the various Web standards that apply.

The SitePoint Forums

If you’d like to communicate with me or anyone else on the SitePoint publishing team about this book, you should join SitePoint’s online community. The .NET forum in particular can offer an abundance of information above and beyond the solutions in this book.

In fact, you should join that community even if you don’t want to talk to us, because there are a lot of fun and experienced Web designers and developers hanging out there. It’s a good way to learn new stuff, get questions answered in a hurry, and just have fun.

In addition to books like this one, SitePoint publishes free email newsletters including The SitePoint Tribune and The SitePoint Tech Times. In them, you’ll read about the latest news, product releases, trends, tips, and techniques for all aspects of Web development. If nothing else, you’ll get useful ASP.NET articles and tips, but if you’re interested in learning other technologies, you’ll find them especially valuable. Sign up to one or more SitePoint newsletters at http://www.sitepoint.com/newsletter/.

If you can’t find your answer through the forums, or if you wish to contact us for any other reason, the best place to write is <books@sitepoint.com>. We have a well-manned email support system set up to track your inquiries, and if our support staff members are unable to answer your question, they will send it straight to me. Suggestions for improvements as well as notices of any mistakes you may find are especially welcome.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank the SitePoint team for doing such a great job in making this book possible, for being understanding as deadlines inevitably slipped past, and for the team’s personal touch, which made it a pleasure to work on this project.

Particular thanks go to Simon Mackie, whose valuable insight and close cooperation throughout the process has tied up many loose ends and helped make this book both readable and accessible. Thanks again Simon for allowing me to write this book—I appreciate the patience and dedication that you’ve shown.

Finally, returning home, I’d like to thank my wife Jessica, whose patience, love and understanding throughout continue to amaze me.