The Latest

Testing Applications on the Web: Test Planning for Internet-Based Systems[magazine]

Danny Faught recommends Testing Applications on the Web: Test Planning for Internet-Based Systems by Hung Q. Nguyen. Faught concludes: "This book does not attempt to be a general reference on software testing. What it provides, instead, is domain-specific information that helps the reader plan for testing a Web-based application. Its clear illustrations of important Web testing approaches and its extensive checklists give testers detailed suggestions for their testing, based on real Web development experiences."

Danny R. Faught's picture Danny R. Faught
The Two Bugs[magazine]

Brian Marick applies the philosophical concept of "ready-to-hand" to software programming and describes two bugs that illustrate problems caused by mismatched reuse of ideas.

Brian Marick
Tactical Project Management at a Startup[magazine]

Ulla Merz explains the role of a project manager at a startup company. She addresses topics such as requirements definition and project schedule; project status meetings; and establishing a change control board.

Ulla Merz
Walking the Fine Line between Helpful and Harmful[magazine]

Jeff Johnson examines user interface problems caused by designers trying to rearrange users' data. He gives examples of software that is too helpful, and concludes that software should support users in their management of displays without managing the displays for them.

Jeff Johnson
A Look at TestTrack Pro by Seapine Software[magazine]

Michele Rigney finds that Seapine's TestTrack Pro has added value to her company's products by providing a centralized system that captures the wants and needs of clients. Issues are tracked from initial report through resolution and release, and all the steps along the way are documented.

Michele D. Rigney
A Look at Mercury's TestDirector 7i[magazine]

Arne Henne looks at HP (Mercury Interactive) TestDirector and concludes that this test management tool improves the effectiveness of testing in almost any environment. It incorporates all aspects of the testing--requirements management, planning, scheduling, running tests, defect tracking--into a single browser-based application.

Arne Henne
Finding a Mentor[magazine]

Perhaps you've just changed careers and are looking for a leg up in your new chosen field. Perhaps you're an old pro wondering how to take your career to the next level. No matter how long you've been doing what you do, it's always good to have someone by your side to help move your career forward–a mentor. Elisabeth Hendrickson describes what qualities to look for in a mentor.

Elisabeth Hendrickson's picture Elisabeth Hendrickson
What Do They Pay You to Do?[magazine]

Don't assume that because you have a title or a job description that you can take either one as literal truth. Do you really know what your company pays you to do? Understanding why you were hired can help you assess whether your company's expectations are a match with the personal mission that motivates you.

Johanna Rothman's picture Johanna Rothman
Asking the Right Questions and Asking Them Right[magazine]

Naomi Karten shares how to ask the questions that ensure you and your customer are on the same page. Her tips include: 1) guard against conflicting interpretations; 2) don't jump to conclusions; 3) gather feedback early and often; 4) examine your rules for commenting; 5) conduct congruent questioning; and 6) find out what's important to your customers.

Naomi Karten's picture Naomi Karten
Facing Up to the Truth[magazine]

Technical Editor Esther Derby uses examples to show that our ability to "face the truth" and take effective action rests on the ability to be in a mental state where our emotions and fears aren't in control.

Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
At What Cost?[magazine]

The phrase "Internet Time" connotes urgency. But Technical Editor Esther Derby urges readers to think beyond the fast pace of Internet development, and consider the true costs and benefits of making the deadline.

Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
Measuring and Managing Performance in Organizations[magazine]

Don Gray recommends Measuring and Managing Performance in Organizations by Robert D. Austin. The book is not a five-step program toward measurement success; instead, it gives an in-depth look at what makes or breaks measurement systems. The book presents information in an intuitive way; if you understand algebra and simple logic, you will understand what Austin is presenting.

Don Gray's picture Don Gray
Writing Effective Bug Reports[magazine]

Have you ever had a bug returned to you for more information? Have you ever found a critical bug only to have it deferred to another release? Elisabeth Hendrickson tells you how to write effective and informative bug reports that will get noticed.

Elisabeth Hendrickson's picture Elisabeth Hendrickson
Why Testers Should Participate in Early Reviews[magazine]

Do testers really belong in early reviews? For Michael Dedolph, the answer is yes! For that matter, he thinks more installers should be involved as well. Why? Testers and installers are usually involved in the "end game," so they add value by bringing that very different point of view to the review process.

F. Michael Dedolph
Learning Web Performance Testing[magazine]

Sue Bartlett and Meenakshi Rao highlight some common mistakes to avoid when starting Web performance testing, including trying to select a load-testing tool before evaluating your needs, and trying to outsource performance testing for a complex eBusiness application. They convey two important lessons: First, it's vital that you understand your architecture and your Web site's purpose; second, that kind of understanding is difficult to transfer to a third party.

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