I want to take a moment and thank everyone who helped me write this book. First, I want to thank those who read and appreciated my first programming book, Programming from the Ground Up. The encouragement I received from that book has given me the encouragement to continue writing and educating throughout the years.

Next, I want to thank my homeschool summer co-op class for being guinea pigs for this material. Your questions, your successes, and your difficulties all informed the writing of this book. You were both my motivation to write in the first place and the first proving ground for the material.

I would also like to thank my family, my friends, and my church, all of whom are essential parts of my life. Thanks especially to my wife who puts up with me when I am too focused on my writing to notice what the kids have been up to or to put a stop to whatever trouble they have found themselves in!