Reviews (4)

This book is great.
this book is great - it is not too advanced for beginners. It walks you through director setup, but also allows for you to skip to the more advanced stuff. Its a great book for any level and is engaging, and an easy read. I recomend it strongly.

Almost good
This book is good...but i would really like it it has a little more picture on the steps.

EXTREMELY HELPFUL!
having learned the basics of director in a class was a good start to the program, but being the MONSTER that director is, a 'beginner' like myself, definitely needs the extra help.This book is relatively easy to understand, (relative because the program itself is just so complex), and is thorough.I found solutions for problems in the book that I could not find on the Macromedia website!
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Desktop Publishing - General    7. Director (Computer file)    8. Multimedia systems    9. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    10. Multimedia   

Reviews (4)

If you want to learn Rhino ....
This book provides plenty of examples, grouped in a context in which they will be used. Some Nurbs, modeling theory and troubleshooting tips. Enough to answer questions as you go through the text but not so much as to be overwhelming.
Horrible
Do not buy this book. Instead buy the online Rhino video tips from Mcneel. I bought this book expecting to learn something only to discover that the stuff I learned was useless. Save your time and money
Numerous omissions and typos made for a very frustrating read.Mislabeled drawings and missing or erroneous instructions made exercises difficult to follow. Fundamental exercises were superficial and fragmented without logical development or context making retention difficult.Rhino's supplied Level 1 and Level 2 Training Materials are far superior in all regards. Don't waste your time and money.The publisher and author were e-mailed regarding problems but no response. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computer-Aided Engineering    6. Computers    7. Computers - Desktop Publishing    8. Desktop Publishing - General    9. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    10. Rhino (Computer file)    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Three-dimensional display syst    13. Three-dimensional display systems    14. Computer modelling & simulation    15. Computers / Information Technology    16. Sculpture & other three-dimensional art forms   

Reviews (3)

Compehensive and More
Lisa wirtes one of the most (if not the best) comprehensive books about Final Cut Pro enabling almost anyone to "get it" when even the Apple Manuals and on line help do not. I had her version 4 book and now the version 5 book. I only hope she updatesit for version 6, 7, 8, 9 etc, that Apple most assuredly will continue to release.

I Like The Visual Guide Format for Learning Software
The folks that do the Visual QuickPro Guides have developed an interesting format that they use for computer books. Basically each page has two columns. The outside column has the text that describes what is being done on that page. The column near the gutter of the book is used for screen shots that show what the screen should look like as you do the procedure described on the outside column. This philosophy is combined with an excellent index and table of contents to enable you to quickly find what you want to do.
An invaluable reference!
Lisa Brenneis has done it again!This book is a great primerand a very thorough reference source.I studied it for several days before taking a course in Final Cut Pro and went into the class better prepared than I would have been without this book.
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Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    3. Computer Animation    4. Computer Books: Operating Systems    5. Computers    6. Data Processing - General    7. Interactive & Multimedia    8. Operating Systems - Macintosh    9. Computers / Interactive Media    10. Image processing: video   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

I am so happy to have found this book and DVD lesson
I have needed InDesign Training for a very long time.It is the only program the agency I work for is allowed to use, but I live in the middle of nowhere and have been unable to attend classes.This book and 2 hour DVD lesson totally has gotten me up to speed on making page layouts.I only wish I had bought it from Amazon instead of Barnes and Noble, I would have saved $15.At any rate, get this book.The best thing about it is that the author uses PRACTICAL examples for doing things.Most computer books expect you to know things already.Well, I didn't know squat.Now I do.The author runs you through simple examples, getting more and more complex with functions, until you have it down.I love that!I loved this book so much I ordered his Photoshop book too since I need to learn that program.So, if you bought InDesign CS2 and need help from the get go, GET THIS BOOK FIRST!

If it wasn't for Deke....
I would never have tackled InDesign CS2 without this book. Deke lays it out, so to speak, in every way. Do-along lessons, The DVD and the large pictures showing you what it should look like create a visual safety net. You almost can't go wrong. The book lessons are so clear and Deke takes you through every way to do a thing in each lesson. If you're a keyboard freak there are keyboard shortcuts galore, include Deke Keys which you can install with the lessons. I am more of a mouse person and Deke makes sure to outline all the ways you can use the mouse to access pallets and work with graphics and text. Deke is enthusiastic about the software but brutally honest about it's few shortcomings. Best of all, he takes you through the trickiest parts of the learning process and manages to be funny all the while. I always love Deke's lesson plans. Instead of using a stuffy business format for the sample documents he presents you with projects like Little Pupper Friend's Cookie Recipe or Professor Shembops 1970's pop music quiz. It all feels less intimidating. Another good thing is the way Deke explains things for those of us who have been using PageMaker or QuarkXPress. Adobe InDesign CS2 One on One is a wonderful way to learn. The book is great for design people who are not particularly "techie". Still, InDesign CS2 is not for sissies.I know this sounds nutty, but I feel like Deke is right here with me every step of the way.

Enough with the shortcuts already
I bought this book because of the extensive amount of instructional video that accompanies the written text. It was something I was looking for in an instructional book - and I didn't find another book with 2+ hours of video. However, after only completing four of the chapters I cannot help but be bothered by the fact that the author has an awful habit of telling you ever possible shortcut configuration for every function. He spends an inordinate amount of time explaining all the shortcut possibilities which is very distracting when you are trying to follow along with an exercise. It's great to know all these handy shortcuts, but if you are just starting to learn InDesign (and I'm guessing here) you initially just want the basics. This approach really slows down the process. Unfortunately, these "shortcut digressions" seem to continue throughout the book. The video content (and the book content) probably could have been reduced by about 30-40% if he didn't labor about every possible shortcut every other sentence. In all fairness the book does contain a lot of content, but I am kinda disappointed by the video. They could have made this potentially excellent book truly excellent if they made an appendix of all these shortcuts rather than cram every option into every exercise. Very distracting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe InDesign    2. Adobe InDesign (Computer software)    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - Design    5. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    6. Computer Graphics - General    7. Computers    8. Computers - Desktop Publishing    9. Computers - Other Applications    10. Desktop Publishing - General    11. General    12. Adobe, InDesign, compositing, DTP, page layout, Workflow, Quark Xpress, Deke McClelland    13. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    14. Computers / Desktop Publishing    15. Computers / Desktop Publishing / General    16. Desktop publishing    17. Desktop publishing software   

Reviews (17)

Speed Clinic Delivers!
Since I was new to PhotoShop CS2, upgrading from years with PS Elements, I started with basic, highly recommended massive tutorial type PS CS2 books first. I had a "second tier" list of PhotoShop books for purchase consideration after I became at least semi-literate in PS CS2. This was near the top of my "second tier" book list - it should have been one of the FIRST PhotoShop books I bought!
Paid for itself in the First Chapter
After finishing the first chapter of Matt Koskowski's book I knew it had paid for itself already.After the second chapter I felt guilty that I hadn't paid more for the book.After finishing it I felt as if I should send more money to the author or publisher or someone.What a terrific book.Kloskowski presented this vital information the same way he teaches in his clinics and on his video lessons; that is, with perfect clarity and with relevant examples.This is one terrific book.

Awesome Book A Must Have for any Photoshop User
I have read this book and it is a must have for any type of Photoshop user. The tips in this book are a big time saver. The title of the book describes it all! Matt is truly a nice person and very knowledgable in the world of Photoshop. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe Photoshop    2. Adobe Photoshop (Computer software)    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    6. Computer graphics    7. Computers    8. Computers - Desktop Publishing    9. Desktop Publishing    10. Desktop Publishing - General    11. Microcomputer Graphics    12. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    13. Photoshop   

Reviews (89)

Buy this book!
This book is written to address directly the kinds of procedures that photographers want to know about Photoshop. Instead of looking at Photoshop from a programmer's perspective (i.e. here are all of the cool things the crop tool can do) Kelby approaches Photoshop from the other side, in a humorous and simple style that starts with what the PHOTOGRAPHER wants to do and then tells you which tools to use and how. If you are looking for a manual that lets you quickly and simply do what you want, get this. By the way, many of the techniques will work with Photoshop Elements. In other words, for under a hundred bucks you can buy this book and Photoshop Elements and do some fantastic things to your photographs. Great book!

A good quick reference
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn how to handle common tasks within Photoshop.The book targets the novice user who has not yet mastered Photoshop.Scott Kelby takes a light-hearted approach to many of the common tasks and every step is illustrated with colorful screen shots.The text avoids technical jargon and is written in conversational language.The price is right and it is well worth the purchase.Do not purchase this book if you want to gain a mastery over PS and want to know the intricities of the application.

Great Stuff
I have only read 3 chapters and have already learned new tricks.Very good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe Photoshop    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    5. Computer graphics    6. Computers    7. Computers - Desktop Publishing    8. Desktop Publishing - General    9. Digital techniques    10. Photography    11. Retouching    12. Techniques - Equipment    13. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    14. Photoshop   

Reviews (23)

Sad leftovers from the dark ages...
This book is at first appearance, visually interesting and consuming. But upon closer look (as in opening it) it's not worth the time, money or breath sadly. The concepts and ideas within this book can be inspiring to thoses who have the time and energy, but overall this book is just a display of bad, kitsch design. My advice? Don't bother.

Not overly sophisticated
I bought this along with the Color Index, and I must admit I'm not overly impressed with the ideas in this text. i use a lot
for those who aren't experienced in the in's and out's of page layout and design, this book is a lifesaver. it really gets your creative juices flowing by simply giving you a full range of possible ideas for how you can change up your design. i found it much more useful than the idea book, which didn't really help me with the visual expression part. if you have a concept and you simply want to consider all the possibilities for how you can express it on a page, i recommend getting this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design - Book    4. Graphic Arts - General    5. Graphic design (Typography)    6. Layout (Printing)    7. Graphic design   

Reviews (15)

iPod Book: Doing Cool Stuff with the iPod and the iTunes Music Store, The (2nd Edition)
Great book! Love the writing style. It's like reading a personal e-mail from a friend and is so easy to understand.I don't do well with manuals, as a rule.I'll purchase Mr. Kelby's books in the future without hesitation.

Now we're talking!
I just want to thank the author,Scott Kelby for making this an easy step by step how-to book for iPod users. Thanks for using 'user friendly lingo' in your book! I can't believe how much easier it is to use my iPod now and how many features I am now using on my computer as well as my iPod. Great reference!

Easy to use resource for the non-tech savvy
I bought this book because of the format - each page has a set of instructions for how to do one thing, ensuring that it is kept simple and concise. I have had a video iPod since Christmas 2005 and could figure out enough to make playlists, download, and rip but knew no other tricks. My library now looks cleaner, misspelled titles/artists are now corrected, and I know how to better organize my over 6000 songs.
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Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    3. Computer Books: Operating Systems    4. Computers    5. Data Processing - Speech & Audio Processing    6. Hardware - Personal Computers - Macintosh    7. Interactive & Multimedia    8. Operating Systems - Macintosh    9. Recording & Reproduction    10. Sound Recording And Recordings    11. iPod (Digital music player)    12. iTunes    13. iTunes (Computer software)    14. Audio processing    15. Computers / Interactive Media   

Reviews (5)

Nothing New
I bought this book hoping for a new spin on Bookbinding lit.It turned out to be more of the same: lots more stab bindings.The explanations are vague as well.The chapter on Scroll-making was interesting, but overall, this book is not worth the price.If you have other bookbinding books, there's nothing new here.

At the Master's Feet
As an amatuer bookbinder with varying levels of attention span, I found this book really useful. The illustrations and directions are very clear and can be followed very closely or used as a jumping off point. It covers many styles of binding, tools and paper. I especially enjoyed the pictures where the bookbinder's foot is used to to hold something down leaving the hands free to work. Ever read a craft how-to book and thought...well I could do that if I had 3 hands?

Lots of choices, clear directions
This is an excellent introduction to the varied forms of Japanese bookbinding. As with so many other crafts in Japan, it is both like and very unlike matching Western craft.
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Subjects:  1. Art / History / Asian    2. Bookbinding    3. Crafts & Hobbies / Papercrafts    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Japan    7. Art    8. Art & Art Instruction    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. History - Asian    11. Papercrafts   

Editorial Review

When a book of any kind warrants a fifth edition, there must be more than just a few things right about it. In the case of Read more

Reviews (3)

good, but 4th edition better!
The fourth edition of this book was excellent. I'm sorry to say this one is not quite as good, as hard as that may be to believe. There are two problems: 1) a large number of errors, (worst of all) many of which are concetentrated in the chapter on b-splines. 2) in many places the book over-abstracts, and i feel that blossom form is overused here. THE BIBLE for CAGD
I found this book to be extremely helpful in grasping the fundamentals of CAGD. The author's style is very informal and engaging (yes, despite the very 'techie' nature of the subject). The very liberally distributed illustrations give a good idea about 'whats-actually-going-on'?In all, a very highly recommended book, even if you are remotely interested in CAGD.

A bible for CAGD people
This book should be considered as a bible for people (including students, researchers, engineers and programmers) working in the CAGD area.The author placed a good balance between the discussion of theoretical (mathematical) and practical (implementation) issues of curves and surfaces design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. CAD-CAM - General    2. Cad/Cam    3. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    4. Computer Graphics - Design    5. Computer graphics    6. Computer-aided design    7. Computers    8. Computers - Desktop Publishing    9. Desktop Publishing - General    10. Algebraic geometry    11. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    12. Image processing: graphics (static images)   

Reviews (19)

Special Edition Using Office Microsoft FrontPage 2003
This is a great book for starts with MS FrontPage.A great way to get started with HTML.

Returned it
I know my way around front page. I bought this book so that I could learn more. I found that it offered me nothing but hundreds of pages of text that really did nothing for someone like me who wanted to create a visully stimulating website.
Great addition, but not for beginners.
This is a great book if you know the basics of Frontpage 2003.This is not a beginners book, but an intermediate.Has alot of ways you can improve your site.I am always referring to it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer Books And Software    3. Computers    4. Design    5. Electronic publishing    6. Internet - Web Site Design    7. Internet - Web Site Design - Frontpage    8. Internet - World Wide Web    9. Microsoft FrontPage    10. Web sites    11. Computers / Internet / Web Site Design    12. Desktop publishing software    13. Internet languages   

Reviews (11)

Beautiful to look at
This is a beautiful book, with lovely pictures of Talyor's work. My only complaint is that "Master Class" is a bit misleading. Although I learned a lot about Ms Taylor, I hoped to learn a bit more of technique. I am still very glad that I purchased it, though. Her pictures are fascinating.

Whata Master Class Is
Ifind the same criticism onmany of the "Master Class" photoshop books. You need to remember what a Master Class is. It is not a technique class. There are other classes/books for this.
Essential for Photoshop Artists
This book is essential for Photoshop artists looking for an illustrative compendium of surrealistic color imagery one may achieve in Photoshop. The color reproductions are impeccable and each picture has background information by the artist herself. If you like Max Ernst's 100 Headless Woman you'll love this book. Her color sense and use of texture will make you really be hypnotised by her narrative creations. It can stand on its own as a picture book- as a manual you can apply yourself and delve into it even more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Desktop Publishing    7. Microcomputer Graphics    8. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    9. Photoshop   

Reviews (2)

Betsy Bruce's writing is clear and easily digestible
In the computer world, things change in the blink of an eye.The Sams Publishing Teach Yourself . in 24 Hours series can get the reader up and running in a matter of days.Concepts are delivered in units that are designed to be completed within 1 hour per unit.Betsy Bruce's Teach Yourself Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 in 24 Hours is no exception.
Scratches the surface and just that...
This is a great book for beginners that want to create amateur-decent websites. Any knowledge beyond the intermediate level will have to be sought elsewhere.
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Subjects:  1. Authoring programs    2. Computer - Internet    3. Computer Books: Web Programming    4. Computers    5. Design    6. Desktop Publishing    7. Desktop Publishing - General    8. Internet - Web Site Design    9. Web sites    10. Computers / Internet / Web Site Design    11. Internet   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (24)

Good introduction and reference resource
This is a useful introduction to the Bash shell used in unix, linux, and other *nix type operating systems. It takes you from a very basic introduction into deeper concepts including shell scripting and customization. Highly recommended for the niche market it is intended to reach. I found it clear, useful and detailed without being dull.

Essential linux skills.
This book (2nd. ed.) shows how bash shell programming exploits special capabilities of linux and unix. Shell programming manages other, more specialized, programs. So understanding the shell is essential to fully exploiting multitasking environments like linux.
simple subject
[A review of the THIRD EDITION 2005.]
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computers    3. Computers - Operating Systems    4. Operating Systems - Macintosh    5. Operating Systems - UNIX    6. Programming Languages - General    7. UNIX (Computer file)    8. UNIX shells    9. User interfaces (Computer systems)    10. Computers / Operating Systems    11. Computers / Operating Systems / UNIX    12. Unix, Unix Linux & Unix TCL/TK    13. unix, mac os x, shell scripting, bash    

Reviews (32)

One of the greatest books for logo design
Another book that is definately a "must buy", especially if you're a logo designer.Funny thing is, the publisher has released another book that is especially focused on logos named "logo index" but i find this "idea index" to be a hundred times more useful when it comes to logos.
Perfectly simple for beginners
I am an architecture student who is always looking for new ideas on how to present my work graphically.I purchased 'Idea Index' after having read all of the great reviews about the book.I believe it is a perfect reference for beginners who have little experience in the field of graphic design, and also for those who have a penchant for Microsoft clip art.
I call this a design jump start...
This is the book I grab when I feel like my creative spark has died out. I never fails to give me a good idea or two...and usually that is enough to get things started.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design - Book    4. Graphic design (Typography)    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Typography    7. Graphic design   

Reviews (1)

Good work for hte new exams.
Microsoft's release of the MCDST Certification has you taking 2 exams, 70-271 and 70-272.What you need is something to use as a final study tool and this set is just the right answer. What you have here is a fairly complete breakdown of the exam objective condensed for easy reading.
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Subjects:  1. Certification Guides - General    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Certification    5. Desktop Publishing    6. Reference - General    7. Computer Hardware & Operating Systems    8. Computers / Technical Skills    9. Microsoft Office    10. Study guides, home study & revision notes   

Reviews (3)

A Must Have!
What's truly amazing about this book is that it combines high quality artistic nudes, by talented photographers throughout the world, with in-depth discussion of techniques.It's rare to find both in the same book, and to find them so well integrated.The quality of the images is so high that I could well have bought it for the photos alone - something that almost never is the case with photo how-to books!And, the reproduction quality is absolutely amazing, rivaling that of some of the highest quality hard-bound coffee table books!And, that leads me to the final point ... The price is actually reasonable, because it is in paperback form (not really paper, but rather that high quality durable plastic clad type of "paper").If you like books with artistic nudes, this one is a must have!

Comments from a contributing photographer

An absolutely beautiful and educational book!
This book has enabled me understand and translate very complicated techniques that the top photographers in the world utilize.Plus, the book is of the highest quality, the pictures stand on their own as pieces of art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers - Desktop Publishing    3. Desktop Publishing - General    4. Interactive & Multimedia    5. Photo Techniques    6. Photography    7. Subjects & Themes - Erotica    8. Techniques - Digital    9. Computers / Interactive Media    10. Photographic equipment & techniques   

Reviews (19)

Review of Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Str
Are you overwhelmed with the need to create more content, faster, customized for more customers, and for more media than ever before?Do you consider storing documentation on a server as an effective a content management system? Do you want to learn how content management will empower your organization? The answer to these questions and many more is covered in Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy by Ann Rockley with Pamela Kostur and Steve Manning of The Rockley Group. The Rockley Group is one of the leading providers of content management methodologies. A must for Content Management projects
This book is an absolute must for Content Management projects. It touches all of the important aspects: Technical, functional and process. There is something for all stakeholders in a EMS/CMS project. Misleading title...really unifed content creation
I was disappointed that the book was really focused on how to create reusable elements that go into product information such as data sheets, marketing collateral, technical support, etc.It focused on auditing the content, finding the reusability elements across departments, then designing an appropriate hierarchy on top of a content management system.It assumed that content drives the information architecture when in most applications it is the business processes that drive the architecture.It ignored the majority of enterprise content like email, word docs, design specs, forms, etc. that make up the real information content of the enterprise.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business Enterprise    2. Business enterprises    3. Business records    4. Computer Books: General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Communications / Networking    7. Data processing    8. Desktop Publishing    9. Electronic Commerce  &