Desktop Publishing Books

InDesign CS3 for Macintosh and Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Sandee Cohen

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 66 new & used starting at $18.64

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> Windows - General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Desktop Publishing

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Visual QuickStart Guide—the quick and easy way to learn!

Users of Adobe InDesign will be impressed with the power, ease of use, and integration found in the new InDesign CS3, Adobe's page-design component of Creative Suite 3. Users will also find more robust file-placing capabilities, new Find features, and great new text and transparency effects, among other exciting features. Adobe InDesign CS3 for Macintosh and Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide will highlight the important new features, as well as covering the ones readers have relied on in previous versions of InDesign. Using the task-based, visual approach that readers count on in the Visual QuickStart Guides, this volume introduces readers to all aspects of InDesign CS3. Users will learn how to create and automate documents, import and style text and objects, manage long documents, export files for a wide variety of purposes, and

• Easy visual approach uses pictures to guide you through InDesign and show you what to do.
• Concise steps and explanations let you get up and running in no time.
• Page for page, the best content and value around.much more.

Dreamweaver CS3 for Windows and Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Tom Negrino, Dori Smith

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $34.99 Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $19.79

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Web Development -> Web Design -> Dreamweaver
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Web Development -> Programming -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

With the release of Adobe Creative Suite CS3, Dreamweaver is now part of the world's leading suite of creative tools, making it the de facto tool of choice for anyone designing for the Web. Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide uses a combination of task-based instruction and strong visuals to teach beginning and intermediate users how to create, design, and publish powerful, innovative Web sites with Dreamweaver. Leading technology authors Tom Negrino and Dori Smith take readers step-by-step through the new features in Adobe Dreamweaver CS3, with all new chapters on building dynamic pages with Ajax and Spry, and designing for mobile devices. They also cover improvements to using styles and CSS in Dreamweaver, and the new Browser Compatibility Check in Dreamweaver CS3. Beginning users will learn to create their first Web site, add text, style and position page content, manage styles, work with links, incorporate images, media, tables, forms, and frames, design site navigation, and so much more. Experienced users will find this a convenient reference to the new features of Dreamweaver CS3.

Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Express 4 (Apple Pro Training)

Diana Weynand

Amazon Price: $26.39 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $22.33

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Cinematography
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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Web Development -> Web Design -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Copyright 2008, but content somewhat outdated 3 out of 5 stars.
12 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I received this book yesterday and so far I've only gotten through the first three chapters. But I have already found a few outdated statements. A few examples:
1) "HDV video formats record on tape....AVCHD formats, however, record directly onto disks or hard drives." No mention of memory cards or hybrid options.
2) Lesson Review question (page 30): "What kind of cable do you use to connect your camera to your computer?" Answer: "A FireWire cable."
No mention of USB; in fact, the entire section in chapter 2 covering connecting the camera to the computer only addresses FireWire.
3) The book says after launching the first time FCE looks for any FireWire devices and displays an error message if none are found. This didn't happen, at least not in my case, which makes sense since many newer camcorders don't have firewire.
4) When I opened the first project file (provided on the book's DVD) as instructed, FCE displayed a notice that the file was from an earlier version and asked whether or not to update it. The book doesn't even address this alert, leaving the user to wonder whether or not to select "Yes" or "No" to update the project file. Not updating all the files to version 4 (which they really should have done) is one matter; not even addressing the update prompt is even worse.

None of this is detrimental to my learning experience, however it is evident this is old material merely updated for the 2008 edition, and they missed a few parts during the updating process.

So far the book is VERY basic. I'm a long-time Windows user who just received my first mac about a week ago, and it is simplistic, even for me.

UPDATE: I've progressed through the first 12 chapters, and I'm beginning to realize this book is great for walking (crawling, actually) the user through using the software with the project files included on the book's own DVD, but not so great for real-life applications. For example, I've scanned through the remainder of the book and realized it doesn't eplain how to handle existing video files in different formats (AVI's, for example). FCE can do it, but this book doesn't cover it. I've quit reading the book and started reading the FCE4 User Manual instead. So far, it seems far more applicable to what I need to know; unfortunately, the FCE4 electronic user guide is over 1000 pages long --- more pages than I care to print.

If I could change my rating on this book, I would. It was a waste of money and time. Even for the basic material that is covered, the progression is at a snails pace; it could be much more concise and efficient. Even better, it could cover more useful territory by addressing real-life applications in addition to sterile made-to-order projects.

UPDATE 2:I decided to finish the book and have progressed to the "Appendix", the additional chapters available only on DVD. It is so cumbersome trying to learn this way - read a line, switch to FCE4 to perform the step, re-activate the Preview window to read the next step, reactivate FCD4 to perform it, back and forth, back and forth. See, this is why I actually BOUGHT A BOOK. So I wouldn't have to do this. There are plenty of tutorials on line. I paid money for a book for a reason - to spare myself such inconvenience.

One more thing: The last two chapters used terminology I hadn't seen before (keyframes, for example), with no explanation. However those chapters kept referencing the Appendix. I found explanations for those terms in the Appendix. It seems the Appendix chapters should be completed chronologically before the last chapter, making their absence from the book even more annoying.

P.S. Word to the wise: I sent an email inquiry to the author several days ago. Although I've yet to receive a response (and doubt I ever will), I have begun to receive spam emails from her company.

Editorial Review:

The only Apple-certified guide to Final Cut Express 4, this book delivers the techniques you need to make movie magic with DV, HDV, or AVCHD footage. Each chapter presents a complete lesson in an aspect of video editing and finishing, with hands-on projects to complete as you go. All the files you need are on the included DVD-ROM. You’ll learn how to make effective edits and adjust them precisely; create polished transitions and sophisticated composites; add audio tracks, titles, and speed and motion effects; then color-correct and finish your video for export to DVD or the Web. Whether you’re a student, a devoted amateur who’s serious about digital video, or a professional who needs a comprehensive editing program, you’ll find everything you need to learn Final Cut Express 4 within the pages of this book. DVD-ROM includes lesson and media files for over 20 hours of training.

Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual

Matthew MacDonald

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 By: Pogue Press Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $10.95

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Graphics & Multimedia
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Think you have to be a technical wizard to build a great web site? Think again. For anyone who wants to create an engaging web site--for either personal or business purposes--"Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual" demystifies the process and provides tools, techniques, and expert guidance for developing a professional and reliable web presence.

Like every Missing Manual, you can count on "Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual" to be entertaining and insightful and complete with all the vital information, clear-headed advice, and detailed instructions you need to master the task at hand. Author Matthew MacDonald teaches you the fundamentals of creating, maintaining, and updating an effective, attractive, and visitor-friendly web site--from scratch or from an existing site that's a little too simple or flat for your liking.

"Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual" doesn't only cover how to create a well-designed, appealing, smart web site that is thoroughly up to date and brimming with the latest features. It also covers why it's worth the effort by explaining the rationale for creating a site in the first place and discussing what makes a given web site particularly aesthetic, dynamic, and powerful. It further helps you determine your needs and goals and make well informed design and content decisions.

"Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual" includes a basic primer on HTML, working with JavaScript, and incorporating services like Paypal's shopping cart, Amazon's associate program, and Google AdSense and AdWords. It delivers advanced tricks for formatting, graphics, audio and video, as well as Flash animation and dynamic content. And you'll learn how to identifyand connect with your site's audience through forms, forums, meta tags, and search engines.

This isn't just another dry, uninspired book on how to create a web site. "Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual" is a witty and intelligent guide for all of you who are ready to make your ideas and vision a web reality.

Mac is not a typewriter, The (2nd Edition)

Robin Williams

Amazon Price: $10.19 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $8.65

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Design & Decorative Arts -> Graphic Design -> Typography
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Hardware -> Macs

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

One of the most popular Macintosh books ever written, The Mac is not a typewriter has been called the "Strunk and White of typography." Best-selling author Robin Williams's simple, logical principles for using type to produce beautiful, professional documents are as true now as they were when the original edition was published in 1989. This updated edition includes new examples and expanded information dedicated to the practical advice that made the first edition an enduring bestseller. Throughout, Robin shows you the small details that separate the pros from the amateurs: typographer versus typewriter quotation marks, en and em dashes, tabs and indents, kerning, leading, white space, widows and orphans, and hanging punctuation. If you prepare documents, you'll find The Mac is not a typewriter, Second Edition an indispensable guide. And those who read your documents will recognize the work of a pro, even if they don't know a curly quote from curly fries.

Photoshop CS2 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas

Amazon Price: $20.79 List Price: $31.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 116 new & used starting at $5.00

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Photography & Video -> Adobe Photoshop
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Web Development -> Web Design -> Web Graphics
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

If you're interested in weaving multiple images into a seamless panorama, placing text on paths and shapes, or any of the countless other things you can do with Photoshop CS2's myriad new features, this is the place to get up to speed on them fast! In these pages best-selling authors and Photoshop masters Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas use task-based instruction and strong visual aids to teach you all of the Photoshop essentials: from basic color manipulation and image correction to painting, masking, using filters, importing and editing digital photos, and more. Incisive text, crystal-clear screen shots, and step-by-step instructions bring the art of digital image manipulation to your desktop. Now you can take the ball and run with it, creating your own composite masterpieces that take full advantage of Photoshop's tight integration with the other products in Adobe's Creative Suite. Armed with the tips and techniques Elaine and Peter share here, you'll be ready for any Photoshop CS2 project.

QuarkXPress 7 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Elaine Weinmann, Peter Lourekas

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $12.92

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> Windows - General
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

QXP 7 3 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I have always liked the QuickStart Guides because I learn visually and appreciated having them show what the menu, screen and final result should look like. However, while this book does show the new features and there are many, I was extremely disappointed in that they didn't review the powerful new Web layout features that were stressed at MacWorld and on Quarkk's web site. Here, they refer to an earlier book acting as if nothing different has happened. It has and someone, somewhere needs to write a book on just this feature.

Quark showed us in their MacWorld booth the ease of creating both a print and web page at the same time, in fact dragging items from one to the other. For someone who struggles with Dreamweaver, this was web design heaven. Quark does all the heavy lifting and while their own book is good, it hardly begins to show what can be
done.

Editorial Review:

This handy Visual QuickStart Guide offers the quickest way to begin working with QuarkXPress 7, including all the new graphic effects, Job Jackets, expanded output options, and other great workflow enhancements. In these pages, best-selling authors and veteran educators Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas use task-based, step-by-step instruction and loads of visual aids to provide a solid base of skills in QuarkXPress 7. Progressing from the basics of planning and designing layouts, working with text, and creating and importing graphics to more advanced topics like exporting documents as Web pages, this indispensable reference covers it all.

InDesign CS2 for Macintosh and Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Sandee Cohen

Amazon Price: $23.09 List Price: $34.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $8.00

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> Windows - General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Graphics, Animation & Illustration

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

You already know why it makes sense for you to learn Adobe InDesign: because major magazines, newspapers, book publishers, ad agencies, graphic-design firms, and corporate creative groups worldwide use it to increase productivity and refine creative results. And you need to get up to speed on the very newest version--Adobe InDesign CS2--today! Enter Adobe InDesign CS2 for Macintosh and Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide. Using the task-based, visual approach that has become the hallmark of Peachpit's popular Visual QuickStart Guides, this volume provides a fast, easy, comprehensive introduction to everything InDesign. You'll learn about all aspects of the InDesign interface, including its tools and palettes, as well as how to create documents and master pages, import and style text and objects, automate your work, manage long documents, use the Bezier pen tools,create interactive PDF elements, and work with color. You'll also learn how to use the new Adobe Bridge file browser to locate, manage, and drag and drop assets easily into your InDesign layouts. You’ll find a new chapter on working with InCopy, complete coverage of more advanced topics (like preflighting and advanced text control) and a thorough introduction to all of InDesign's productivity-enhancing features and tools.

Macromedia Flash 8 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Katherine Ulrich

Amazon Price: $29.74 List Price: $34.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 154 new & used starting at $6.99

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Web Development -> Web Design -> Flash
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Graphic Design -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Desktop Publishing

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

An improved script editor (with a visual interface), a revamped library interface, a new Undo feature, powerful run-time effects, breakthrough motion-graphics capabilities—these are just a few of the reasons Web designers are raving about the newest version of their favorite Web tool, Macromedia Flash 8. Whether you’re a beginning user looking for a good introduction to the topic or a veteran user seeking a convenient update reference, you’ll find what you need in this task-based guide. Using simple step-by-step instructions, straightforward language, loads of screen shots, and a plethora of readily accessible examples, author Katherine Ulrich shows you how to create engaging interactive content for the Web with Flash Basic 8 and Flash Professional 8. From basic vector graphics to animation with motion tweening and beyond, this inexpensive, easy-to-use guide promises to get you up to speed fast on the most important application in your design toolbox—Macromedia Flash 8.

Adobe Photoshop CS2 One-on-One (One-On-One)

Deke McClelland

Amazon Price: $26.37 List Price: $39.95 By: O'Reilly Media, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 53 new & used starting at $5.00

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Cinematography
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Photography & Video -> Adobe Photoshop

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 98 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

If you work with Adobe Photoshop, you've already tasted how powerful a graphics tool it can be. Universally recognized as the standard for image editing and production, Photoshop is used by close to 20 million people worldwide. But how many can say they've fully tapped its vast functionality?

Whether you're a first-timer looking to learn Photoshop, or a seasoned Photoshopper interested in the cool new features of CS2, Deke McClelland's Adobe Photoshop CS2 One on One will have you completing rewarding projects in no time at all. A Photoshop expert, sought-after computer graphics and design lecturer and author of over 70 books, Deke brings his passion and easy, conversational style to the new edition of his bestselling Photoshop tutorial, updated for CS2.

A straightforward, step-by-step guide to the features and functions of Photoshop-with plenty of real-world projects and insider tips applied along the way-Adobe Photoshop CS2 One on One also covers the new features of CS2 in depth, including Adobe Bridge, the new file browser that makes it possible to process multiple images at once. Learn how to use new workflow and file handling features, how to batch process digital camera raw files, search metadata, quickly review images in Slideshow mode, and much more.

If that sounds like Greek to you, don't worry. Deke uses highly effective One-on-One teaching methods and creates a classroom environment that combines written instruction with more than two hours of video training (provided on DVD). As host of the "Best of Photoshop" disk that ships with every Photoshop order, he's uniquely qualified to present the material in this dynamic, interactive format. Whatever your skill level, Adobe Photoshop CS2 One on One will soon have you speaking fluent Photoshop CS2.