Product Description
Mathematica is a software system for doing mathematics with the computer. Since its first version was released in 1988, it has sold over 250K units throughout the world. Mathematica's three main components for manipulating mathematics include numerics, symbolic algebra, and graphics. This book is intended to concentrate on tutoring users on how to generate Mathematica graphics using the Mathematica software. It is written by an expert in the area, who is also an employee of Wolfram Research, Inc., the creator and distributor of the software. Tom Wickham-Jones has a Ph.d in Physical Chemistry from Oxford University. He is directly involved in all technical issues and programs relating to the graphics side of the Mathematica package, therefore he is a natural choice to author such a publication. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Excellent Tool
I keep this volume next to my _Mathematica_ and _Standard Add-On Packages_ books. I've used Mathematica since its introduction to make thousands of graphs and figures for publication and communication. Still I can always use as much help making better graphics as I can get. Written by one of the Mathematica team, this book provides an excellent set of tools for everyone from the novice to the experienced user for making even better visual material using Mathematica.

One of the top 10 Mathematica books without a doubt. ... Read more

Product Description
An affordable, easily scannableone-day training guide designed for use in instructor-led training courses. ... Read more

Product Description
Adobe InDesign is taking the publishing world by storm and users arehungry for breakthrough solutions to their myriad concerns—from howbest to manage the program's sometimes unwieldy interface to how toproduce quality PDF files. Page-layout guru David Blatner and veterantrainer Anne-Marie "HerGeekness" Concepción have scoured the onlineforums, interviewed Adobe engineers, and gathered together answers toover 200 of the most-commonly asked questions. Written in a sassy,fun-to-read style, this book tackles every major InDesign problem witha lay-it-on-the-line solution. Adobe InDesign CS/CS2 Breakthroughs isfor anyone who has been using InDesign long enough to realize that thesolution to their problems isn't always as obvious as one would expect. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Fantastic! Please release a book for CS4!
I used this book all the time when we were on CS and CS2. Very often when I would get stumped with a layout or production problem, this book had the answer. Now that we're up to CS4, though, this book needs an update! Still an excellent companion for the intermediate-advanced designer or production artist.

Opened it maybe twice
I bought this book when I was learning InDesign a while back. I have honestly opened it maybe at the most two times in my life. Now of course it's useless because Adobe is up to CS4 now. If you see this, run away.

Not just for beginners...
Adobe InDesign CS/CS2 BreakthroughsI bought this book a little over a year ago.I was starting a new job where the primary tool is InDesign CS2 and although I was familiar with the program it had been a while since I'd used it professionally.I was looking for a book to help me quickly learn some keyboard shortcuts as well as to learn some workflow tips.
This book was everything I needed and a lot more.InDesign is a deep program and InDesign CS/CS2 Breakthroughs is a comprehensive, well written and easy to use primer and overview, for beginners and veteran users alike.My copy has become a fixture on my desk (I work designing ads for a newspaper) and all my coworkers find it as instrumental as I do.The book also functions wonderfully as a bridge for people migrating from Quark to InDesign.Ms. Concepcion and Mr. Blatner have created a perfect tool! Bravo!

Fantastic!
I am an InDesign instructor, and this book has helped my workshop participants tremendously. Folks who've been using Quark and PageMaker will also find this book a great time-saver. Will it be updated for CS3 soon? Evenso, it is a great reference book -- my copy is dog-eared (a sign of a useful resource). Bravo!

Ideal for Self-Taught Typographers
Living in South Africa, there are not many opportunities to attend InDesign Forums. I am a self-taught typographer, so I found this "Breakthroughs" book most useful and easy to turn to in solving a number of problems. ... Read more

Product Description
This eye-catching, 4-color book shows, step-by-easy-step, how to use a computer and an inkjet printer to make fun and functional projects. Even with minimal technical skills, you will be able to jump right in and try your hand at the projects described. All projects include step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and full-color photos of the finished product. A resource list of websites and message boards provides entry into the computer crafting community, and an exhaustive supplier listing for all sorts of computer crafting materials makes it even easier for you to find what you need. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Some good ideas
There are some good ideas in the book, but some of these ideas are free on the website provided in the book.There is also a sample in the intro pages of the book about a pillow made from a design on a tissue box, but no instructions on how to replicate the project.

Fun Computer Crafts For All
'Creative Computer Crafts: 50 Fun and Useful Products You Can Make with Any Inkjet Printer' by Marcelle Costanza is a nice book for all hobbyists and craft lovers who are looking to have some fun with their computer!As the title says, full of 50 fun crafts, you can learn that with even a simple inkjet printer you can have loads of enjoyment and start creating imaginative, exciting crafts just with the click of a mouse!

If you are into crafts and enjoy working on the computer, pick up a copy of this book and learn how to mesh these 2 things together while having a great time doing so!!

**** RECOMMENDED

tacky and pointless
I checked this book out of the library rather than buying it, thankfully. Virtually every pattern in this cheesy book is available on the author's (equally cheesy) website for FREE, with links to buy materials to make the projects directly from the author. How genius. The information in this book is so fundamental that it is laughable, and easily available for free on the internet with minimal effort. This is just a really dumb book.

More Than Just Computer Craft Projects
This book by Marcelle Costanza is more than just 50 computer craft projects. It is packed with useful information for the beginner and advanced computer crafter. Costanza begins with the background and history of computer crafts, the growth of computer crafting techniques and the popularity of computer crafts on the web. Next, she discusses the tools you will need to get started such as a computer, printer, software, special papers, inks, scanner and digital camera. She covers what is available on the market and what to look for when choosing the best equipment for your needs. She also gives some useful tips that she has discovered over the years.

One thing that makes this book stand out from the others on this topic is the section about starting your own computer crafts business. Costanza shares her experiences and knowledge gained while starting her own business and discusses what options you have available as you make those startup decisions.

The main part of the book is the step-by-step instructions for the 50 craft projects. Here you will find some favorites such as a candy bar wrapper, note pad and memory book. But you will also enjoy some projects you may not have considered before such as a Barbie doll outfit and a revolving musical carousel. There is also a thorough list of computer craft websites, communities and suppliers.

Marcelle Costanza is a long time traditional and computer crafter and started her online business, The Crafty PC, in 2000.

Computer Crafting Book for the Technically Challenged
I love crafting, but never realized how many wonderful items I could make with just my computer and printer!I am not technically savvy, but with this book and its easy to follow instructions, I created beautiful invitations, party favors and more!Its is so easy and the projects really are unique.I received so many compliments on my "creations."I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys crafting.You do not have to be a computer geek to LOVE this book!! ... Read more

Product Description

The LATEX typesetting system remains a popular choice for typesetting a wide variety of documents, from papers, journal articles, and presentations, to books--especially those that include technical text or demand high-quality composition. This book is the most comprehensive guide to making illustrations in LATEX documents, and it has been completely revised and expanded to include the latest developments in LATEX graphics. The authors describe the most widely used packages and provide hundreds of solutions to the most commonly encountered LATEX illustration problems.

This book will show you how to

• Incorporate graphics files into a LATEX document
• Program technical diagrams using several languages, including METAPOST, PSTricks, and XY-pic
• Use color in your LATEX projects, including presentations
• Create special-purpose graphics, such as high-qualitymusic scores and games diagrams
• Produce complex graphics for a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines

New to this edition:

• Updated and expanded coverage of the PSTricks and METAPOST languages
• Detailed explanations of major new packages for graphing and 3-D figures
• Comprehensive description of the xcolor package
• Making presentations with the beamer class
• The latest versions of gaming and scientific packages

There are more than 1100 fully tested examples that illustrate the text and solve graphical problems and tasks--all ready to run!

All the packages and examples featured in this book are freely downloadable from the Comprehensive TEX Archive Network (CTAN).

The LATEX Graphics Companion, Second Edition, is more than ever an indispensable reference for anyone wishing to incorporate graphics into LATEX. As befits the subject, the book has been typeset with LATEX in a two-color design.

Customer Reviews (6)

LaTeX Graphics
I purchased the LaTeX Graphics Companion, The (2nd Edition) while learning LaTeX to use to prepare materials for use while teaching high school geometry.This is an excellent resource providing both descriptions of the macros and examples for a number of LaTeX graphic packages.It's coverage of the PSTricks packages along with its separate index have been especially helpful.

An absolute must!
This is an absolute must for all people seriously interested in all kinds of graphics produced with LaTeX, that is with the most efficient typesetting system of the world.
Luciano Battaia

OK - but basically just a catalog and not really necessary
This book covers in one chapter (Chapter 2) the standard LaTex interfaces for embedding graphic objects in a LaTex document. Most, if not all, of this material is covered identically in the authors' other book "The LaTex Companion" and even in the 15-year-old LaTex 'bible', "LaTex User's Guide and Reference Manual" by Lamport.

Virtually the entire remainder of the Graphics Companion is a one-by-one synopsis of various add-on packages for LaTex, and essentially all of this material can be obtained free by downloading docs for the respective packages from the internet. Further, many of the packages covered in the Graphics Companion involve the user writing raw Postscript, a curiously old-fashioned, or at least unnecessarily geeky, approach. Raw Postscript for graphics has largely been superseded by the use of software such as Matlab, Mathematica, Maple, and Mathtype that produce cut and pastable graphic output that can be inserted intact into a LaTex document with a simple \includegraphics command - about all the average current LaTex user needs to know from a graphics standpoint. I'mnot familiar with the publication requirements of the research world outside of engineering and math, but I can't imagine that other disciplines haven't evolved similar tools with cut and paste graphical capabilities.

Huge sections of the Graphics Companion are devoted to MusixTex and various game description (chess, Sudoku, etc.) packages - choices that seem to have been made because (perhaps) there were available doc files that could be used (with permission) essentially intact.

So, although apparently extensively researched and competently written, the Graphics Companion seems to be not much more than a catalog and compendium of docs, and difficult to justify at the price. Some time spent on one of the LaTex forums will lead to at least as much useful information as this book.

All you need for graphics and latex
This book together with "The LaTex Companion" represents the state of the art of any manuals for LaTeX. The book is well written and it is comprehensible even to beginners . It shows all the major feature of the most common graphics packages. The most important thing is the all the packages are free available from [...] .
A really good guide for who is interested in producing high quality document and wants to write once and export in many formats.
It's a pity that there is no cd-rom media included.

Excellent information but sometimes difficult to follow.
Like The LaTeX Companion (Tools and Techniques for Computer Typesetting), "The LaTeX Graphics Companion" is loaded with valuable information from beginning to end (925 pages in total). This time, the focus of the book is on the various graphics packages that are available in LaTeX including:
*Metafont, Metapost and Metaobj;
*PSTricks (including pst-plot, pst-node, pst-tree, pst-fill, pst-3d and pst-3dplot);
*XY-pic;
*MusiXTeX (which is used for preparing music scores)
*Packages for typesetting science, technology and medicine formulae and diagrams; and
*Packages for typesetting games (influding chess, cards, etc).

Each package is described thoroughly, through the use of numerous examples and I doubt there is a more detailed manual to these packages available anywhere. However, be aware that this book assumes a working knowledge of LaTeX (if you haven't already purchased it, I recommend you buy "The LaTeX Companion" as well as this book). Also, I found that I could not obtain some of the graphics packages described in this book and I found that when I started learning PSTricks, I needed to look at some online tutorials as well as this book, in order to learn the basics. Goosens et al. are not good at describing things to absolute beginners, but are good once you get beyond that.
... Read more

Product Description
Adding sophisticated new tools that give modelers even more controlover polygons, an already cool program just got even cooler. Here totake budding 3D artists from 0 to 60 fast in Maya 8 is the eagerlyanticipated update to everybody's favorite Maya tome: Maya 8 forWindows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide! In these pages,best-selling authors Morgan Robinson and Nathaniel Stein use acombination of task-based instruction and strong visual aids to takereaders step by step through all of Maya's essentials: navigating theinterface, modeling elementary and complex objects, unsurpassedcharacter rigging and posing, mastering deformers, shaders, andrenderers, and more. Both beginning users, who want a thoroughintroduction to the topic, and more advanced users, who are looking fora convenient reference, will find what they need here instraightforward language and through readily accessible examples,peppered with tons of timesaving tips and tricks.  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Maya 8
I used this book in my Maya class at school. Having no talent at art, drawing or artistic rendering, this book was very helpful. Following the chapters to learn how to use Maya, by the end of the class I was quite comfortable creating shapes for different purposes. The use of lighting, shadowing, projecting, etc were fairly straight forward. I still am not able to render detailed things like faces or animals but, I am able to do rather nicely with furniture and other basic items around the house or office if a scene calls for it. Definitely recommend for the beginner to intermediate. Also a good reference.

Very helpful...
I'm currently taking a Maya class and my teacher recommended this book. I have to say, it is very helpful. The directions are very clear and easy to understand. I mainly use this book as reference when I want to review some of the lessons I learned in class. So far I have no complaints. If you are interested in learning Maya, I would recommend this book. There aren't any tutorials (for example, how to model a hand, a foot, etc.) but it does teach you the basic tools to help you get there.

pretty good reference for us noobs
I'm currently taking an introductory Maya class, and this book was the recommended text for the class by our instructor.I'm definitely glad that I have this book.I use it quite often as a reference.For times when you forget how to say move a pivot, or are having trouble getting snapping to do what you want, this book is easy to pick up and find such answers.On the flipside though, if you are new to Maya, and trying to learn it on your own, I don't think that this book is a very good "cover-to-cover" type of read.For that, and more of a "course substitute" I recommend the "learning maya" books.I also recommend video tutorials by digital-tutors (you can "google" them, they have a website).Those tutorials take you step-by-step how to do various full projects in maya, which is extremely helpful and supplements these books really well.

This book saved my life!!
Yes, this book saved my life in my beginning Maya class. My teacher recomended it, and I'm very disapointed that he doesn't require it. It gives simple, step by step instructions for individual tasks that can be used for modeling, rigging, parenting, animating etc. My one complaint is that it does not mention anything about using locators, but as a basic "How To" Maya book, I highly recomend it. ... Read more

Product Description

If nothing else, Java has inspired colorful names where beforethere was C++, COBOL, and FORTRAN. Bongo, the new Java developmenttool from Marimba, is a case in point. But Bongo is more thana colorful name -- as Bongo For Dummies makes abundantlyclear. With this practical, easy-to-understand guide, you discoverhow to use Bongo to create multimedia-rich, interactive Web appletsand stand-alone applications efficiently and without sacrificingyour creativity to arcane coding. You also find out how to integrateyour Bongo applications with Marimba's Castanet, the cutting-edgesoftware and content distribution software that everyone's talkingabout. Plus, on the bonus CD-ROM accompanying Bongo For Dummies,you get try-out versions of Bongo and Castanet along with JavaSoft'sJava Development Kit, a demo version of Sun's Java Workshop, andplenty of useful source code from the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Demonstrates how to use all of LiveWire's features and capabilities to create Web sites with interactive multimedia and animation, and enables readers to master the powerful graphical tools of the LiveWire Site Manager.(All Users).Amazon.com Review
This sourcebook provides comprehensive coverage of LiveWire, and howto use the Netscape tools for both creation and management of your site. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Complete, definitive and easy to understand LW sourcebook
The book provides a complete, definitive and easy to understand source book on LiveWire. After studying, and following it, you should have no problem in writing and deploying LiveWire applications.

don't waste your money
Really deserves a -10.Bought it because there were no other books out at the time, and even then it was a waste.The Official Netscape LiveWire book was better, but I'm still looking for a really strong book in this area

Too vague. More of an overview and definitely NOT hands-on!
I am a web developer that wanted to use LiveWire to develop a web site. Unfortunately, this book simply didn't have what I needed to know to get the job done.

As incredible as it may seem, only three chapters out of this entire book pertain to LiveWire. These chapters are: Chapter 3, The LiveWire Tool Set (an overview of LiveWire tools), Chapter 5 Client/Server JavaScript (an overview of all LiveWire except for the database object), and Chapter 6 Using Databases in Your LiveWire Application (an overview of the database object). The other 9 chapters in the book are filler FLUFF that has little to do with LiveWire.

Luckily before I pulled all my hair out, I found a terrific book that covers LiveWire and many other Netscape technologies, William Stanek's Netscape ONE Developer's Guide. This book has 150 pages dedicated to developing applications with LiveWire that explores everything you need to know in a comprehensive and intelligent manner. The book includes terrific project walkthroughts and develops REAL applications include a file viewer and a database management application. The book also has comprehensive coverage of JavaScript, Netscape Plug-ins and much more. Definitely get Netscape ONE Developer's Guide instead... ... Read more

Product Description
Could your digital images use a bit of a face-lift? In Photoshop® Retouching Handbook, author and industry expert Carol Braverman shares retouching techniques used by many of today's leading artists. Written for intermediate to advanced users, the book's 33 step-by-step tutorials and stunning samples provide you with the know-how and inspiration you'll need to get started. You learn how and when to make use of Photoshop's various tools, masks, extensions, composites, and much more.

The CD-ROM that accompanies the book features images from each chapter as well as a trial version of Adobe Photoshop 5.0.Amazon.com Review
By concentrating on the art of retouching photos, CarolBraverman presents a highly valuable guide to some of the greateststrengths of--and toughest features in--Adobe Photoshop. The book isorganized into three sections, all designed to take you from lookingat a picture critically to changing it just enough to make it lookexactly the way you want. Braverman targets readers who frequentlyalter photos within strict artistic and/or corporate constraints, asopposed to those who just want to create funky-looking images.

Fromthe beginning, you explore such core considerations as makingselections, using color-correction techniques, fine-tuning gammasettings, and creating good output. But the projects, which build uponone another, do become more complex as you move along. They range fromfixing up simple blemishes and correcting color to removing entireelements and creating composite images. You gradually learn how toassess the elements of a photograph for artistic understanding and, insome of the toughest projects, you learn to keep such elements astexture, focus, color, and value in mind.

The full-color book hasplenty of helpful pictures as well as technical tips and hands-onadvice. You work through the book's projects by using files on theincluded CD-ROM, which also has trial versions of Photoshop 5 forWindows and Macintosh. --Kathleen Caster ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Thanks Carol
I found the Photoshop Retouching Handbook to be exciting, innovative and a pleasure to follow. I have done allthe exercises and have learned a great deal. I am not a commercial artist and have been teaching myself Photoshop.I now feel that I am much more in control when using the Photoshop program.The book is highly advanced and I feel I have advanced with it. Although Iam not an expert I enjoyed the Photoshop Retouching Handbook. I am lookingforward to Carol Braverman's next book.

Thanks Carol

Photoshop for photographers! Just what I'd been looking for!
The reviews I read on this page before buying it left me wondering: was it too basic to justify the purchase or was it exactly what I needed - a book to take me from printing my own slides in the darkroom (something I startedwith Cibachrome years ago) to printing my own slides with computer andprinter instead (I've been 'computer literate' for some years)? Havingtaken the plunge, I believe it's fair to say that this book will be reallyhelpful to someone moving from traditional into digital photography andenjoying the possibilities for `retouching' in ways that can't be achievedin the darkroom. Having suffered the frustration of looking at Photoshopbooks in bookshops and tutorials on the Web dealing with fancy text effectsetc, I was beginning to despair of finding something to help me just withphotographs.(I'm not knocking special effects - they're class - but notwhat I was after!) This is exactly what I was after! To take only oneexample: the number of worked exercises (decent resolution files provided)involving the Rubber Stamp tool, looking at the various parameters of sizeand softness in relation to retouching many different types of images so asto retain or increase image texture and quality, is an example of theauthor's thorough and informative approach. The book is elegantly writtenand there is one (often more) full colour photograph or Photoshop dialogbox related to the exercise on nearly every page of the book! Excellent!

Not "Retouching Handbook", but "retouching for beginner"
The auther should rename the book title as "Retouching for beginner" to prevent confused to the readers. It is just a book for beginning level, not a retouching handbook.I did not find any advancedskill in this book.

The best book you can find about professional retouching
I am a photographer and I've recently switched to digital, so this book was of enormous help. It is very educational! More than that, it is aimed at professional level. There are tones of literature written on PhotoShop,but most of it is aimed at semi-amateur level. Although they explainPhotoShop's tools, they don't explain the method of digital retouching theway this book does.

My specialization is fine-art conceptualphotography. I am a painter from the start, so the impossibility to alteror paint photographs the way I wanted has been always frustrating me.Thanks to the digital technology and, to an even greater degree, thanks tothis book, I've finally resolved this creative problem. This book hasgreatly improved my retouching skills.

Nothing unique to photography
This book shows some very basic technique. It barely touches color correction and the retouching examples are so basic that there is nothing more here ultimately than in the User's manual. It is OK for what it does,but it doesn't do much...and why pay 40-50 dollars for what you alreadyhave? ... Read more

Product Description
3d Graphics & Animations is the book to help readers break into the 3D marketplace. Learn from the experiences of working professionals as shared through insightful interviews.As a second edition, this book builds on the well-received segments of the first edition to cover the basics of 3D in general terms starting with "What is 3D?" and progressing step-by-step through modeling, texturing, lighting and animation. The book also offers coverage of such related topics as developing a story concept, storyboarding, and putting together a demo real and portfolio. It even provides interview tips!New elements in this second edition include interviews from industry leaders as well as application specific tutorials for 3ds max 4, Maya 4, and LightWave 7 that are included on the CD. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great intro to animation for beginner...
Despite this book's age (was published in 2002) it provides an excellent introduction to the beginner to the field of 3D animation. All the basic concepts are discussed in a rudimentary fashion but in-depth enough for any beginner to get a handle on all the basic concepts one needs to start. For example, textures, wireframing, splines, camera angles, lighting , surfaces and rendering are all discussed in a few pages but enough for the beginner to get an intro to the topic. There is also a pretty good intro to hard and software (much of software author discusses is still in use albeit in later editions) although this is dated - no suprise considering the rapid technological movement in the field and the fact this book was published in 2002. There is also a DVD that illustrates the concepts the author discusses in numerous chapters. All and all a very good intro for the beginner. For intermediary or advanced readers, however, this book would be too basic.

Great animation book
Great reading and reference to animation concepts. Strong background and big name artist in the field. Excellent source.

very informative, answers alot of questions about industry
A great book that not only gives general info about the industry but offers an extensive multi-platform tutorial to get you on your way. Definitely for begginers, but it does what it is supposed to do well.

The best desision -- it's simple
The book "3D Graphics and Animation" islike some one way ticket to the world of 3D graphics. Since I've bought the russian version of it - my life has changed. Finally I desided to connect my future life with CG.
Whether you are experienced graphist or you're beginner this book is for you. Here you can find all concepts of 3D modelling(polygonal-, spline-, patch-, NURBS-modelling, etc); although it containschapters about different types of animation, texturing, lighting and special effects.
This book does not refer to some specific software and, I think, this is it's advantage(for better understanding). And what is more - the book builds on lessons, during which you're studying how to deal with 3D.
The most peculiarity of this book is chapter "Finding the Job in 3D Industry "-which I haven't yet found in other books. It was really cool to find it, when I have not any idea about the job in 3D. The other big surprise was to find in detail notices about software and hardware used in 3D.
I think this book is perfect for the peoples who has some experience in working with 3D and doesn't know how to "convent it into cash". Book comes with a lot of helpful information (advicements, internet links, lessons on applied CD)
Thanks to Mark Giambruno - the book is realy nice.

Do you need this book? Do a car need a steering wheel?
It amazes me how Mark aims sooo wide but hits so precise! He treats every aspect within 3D art without missing a step. I couldn't imagine a better guide for climbing the sometimes steep and treacherous paths of "Mount 3D".

It's hard to specify who this book is "for". In such cases it might be easier to define the negation: This book is NOT for those who DON'T want to LEARN 3D, because they inevitably will :)

Apart from being a superb 3D artist Mark Giambruno is an excellent writer as well. As if that wasn't enough he's also a great teacher!

What's really cool is that the book has a generic approach. It's not specific for any software but applicable to all. So instead of just learning to master 3DS Max or Maya or any other 3D package, you'll learn to master the art of 3D modelling! Isn't that great? I mean, software are just tools (pretty fancy friggin' tools if you ask me, but still tools) the real stuff is what you got inside you're head, right? On the other hand one can't dismiss tools just like that, it's not like you can blow 3D models out your nose (or acctually... nah I won't go there) so you're still depending on them. Mr. Giambruno is well aware of this and includes versions of the tutorials in the book for 3 different packages on the companion CD.

I use Softimage XSI myself which has no corresponding version on the CD. I have no problems following the tutorials, and I'm a newbie to both 3D modelling and Softimage XSI.

This book won't spend to much time on the shelf if any. If you want to learn 3D you will waste valuable time by not buying this book. If it's not the standard for teaching 3D in schools it sure as heck should be! There's no point that I tell you what areas the book cover since it's better specified elsewhere but I'll do it anyway: EVERYTHING :)

BUY IT! ... Read more

Product Description
The Artists' Guide to the GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program), covers all of the basics a new user needs to get started, from detailed descriptions of all Toolbox features to using selections to a complete explanation of Layers and Channels.The GIMP runs on many UNIX syustems.It will also work with any of the popular Intel Linux distributions (Red Hat, Debian, Slackware, SuSE, etc.), as well as the latest FreeBSD distributions.Amazon.com Review
The Artists' Guide to the GIMP (GNU Image ManipulationProgram) is the definitive manual for the free image manipulation andediting application for Unix-based systems such as Linux, Sun Solaris,SGI IRIX, and others.

The author maintains a relaxed andencouraging voice, lending credence to the fact that this book is forartists and users, not system administrators and technicaldevelopers. The early chapters offer a rundown of the interface, witheach tool--the color selector, the bucket fill, the various pencils,paintbrushes, and erasers, etc.--explained, while later chapters covercomplex layer editing and selecting, switching color palettes, usingGIMP with scanners, digital cameras, and preparing media for print.

With the rise of Linux-based desktop systems, GIMP is an important andflexible tool. Not only does it support Photoshop file compatibility,text effects, and color correction effects, it can also import andexport JPG and GIF file formats--the image formats that make up 99percent of Web graphics. Chapter 6, "Layers and Channels," evenexplains how to convert a multilayered image into an animated GIF.

A notable bonus: the CD-ROM contains GIMP already compiled for Linux,Sun Solaris 2.5, and SGI IRIX 6.4. If you need to build GIMP for yourspecific version of Unix, chapter 1 of the book goes into step-by-stepdetail on where to download the source code and how to build thebinary executable.

If you are a systems administrator, Webadministrator, or a user of any Unix-based system and need to editgraphics, this book--and GIMP--are for you. With its flexiblescripting language, rich feature set, and Photoshop filecompatibility, GIMP can be a powerful asset to any Unix user'sgraphics toolbox. --Mike Caputo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Relatively uniformative.
Despite the number of pages, this book does not go into much detail. TheGIMP Visual Quickstart Guide by Davis is a vastly better introduction.

Solid Overview
Although it doesn't cover everything that the Gimp is cabable of, it does what it's name says.It goes through almost all the plugins and gives you a good example of each one that you may not have seen before.Worth it forpeople who know a good deal about Gimp, but are feeling a little stuck.

Don't buy this book !
If you are looking for something complete DO NOT BUY this book. You will regret that, belive me. Try to read instead "Gimp User Manual" by K. Kylander & O Kylander (which is shipped for example in the packagelabeled "gimpman" on SUSEdistributions). You'll find everythingthere from how to compile and install a plug-in to how to use and writescripts, really everything

The printed manual for GIMP.Worth the price, for beginners
This book / manual is a very good companion to the software.Included are hundreds of examples, (all on CD), and step-by-step directions to help the reader implement the graphic tricks being discussed.I found that thisspeaks mostly in terms that anyone can understand.I do like the tutorialsthat are included at the end of the chapters.I also found theinstructions given for keyboard modifiers to be very useful, in fact,necessary!Good job, Michael! ... Read more

Product Description
Ready to explore the exciting new world of Mac OS X Panther? Here’s your travel guide!Packed with full-color screen shots and diagrams, plus clear, simple instructions, this enhanced and revised edition will take you step by step through the transition from OS 9 to OS X v.10.3 Panther, or even from Jaguar to Panther. It will help you find and use your old files, show you how to get the most out of the built-in iApps and iLife ’o4, and protect you from all the pitfalls along the way.

• Revised and enhanced from the Jaguar edition
• Set up OS X quickly and easily, even if this is your first Mac
• Discover the new Finder and set your Preferences
• Learn to use MacHelp and Sherlock®
• Manage type like a pro
• Learn about the new iLife ’04 digital hub apps
• Surf the Web with Safari™
• Meet OS X v 10.3 Panther’s enhanced user interface
• Find the old features in new places
• Become a power user with Unix commands and AppleScripts
• Find out how to keep your Mac healthy

Customer Reviews (3)

Mac Book
I bought the book to learn how to operated the MAC operating system. The book was very informative and allowed me to learn a little about now to use the system.

Best Mac OS X Reference Book of the Year
Even though I've been a Macintosh user since 1995, when I got my new iMac I knew from the first time I plugged it in that I was entering a totally different territory. The lustrous Aqua interface, the fact that it now supports different user profiles, the organization of the System in general, iTunes, iMovie, iCal... I knew at once there was much to be discovered. I started to look around for a guide that would tell me about the new Mac OS X without boundaries, and when I came across "Mac OS X Illustrated", by the people of Australian "Design Graphics" magazine, I knew I had found it.

This is an awesome book. With realistic, full color drawings, superb print quality and minimalistic text, it achieves its purpose: to provide a wholesome tour of Apple's new system in a way deep enough for one to be comfortable with it, but at the same time basic enough so that users interested in learning more about a particular subject, can use the resources and suggestions given to get further answers. The book uses color not only for illustrative purposes but to catalogue its subjects in ways that makes them easier to find when we need a quick reference. Everything here is explained: Apple's new iApps, the new finder, the new online resources (such as iDisk), how to customize each profile, etc. The second part of the book introduces us to the Unix language, which is at the core of the new Mac OS X system, and it is altogether a whole new animal. This is one of the areas where further research is required, but the book does instruct us on the basic commands (including what not to do in order not to mess your system up).

Something I really liked about this guide is that it's not only restricted to Apple's new system software, but it also recommends third parties that are essential in every possible area for a Mac user, such as graphics, creation of documents and presentations, utilities, etc. So even in this area, one gets the benefit of expert advice on the type of software that will run better on Apple's new computers. An excellent tool to keep beside your new iMac or G4 at all times and refer to again and again.

Absolutely the most intuitive layout!
Ideal for OS 9.x Converts & New Mac Users alike.
My deepest gratitude to the Design Graphics Guide Series authors at Wiley Publishing for an exceptional guide to Mac OS X (Jaguar 10.2). Mac OSX Illustrated has the most user-friendly an organized Layout, Glossary & Index I have ever encountered for a computer publication. I have introduced it to many students, colleagues, and clients who have found it to be an indispensable part of their libraries.

Key Features:
Colour Coded chapters: Visible when book is closed
Chapter Reference on all relevant pages: Graphic Key
OS 9.x to OS 10.x then & now comparisons: Reference for those familiar with OS 9.x & earlier
Very clean full colour graphics: Suitable for visual thinkers. ... Read more

Product Description

Whether you're an old hand at creating presentations with HarvardGraphics or you're embarking on your very first project, you'llfind all the instant answers and techniques you need in HarvardGraphics For Windows For Dummies Quick Reference. Sensiblyorganized so that you don't waste time trying to find out howto do the things you want to do, such as importing text and imagesor drawing with F/X, Harvard Graphics' built-in drawing program,this clear and concise reference puts the practical informationyou need right at your fingertips. Plus, it's compact enough thatyou can tuck it away with your laptop when you're out on the roadand need to create or modify a presentation immediately. ... Read more

Product Description

Many books can show you how to use presentation software, butonly Freelance Graphics 96 For Windows 95 For Dummies showsyou how to write, produce, and then deliver your presentationeffectively. A team with years of expertise in presentation softwareand communications, authors William Harrel and Roger C. Parkerdeliver here their own one-of-a-kind presentation on how to useFreelance Graphics to . . .Produce 35mm slides, overhead transparencies, and electronicscreen showsCreate charts that get your point acrossPerfect your delivery by using the built-in rehearse featureCompose speaker's notes and generate audience handouts

Plus, Harrel and Parker reveal their own secrets for analyzingaudiences, using color effectively, and projecting professionalism.Freelance Graphics 96 For Windows 95 For Dummies also includesa handy "cheat sheet" listing all the keyboard shortcutsyou're likely to use while working with Freelance Graphics --it's a real time-saver. ... Read more

Product Description
Roger C. Parker provides all the information needed to create professional-quality presentations that will wow audiences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The difficult of buy this book
In Portugal it was dificult to buy it, so I ask some friend of mine in England to buy it for my and send it by mail. Now 4 year later I have the same difficult to find it in the speciality stores. ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with self-checks, exercises, and 150 screen shots, this guide walks beginners step-by-step through all operations, features, and functions, and presents all the information users need to get the most out of this exciting new version. ... Read more

Product Description

For all the talk about HTML and Java, in most cases it's Adobe Photoshop that's behind every successful Web site. Because, when it comes to the all-important graphics that enliven and class-up the best Web sites, Photoshop is the most popular application for creating GIFs, JPEGs, and even the PICTs that go into Shockwave movies.

So, it's not surprising that the latest version of everyone's favorite image-editing and paint program, Photoshop 4, is selling like hotcakes (darn expensive hotcakes, admittedly) and has Web designers and developers all abuzz.

Now, Creating Cool Photoshop 4 Web Graphics is here not only to introduce you to the latest Photoshop incarnation but also to show you how apply its wide array of capabilities for the betterment of every Web page or site you create. With award winning author David D. Busch as your guide, you'll quickly discover how to...Retouch, enhance, and modify photos and other art Create three-dimensional images Make clickable image maps Apply filters for special effects (including Kai's Power Tools and Adobe's Gallery Effects) Reduce the time it takes to load graphics in a Web page without sacrificing the quality of images Produce transparent GIFs and interlaced GIFs and JPEGs.

Plus, Creating Cool Photoshop 4 Web Graphics comes with a bonus cross-platform CD-ROM containing everything from HTML templates and royalty-free graphics to Photoshop files that you can experiment with and adapt for your own use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

AWESOME !!!
I've heard a lot about how great Dave's books are, so I bought this one...and in one day I learned so many cool tricks.His book is right to the point.Oh, I almost forgot...I emailed him with two questions and Ireceived a response within the hour!!!...That's awesome!!! - I'mdefinitively buying his books from now on.

Works with Photoshop 5, too
I originally bought this book to use with Photoshop 4, but have since upgraded to Photoshop 5. I've found that most of the techniques here work just as well with the latest version, but wish that the publisher wouldcome out with a new edition that deals with Photoshop's new Type andspecial effects capabilities.Even so, I highly recommend this book forusers of any version of Photoshop who are looking to create some goodlooking Web graphics.

Glad I bought this book!
This book really did have some cool graphics, and clear instructions on how to recreate them.  I especially liked the chapters on creating buttons and backgrounds.

Mr. Busch is the first author who's ever bothered toanswer my emails when I have questions.  I had some questions, and since heput his web site and email address in the book, I wrote to him. He gave methe answers I needed even though all my queries weren't about the book. I'ma veteran Photoshop user, but I still learned a lot.  This is the secondbook I've bought from this author, and I'll be looking for more.

Good book.
I liked this book. It really helped me improve my Web site

Results using this book were great!
I'm working on an organization's web page as a volunteer. It's hard toturn out a quality product without much experience. I have used Busch'sbooks before to get me started and this one continued my education, so thesite can get even better with its graphics. What I like about this and theothers is the author's way of making the reader feel confident inattempting new methods. ... Read more

Product Description
Graphics can make or break a Web site. If the images are beautiful but slow-loading, you'll make enemies. If they're ugly yet fast-loading, you may not make enemies, but you won't make friends either.

Fortunately, with Web Graphics Bible, you can ensure that all your graphic images will add value to your pages without adding to download time. In this comprehensive reference and tutorial in one, Web and multimedia pro Ron Wodaski reveals not only high-tech tips and tricks that make for efficient graphics, but also proven design principles to ensure that the look of your site is ideally suited to its content and purpose.

Turn to Web Graphics Bible for complete information on how to:

Use HTML tags to embed graphic images in your Web pages and control placement, size, and text flowTake advantage of freely available images and clip artGet beyond HTML's typographic limitations with bitmapped textUse popular image-editing software and amp up performance with special graphics hardwareKnow when to save images as GIFs and when to save them as JPEGsReduce bit-depth to make image file sizes smaller without making images look badMake graphics seem to load faster by using interlaced GIFs and progressive JPEGsCreate client-side and server-side image maps and transform graphics into useful, appealing navigation elementsAdd animation to your Web pages in one of the easiest ways possible (for you and for visitors to your site): use animated GIFsPlus, Web Graphics Bible features a 16-page, full-color insert illustrating the effects you can achieve. The book also comes complete with a bonus CD-ROM containing over 500 megabytes of Windows shareware, trial versions, and demos, including:

Image-editing applications such as Painter, Expression, and Paint Shop ProSpecial effects programs and plug-ins such as Detailer, Kai's Power Tools, Bryce 2, Auto F/X, and trueSpaceEssential utilities for compressing images and uploading them to your Web serverTutorials, Web tours, palettes, sample graphics, and design tips ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Don't Buy!
This book needs updating! Most of the Programs/Applications used has been updated once and probably twice. But if you're still in the IE 3.0 era, this book is probably very good.

If I could I would return the book and get my money back.
This book is alright if you want to learn how to use 5 different programs (or more) to do web graphics. I am trying to learn Photoshop, only 20-30% of the information is for PS the is for Paintshoppro, and other programs.Therefore at most only 30% of the book is of any interest to me. I muchpreferred "Photoshop 5 for the Web."If you want to learn neattricks then do what I did, just search for tutorials on the web designedfor your graphics program and you are sure to get better informationdesigned specifically for your application. This book is definitely notworth the money.

The Web Graphics Bible is basically an essential!
I bought this solely for reference to graphics done with Paint Shop Pro, but I have to admit, I have found many more uses with it. I am certified in Web Graphics, but still found more little secrets and tricks! It is a greatreference for everyone from beginner to advanced. I have bought several ofthe "Bible" books, and I think the "Bible" series ofbooks is a great investment, especially the Web Graphics... and I recommendit to everyone!

Great book for both beginning and advanced web graphics.
Overall a great book. Worth the money alone with all the great web sites he gives for graphic discovery, graphic reductions and graphic creations. Includes numerous how to's that are great for the beginner but can probably be ignored by the advanced web person. Only drawback is that this book is made mainly for Windows and all the how-to's are based on Windows. Provides common sense explanations for confusing topics and buzzwords. I would recommend this book to anyone with interest in this field but be prepared to ignore 25% of the pages if you are an advanced Web designer. ... Read more

Product Description
Jerry Weissman, world-renowned guru of the corporate presentation and best-selling author, offers everyone, even absolute beginners, the benefit of his experience and expertise in crafting and delivering unforgettable speeches. Using the author's practical advice and step-by-step methods from his best-selling book, Presenting to Win, anyone can master the difficult task of communicating a call-to-action to others, be it a new customer, an employer, or an audience of hundreds.

The key to Weissman's philosophy is discovering what in the presentation represents the "Aha!" moment for the audience. Instead of focusing on flashy PowerPoint gimmicks or crafting facts to prove a point, this book walks the reader through the entire preparation process from brainstorming ideas and creating a story to preparing the slides and delivering the speech.

Using case studies from his work with companies like Yahoo!, Intel, Intuit, Cisco Systems, and Microsoft, Weissman demonstrates the techniques that have won him the respect and confidence of high-powered CEOs from around the world. After using this book to craft a high-quality message, even the most timid beginner will perform like a top-dollar, persuasive presenter with the audience feedback to prove it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

True Beginners:"Buckle Up!"
Jerry Weissman's book is a product of his experience coaching high profile professionals but is it really a book for beginners?Parts of it are.He identifies three "must have" skills to organize presentations.He discusses Five Sins of presenters any one of which can undermine an otherwise good presentation.He uses Stephen Covey as leverage in making the point to prepare each presentation with a clear goal in mind at the onset.His advice to heed the need of the audience is wisdom for the experienced as well as the unexperienced.

The bulk of the text includes helpful guidance that can contribute to winning presentations after a great deal of practice.However, true beginners will probably find it far in advance of what they are wanting.The cover of the book exclaims, "No prior public speaking experience necessary!"That may be true for people with high self-confidence or for those who are in authority over their audience.For the true beginners I have seen in team meetings, civic clubs, and Toastmaster meetings, those who approach the front of the room with fear and trembling, the guidance needed is more basic and more at the level of survival.True beginners typically need help in topic selection, thought organization, posture, verbal pacing, effective eye contact, and other "front of the room" basics.

I like Weissman's theme that successful presentations are essentially stories.The book struggles to maintain the focus of that theme by distracting the reader with talk about brainstorming, linkages, and flow structures.The story here is that the book can be a valuable resource for the beginner after you have mastered some basics.Of course, at that point you would no longer be a beginner.A word to the wise for true beginners:as you start the book, buckle up for a challenging read.

Never Mind the Quality - Feel the Hype

This is one of those books that poses more questions than it answers.The biggest question being:

Whoever decided this book was appropriate for "absolute beginners"?

Because that's one of the things it certainly isn't.
Seeing that this is just one book in a series - like "XXX For Dummies" - I suspect that the title has far more to do with giving the book a uniform appearance than with the contents.

Second question - did the big name half of the writing team that produced this book (that's Jerry Weissman) bother to read the finished manuscript?The reason I ask is that the hype at the front of the book (page xi - which has the wrong page header, by the way) claims that:

"Jerry Weissman is the world's number-one corporate presentations coach"

Yet several of the anecdotes in the body of the book suggest that his "coachees" forget everything he has supposedly taught them and have to call him in again when they want to do another presentation.Good for business, perhaps, but I wasn't exactly reassured about the quality of the teaching I was likely to get from this book.And sad to say, I my expectations were fully met.

Which brings us to the third question - why was it necessary to strew the text with stories about Mr Weissman and this or that big-name company board member?Are we supposed to be so dazzled by this array of senior business people that we overlook the quality of the teaching?A little blowing of one's own trumpet is fair enough, but the seemingly continuous name-dropping in this book is so far "over the top" that it goes from being 'incredible' to being 'uncredible' - in this reviewer's opinion - long before the book is even halfway through.

Which raises the next question - why is the book so long?
In fact the main text is just over 200 pages long, but for many of those pages the text consists of far too much waffle and far too little information.
Now this is not to say that the book doesn't contain "any" accurate or useful information.It does, but nothing like enough to warrent reading through the acres of waffle that constitutes a majority of the text.
Which is why I suggest the book is in no way suitable for "absolute beginners."

It seems to me that if you are just getting started as a presenter then you want something as succinct as possible, which covers all the basic points you need to know as briefly as possible so you can get on with actually putting the information to work.What you get here is the opportunity wade through pages of "what I told The Chairman of the Board at Mega Corp. in nineteen hundred and frozen stiff," and a few useful guidelines.

If you enjoy reading about someone else's experiences - and you have the time for such luxuries - then you might enjoy this book.If you want a genuine "nut and bolts of presenting skills"-type book then I'd recommend "Successful Presentation Skills" by Andrew Bradbury.It has to be one of the best, and most comprehensive, books on the subject that I ever bought. ... Read more