Showing posts with label Ellen Finkelstein. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ellen Finkelstein. Show all posts

12/12/2009

Review of AutoCAD 2005 and AutoCAD LT 2005 Bible (Paperback)

If you are using AutoCAD 2005 or LT 2005 as a beginner who needs step by step instruction or a seasoned AutoCAD user who can use a good reference manual - this book is well worth owning.It is a very thorough and clearly written book. No new or old AutoCAD feature is left unturned.

Product Description
If AutoCAD 2005 or AutoCAD LT 2005 can do it, you can do it too...

If you have invested in AutoCAD 2005 or AutoCAD LT 2005, you want to get the most from these top quality tools. This comprehensive guidebook gives you a ready reference on every detail of both products. The Chapter 1 tutorial gets you going immediately, and the early chapters provide a thorough education in drawing basics. From there, you'll examine layers, text, dimensions, 2D and 3D coordinates, 3D modeling, rendering, customizing the program, and everything else you need to know.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of AutoCAD 2005 and AutoCAD LT 2005

  • Draw and edit 2D and 3D objects, including tables, text, and dimensions, use layers, colors, and linetypes, and print (or plot)
  • Work with blocks, reference other drawings, and connect to external databases
  • Manage drawing data using tool palettes, fields, and drawing sets, integrate other applications, and post your work on the Web
  • Create scripts, custom linetypes and hatch patterns, shapes, fonts, and custom menus
  • Program AutoCAD with AutoLISP® and VBA

Bonus CD-ROM!

This value-packed CD-ROM includes:

  • Real-world sample drawings integrated with the exercises
  • A large assortment of freeware and shareware programs
  • Two bonus chapters
  • Trial version of AutoCAD 2005
  • A searchable version of the book in PDF format


From the Back Cover
If AutoCAD 2005 or AutoCAD LT 2005 can do it, you can do it too...

If you have invested in AutoCAD 2005 or AutoCAD LT 2005, you want to get the most from these top quality tools. This comprehensive guidebook gives you a ready reference on every detail of both products. The Chapter 1 tutorial gets you going immediately, and the early chapters provide a thorough education in drawing basics. From there, you'll examine layers, text, dimensions, 2D and 3D coordinates, 3D modeling, rendering, customizing the program, and everything else you need to know.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of AutoCAD 2005 and AutoCAD LT 2005

  • Draw and edit 2D and 3D objects, including tables, text, and dimensions, use layers, colors, and linetypes, and print (or plot)
  • Work with blocks, reference other drawings, and connect to external databases
  • Manage drawing data using tool palettes, fields, and drawing sets, integrate other applications, and post your work on the Web
  • Create scripts, custom linetypes and hatch patterns, shapes, fonts, and custom menus
  • Program AutoCAD with AutoLISP® and VBA

Bonus CD-ROM!
This value-packed CD-ROM includes:

  • Real-world sample drawings integrated with the exercises
  • A large assortment of freeware and shareware programs
  • Two bonus chapters
  • Trial version of AutoCAD 2005
  • A searchable version of the book in PDF format


Click Here to see more reviews about: AutoCAD 2005 and AutoCAD LT 2005 Bible (Paperback)

12/09/2009

Review of Macromedia Flash MX for Dummies (Paperback)

When Flash MX was released, I wanted to get myself up to speed as quickly as possible on how to use all the new features of this new version of Flash. The first book I bought-and the one I still refer to the most often-is Gurdy Leete and Ellen Finkelstein's "Flash MX for Dummies."

Flash is said to have a steep learning curve, and the pursuit of learning a little Flash to liven up one's website has been known to cause more than one otherwise sane and intelligent individual to pull out her hair in fits of frustration and despair. When I was first learning Flash, I purchased and studied a wide variety of thick (and expensive) tombs on the subject, and yet, in spite of hours of agonizing over code and techniques that I never could get to actually work, I finally discovered the clear writing of Gurdy Leete and Ellen Finkelstein. Within a week after purchasing and reading my first "Flash for Dummies" book, I created my very first movie in Flash, and I was thrilled with the end result.

"Flash MX for Dummies" contains just the right amount of clear, concise information, along with step-by-step instructions that will walk you through the creation of your first Flash movie. As you read through the book, you will feel that you have a pair of friendly and competent mentors at your side. The authors have a way of making even the most difficult concepts accessible. Their tone is warm and friendly, yet never condescending.

In addition to providing thorough coverage of the basics of learning Flash, the book also introduces a number of intermediate concepts such as using masks, importing sound and video into your Flash movie, and making use of templates. The chapter named "Getting Interactive" provides the reader with clear and easy instructions for accomplishing such advanced tasks as using the SetMask method to make a movie clip into a mask and dynamically loading music from the web. I also appreciated the section entitled, "Frequently Asked Questions" which provided crystal clear, step-by-step instructions for doing some fun things like creating a custom cursor and making "drag-and-drop" objects.

If all of this isn't enough, the book also comes with an accompanying CD that is packed with resources, including a library of vector graphics you can use in your movies, Flash movies that you can open in Flash and dissect in order to further your understanding of Flash, and even a whole library of sounds you can practice with, courtesy of SoundRangers.

Not only does this book provide you with top-notch instruction for learning Flash, but you won't have to pay an arm and a leg for it. The price of the book is less than half the price of many other books on the same subject.

The book is perfect for those just starting out in learning Flash. At the same time, it provides more experienced Flashers with a wealth of information, resources, and new ideas.I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in furthering herunderstanding of Flash. Buy the book. Then you, too, can be one happy dummy. : )

Product Description
The fun and easy way to jazz up a Web site!

Hands-on tips for creating buttons, animations, actions and more

Make Web sites come alive with movement, sound, and interactivity - no animation experience required!

With Macromedia Flash, you can transform an ordinary Web site into an interactive showplace that'll make visitors say "wow." But how do you get the hang of all those tools and techniques? Don't worry! With this friendly reference, you'll be drawing pictures, building buttons, creating animations, adding sound, setting up actions, and more - in a flash!

All this on the bonus CD-ROM

  • Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and FreeHand trial versions
  • Author-created graphic shapes, designs, and images to incorporate into your own Macromedia Flash movies
  • Plus Adobe Photoshop tryout version and SWiSH demo

System requirements: PC running Windows 9x/2000/Me/XP, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 8.6 or later.

From the Back Cover
The fun and easy way to jazz up a Web site!

Hands-on tips for creating buttons, animations, actions and more

Make Web sites come alive with movement, sound, and interactivity - no animation experience required!

With Macromedia Flash, you can transform an ordinary Web site into an interactive showplace that'll make visitors say "wow." But how do you get the hang of all those tools and techniques? Don't worry! With this friendly reference, you'll be drawing pictures, building buttons, creating animations, adding sound, setting up actions, and more - in a flash!

All this on the bonus CD-ROM

  • Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and FreeHand trial versions
  • Author-created graphic shapes, designs, and images to incorporate into your own Macromedia Flash movies
  • Plus Adobe Photoshop tryout version and SWiSH demo

System requirements: PC running Windows 9x/2000/Me/XP, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 8.6 or later.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Macromedia Flash MX for Dummies (Paperback)

Review of AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 Bible (Paperback)

When the publisher calles this book 'Bible' he means it. 1200+ pages on how to use the software. The back of the book says that this book is intended for 'Beginner to Intermediate' users. To be sure there is an introductory chapter at the beginning of the book might be enough for a beginner to get started with AutoCAD. But I'd recommend starting somewhere else, like say a 'For Dummies' book.

This is more of a reference book for the user looking to do something that he hasn't done before. As such it is well designed:

First there are a series of chapters organized in a logical manner with headings that actually make sense. Then under the chapter headings there are sub headings that further identify common tasks.

Second the index at the back of the book is 40 pages long, filled with small type where hopefully you can find nearly every subject. By having so many entries there are multiple entries for what you might be looking for.

All in all, this is one of those books you keep nearby when you are using the software.

Product Description
Popular among both novice and experienced AutoCAD users, this comprehensive book begins with an overview of the basics of AutoCAD, such as creating drawings, using commands, and specifying coordinates. Coverage becomes more in-depth as each chapter builds off the previous one, with discussions of 2D and 3D drawing techniques, using layers, creating dimensions, 3D coordinates, and rendering. You?ll learn to customize commands and toolbars; program AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA; and review AutoCAD LT. A "Quick Start" will have beginners creating a CAD drawing on their first day. The accompanying CD-ROM provides before-and-after real-world drawings, bonus appendices, freeware and shareware programs, the book in searchable PDF format, and a 30-day trial version of AutoCAD software.

From the Back Cover
"The AutoCAD Bibleis an object lesson in good design, concise and helpful writing, and a near-genius level of organization ? Your book has been the single most significant factor in my successful mastering of a new skill-there is not a paragraph I would rewrite."
-Paul O'Kelly

Even Autodesk developers keep this book on hand!

Six previous editions of readers from novices to experienced pros can't be wrong. This popular and comprehensive reference is what you need to master the latest AutoCAD software. No features are left out. Each of the book's seven sections thoroughly focuses on key elements in a logical sequence, so you can find what you need, when you need it. Start drawing today with the one book you need to succeed at AutoCAD 2007.

  • Master the latest features, including new 3D enhancements
  • Learn the basics of commands, coordinates, and setting up drawings
  • Draw and edit in 2D with layers and dimensions
  • Create, edit, and render 3D solids and surfaces
  • Increase efficiency with dynamic blocks, set sheets, and hyperlinks
  • Customize and program AutoCAD for maximum return on your effort

What's on the CD-ROM?

Find the drawings you need to do the exercises in the book, plus a helpful Results folder so you can check your work. You'll also find useful shareware, freeware, numerous live links to AutoCAD resources, and more.

Incorporate data into your drawings

Create and display advanced 3D models

Use real-world drawings to practice what you've learned

  • 30-day trial version of AutoCAD 2007
  • More than 140 before-and-after drawings from working AutoCAD professionals
  • Extra freeware and shareware
  • Series of AutoLISP routines (for AutoCAD only, not AutoCAD LT) and VBA programs
  • Entire book in searchable PDF
  • Large selection of add-on software

System Requirements: See Appendix C for complete system requirements for the CD-ROM. For system requirements for using AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD 2007 LT, refer to Appendix A.

Click Here to see more reviews about: AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 Bible (Paperback)

11/22/2009

Review of 50 Fast Flash MX Techniques [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This book looks like you will learn a lot as there are 50 tutorials.

Unfortunately, many are redundant, many are not really significant (not really useful, just funny), and the last one is a filler as it teaches you how to make a projector.

If you are buying this book from a library, take your time to review the center page that display each "Technique" in color.

It is worth half the price it costs. Not a great deal anyway. At least, you get the source files.

This book is for beginner who wants to have a bit of fun.



Click Here to see more reviews about: 50 Fast Flash MX Techniques [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

11/19/2009

Review of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible (Paperback)

I'm a student who has been using Autocad for the past 4 years. I kind of hit a point where I just kept using the same basic skills that I learned in early drafting classes. This book has helped me to start using more advanced techniques to put my drawings together better and work more efficiently. There were even a few basic skills that I didn't know of that I got from this book. Great reference or starting place for anyone learning or brushing up on Cad skills.worth every cent.

Product Description
"Whether you're new to AutoCAD or a veteran, you will undoubtedly find this book to be an excellent resource."
-- Abhi Singh, AutoCAD Product Manager, Autodesk, Inc.

Here's the book that makes AutoCAD approachable

Even the people at Autodesk look to Ellen Finkelstein for AutoCAD training, so who better to teach you about AutoCAD 2008? This comprehensive guide brings veterans up to speed on AutoCAD updates and takes novices from the basics to programming in AutoLISP(r) and VBA. Every feature is covered in a logical order, and with the Quick Start chapter, you'll be creating drawings on your very first day. Success is in your hands.

* Start drawing right away with the easy Quick Start project
*

Master commands and procedures for 2D drawings
*

Work in 3D with hiding, shading, and rendering techniques
*

Automate drawing annotation and the display of layers in viewports
*

Organize and share data
*

Customize commands, toolbars, hatch patterns, and more

What's on the DVD?

* 30-day trial versions of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008
*

All drawings needed to complete the exercises in the book, including before-and-after versions
*

The entire text of the book in searchable PDF format
*

A selection of add-on programs that will enhance your use of AutoCAD

System Requirements: Please see the DVD-ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements

Connect to external spreadsheets and extract essential data from your drawing objects

Draw and display sophisticated 3D models

Develop flexible, easy-to-use dynamic blocks

From the Back Cover
"Whether you're new to AutoCAD or a veteran, you will undoubtedly find this book to be an excellent resource."
- Abhi Singh, AutoCAD Product Manager, Autodesk, Inc.

Here's the book that makes AutoCAD approachable

Even the people at Autodesk look to Ellen Finkelstein for AutoCAD training, so who better to teach you about AutoCAD 2008? This comprehensive guide brings veterans up to speed on AutoCAD updates and takes novices from the basics to programming in AutoLISP® and VBA. Every feature is covered in a logical order, and with the Quick Start chapter, you'll be creating drawings on your very first day. Success is in your hands.

  • Start drawing right away with the easy Quick Start project
  • Master commands and procedures for 2D drawings

  • Work in 3D with hiding, shading, and rendering techniques

  • Automate drawing annotation and the display of layers in viewports

  • Organize and share data

  • Customize commands, toolbars, hatch patterns, and more

What's on the DVD?

  • 30-day trial versions of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008
  • All drawings needed to complete the exercises in the book, including before-and-after versions

  • The entire text of the book in searchable PDF format

  • A selection of add-on programs that will enhance your use of AutoCAD

System Requirements: Please see the DVD-ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements

Connect to external spreadsheets and extract essential data from your drawing objects

Draw and display sophisticated 3D models

Develop flexible, easy-to-use dynamic blocks

Click Here to see more reviews about: AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible (Paperback)

11/14/2009

Review of AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD LT 2006 Bible (Paperback)

This is *the* AutoCAD book I'll keep at my desk. Whether you're a beginner or veteran user, it will tell you everything you need to know about AutoCAD 2006 or LT 2006. Clear, logically organized reference materials are put into meaningful context by helpful tutorials.

Product Description
If AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT can do it, you can do it too ...

Are you trying AutoCAD for the first time? Upgrading from an earlier version? Switching from another CAD software? Everything you need to know is right here. If you're new to AutoCAD, the Quick Start chapter gets you drawing right away. If you're experienced, go right to the new features of 2006. Each of the book's eight sections focuses on a key element of this complex, powerful program, making it easy to find what you need now and down the road.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
* Learn the basics of using commands, specifying coordinates, and setting up a drawing
* Draw and edit in 2D with all of AutoCAD's objects, including the new dynamic blocks
* Create and present 3D drawings
* Set standards, organize with sheet sets, share data between applications, and put your drawings on the Internet
* Customize commands, menus, toolbars, linetypes, hatches, and fonts
* Create scripts, or venture into programming with AutoLISP(r) and VBA

Bonus CD-ROM!

Loaded with extra-value items, including
* A trial version of AutoCAD 2006 software
* More than 130 real-world drawings and files integrated with the exercises
* Stacks of software to enhance and streamline your work
* A searchable PDF version of the book

From the Back Cover
If AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT can do it, you can do it too ...

Are you trying AutoCAD for the first time? Upgrading from an earlier version? Switching from another CAD software? Everything you need to know is right here. If you're new to AutoCAD, the Quick Start chapter gets you drawing right away. If you're experienced, go right to the new features of 2006. Each of the book's eight sections focuses on a key element of this complex, powerful program, making it easy to find what you need now and down the road.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

  • Learn the basics of using commands, specifying coordinates, and setting up a drawing
  • Draw and edit in 2D with all of AutoCAD's objects, including the new dynamic blocks
  • Create and present 3D drawings
  • Set standards, organize with sheet sets, share data between applications, and put your drawings on the Internet
  • Customize commands, menus, toolbars, linetypes, hatches, and fonts
  • Create scripts, or venture into programming with AutoLISP® and VBA

Bonus CD-ROM!

Loaded with extra-value items, including

  • A trial version of AutoCAD 2006 software
  • More than 130 real-world drawings and files integrated with the exercises
  • Stacks of software to enhance and streamline your work
  • A searchable PDF version of the book


Click Here to see more reviews about: AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD LT 2006 Bible (Paperback)

11/05/2009

Review of AutoCAD 2009 & AutoCAD LT 2009 Bible (Bible (Wiley)) (Paperback)

Not being CAD trained, I needed a book to provide me with enough useful informaiton to use the basic functions of AutoCAD.This book is written in such detail as to provide me the basics and a great deal of additional informaiton that will continue to help me.I am glad I bought the book and would recommend it to all novice CAD users.

Product Description
Even Autodesk developers keep this book on hand!

Eight previous editions of fans ranging from novices to Autodesk insiders can't be wrong. This bestselling, comprehensive guide is your best, one-stop, go-to guide for everything you'll need to master AutoCAD. Whether you're an AutoCAD veteran exploring what's new or a novice seeking to start with the basics and progress to advanced programming, every feature is covered. Start drawing today with the one book you need to succeed with AutoCAD 2009.

  • Start drawing right away with the Quick Start project
  • Draw, view, and edit in 2D, then add text and dimensions
  • Reference other drawings and link data to objects
  • Build, view, and present complex 3D drawings
  • Customize commands, create shortcuts, and use scripts and macros
  • Program AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA

What's on the DVD?

  • Trial versions of AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009
  • Over 300 before-and-after drawings from working AutoCAD professionals
  • A selection of helpful add-on programs
  • The entire book in searchable PDF

System Requirements: Please see the DVD appendix for details and system requirements.

From the Back Cover
Even Autodesk developers keep this book on hand!

Eight previous editions of fans ranging from novices to Autodesk insiders can't be wrong. This bestselling, comprehensive guide is your best, one-stop, go-to guide for everything you'll need to master AutoCAD. Whether you're an AutoCAD veteran exploring what's new or a novice seeking to start with the basics and progress to advanced programming, every feature is covered. Start drawing today with the one book you need to succeed with AutoCAD 2009.

  • Start drawing right away with the Quick Start project

  • Draw, view, and edit in 2D, then add text and dimensions

  • Reference other drawings and link data to objects

  • Build, view, and present complex 3D drawings

  • Customize commands, create shortcuts, and use scripts and macros

  • Program AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA

What's on the DVD?

  • Trial versions of AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009

  • Over 300 before-and-after drawings from working AutoCAD professionals

  • A selection of helpful add-on programs

  • The entire book in searchable PDF

System Requirements: Please see the DVD appendix for details and system requirements.

Click Here to see more reviews about: AutoCAD 2009 & AutoCAD LT 2009 Bible (Bible (Wiley)) (Paperback)