Review of Photoshop 6 for Mac Fast & Easy (Fast & Easy) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I recently acquired Photoshop 6 and Dreamweaver with the intention of building my first commercial web site.I have done some design before, and am very experienced in music editing and other software programs.I initially bought the Classroom in a Book series by Adobe and was having trouble following their lines of thinking.This book, although not as comprehensive as the Adobe, is by far better organized and presented.Not only does it follow in a logical order for someone new to the Photoshop environment, it also gives you large pictures with pointers detailing every step of the process.I am in 2 days, far more comfortable on Photoshop than I was with 4 days and the Adobe book.This book is definitely for beginners, and I am sure you will want an additional book or two to fill in the more complex processes that are available.For the price it can't be beat.

Product Description
Unparalleled Web and business communication growth has increased the professional demand for digital imaging, whereas on the consumer side, the availability of affordable, high-quality hardware and services has driven a larger audience to try out the latest technology.With this growth, Photoshop is becoming even more popular.Photoshop X for Mac Fast & Easy walks you through the often intimidating and overwhelming feature set of Photoshop by presenting tasks in concise steps complemented by clear illustrations.It leads you through key tasks, all specific to the Mac, including creating new images, editing images from other sources such as a scanner or digital camera, adding effects, and prepping images for Web use.This book presents information in a format that's appealing for beginning users who want clear steps for Photoshop operations and also for intermediate users who want a fast introduction to the new version of the software.The visual, step-by-step approach makes the learning process appealing to users of all levels.

About the Author
Lisa A. Bucki, currently residing in Fairview, North Carolina, has spent six years as a consultant, author, technical writer developer, and trainer.She has more than twelve years of experience with computer book publishing.She has developed over 100 computer book titles and has been an author, co-author, contributor to more then 35 books and multimedia titles, including "Keynote Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592001297), "Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development" (Premier Press, 159200119X), Adobe Photoshop Digital Darkroom(1931841926, Premier Press), Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy" (1592000444, Premier Press), and "Managing Microsoft Project 98" (Premier Press, 0761519866).

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Review of Adobe Photoshop 7 Fast & Easy [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I agree with the other reviewer about all of the photos being in black and white makes it very hard to tell the difference between the before and after photos. The book seems to go over many ways in which you can use photoshop which might be of interest to someone who has some experience with the program. However it doesn't seem to be good for a beginner. I tried using it and became frustrated soon after that.

Product Description
Get all the basics of Adobe Photoshop with the Premier Press fast & easy series. Learn key tasks including creating new images, editing images from other sources such as a scanner or digital camera, adding effects, prepping images for Web use, and much more. Concise steps complemented by clear illustrations will walk you bravely through the sometimes intimidating and overwhelming feature set of Photoshop. This cross-platform edition presents information in a format that's appealing for beginning users who want clear steps for Photoshop operations and for more intermediate users who want a fast introduction to the new version of the software.

About the Author
An author and consultant, Lisa A. Bucki has been involved in computer training and writing for more than 12 years. She also wrote Managing with Microsoft Project 2002 and Mac OS X Fast & Easy, and revised Adobe Photoshop 7 Digital Darkroom, all for Prima Tech. Overall, she has written or contributed to more than 40 books and multimedia products for Premier Press (formerly Prima Tech) and other publishers. She also was the project manager for more than 100 computer and trade titles during her association with Macmillan. Bucki currently also serves as a consultant and trainer in western North Carolina.

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Review of Photoshop 6 for Windows Fast & Easy [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Tells you how to access the features, but not why you would want to or what to do with the features after you access them. Basically teaches you how to use menus.No help in teaching how to improve your digital photos, with the features of Photoshop 6.

Product Description
Digital imaging is exploding in both the consumer and professional markets as affordable technology opens the way.As the leading image-editing software, Photoshop is best positioned to ride the digital-imaging wave.Photoshop X for Windows Fast & Easy walks you through the often intimidating and overwhelming features of Photoshop by presenting tasks in concise steps complemented by clear illustrations.It leads you through key tasks including creating new images, editing images from other sources such as a scanner or digital camera, adding effects, and prepping images for Web use.This book presents information in a format that's appealing for beginning users who want clear steps for Photoshop operations and also for intermediate users who want a fast introduction to the new version of the software.The visual, step-by-step approach makes the learning process appealing to users of all levels.

About the Author
Lisa A. Bucki, currently residing in Fairview, North Carolina, has spent six years as a consultant, author, technical writer developer, and trainer.She has more than twelve years of experience with computer book publishing.She has developed over 100 computer book titles and has been an author, co-author, contributor to more then 35 books and multimedia titles, including "Keynote Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592001297), "Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development" (Premier Press, 159200119X), Adobe Photoshop Digital Darkroom(1931841926, Premier Press), Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy" (1592000444, Premier Press), and "Managing Microsoft Project 98" (Premier Press, 0761519866).

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Review of Managing with Microsoft Project 2002 (Miscellaneous) (Paperback)

I have a development background but I found this book hard going. It was a little bit like being given a map and some directions but never being able to reach your destination - there was always something lacking or paragraphs went off at a tangent.I found that there was little logical structurein this book. I had to look for things in the later chapters before everything made sense in the earlier ones. I can't say I will be using this one as a reference. I think there are better ones around.

Product Description
Manage Your Projects Effectively and Efficiently! With Project 2002, you've already purchased the most comprehensive project management software available. Now you've found the perfect resource to ensure that you get the most out of your investment! Managing with Microsof Project 2002, 4th Edition is a one-of-a-kind guide to successful project planning. From setting up a new project and making adjustments along the way to sharing and publishing your project information, this book has the tips you need to most effectively manage your project from start to finish.

About the Author
Lisa A. Bucki, currently residing in Fairview, North Carolina, has spent six years as a consultant, author, technical writer developer, and trainer.She has more than twelve years of experience with computer book publishing.She has developed over 100 computer book titles and has been an author, co-author, contributor to more then 35 books and multimedia titles, including "Keynote Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592001297), "Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development" (Premier Press, 159200119X), Adobe Photoshop Digital Darkroom(1931841926, Premier Press), Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy" (1592000444, Premier Press), and "Managing Microsoft Project 98" (Premier Press, 0761519866).

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Review of Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy (Paperback)

I have been using a Mac since 1989 and was floored when I got my new iMac and couldn't figure out where to even find files!! I bought this book out of deperation and it has been invaluable in helping me figure out everything from how to set up printers in Classic mode to making MP3s to burning CDs. And it is EASY to follow (follow by picture). Buy it.

Product Description
Relax. Learning how to use Mac OS X 10.2 is now a breeze. Using this book as your guide, you'll master its many features in no time. From the basics of folders and files to managing multiple users, this book covers everything you need to get up and running quickly with the latest version of this popular operating system.

About the Author
Lisa A. Bucki, currently residing in Fairview, North Carolina, has spent six years as a consultant, author, technical writer developer, and trainer.She has more than twelve years of experience with computer book publishing.She has developed over 100 computer book titles and has been an author, co-author, contributor to more then 35 books and multimedia titles, including "Keynote Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592001297), "Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development" (Premier Press, 159200119X), Adobe Photoshop Digital Darkroom(1931841926, Premier Press), Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy" (1592000444, Premier Press), and "Managing Microsoft Project 98" (Premier Press, 0761519866).

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Review of Keynote Fast & Easy (Paperback)

Not enough in depth information. I ordered this book as soon as I purchased Keynote, but by the time it came (one week later) I already knew everything the book covered!The section on charts is a joke!It tells you nothing!Very disappointing.

Product Description
Relax. Now you can easily create and deliver impressive presentations using Keynote. Targeting just the skills you need, Keynote Fast & Easy offers step-by-step instructions and plenty of screen shots for creating new presentations, importing data, adding special touches like animation and transition effects, and delivering your final slideshow. With Keynote Fast & Easy you simply look and learn!

From the Publisher
Enables readers to quickly and easily develop their ownKeynote presentations that look like they required hours to create,but really only took a few minutes! Educates Keynote users on how tocreate sophisticated presentations that include an amazing variety ofvideo and audio effects including Keynote's professional themes,advanced 3D transitions, and more. Explains the basics, but alsoincludes many tips and tricks to help readers get the most out ofKeynote. Extensive coverage of Keynote's powerful charts and tablestool enables readers to deliver information in meaningful andinteresting ways.

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Review of Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development (Paperback)

I bought this book after playing around with Flash MX on my own.I was looking for a book to answer some of the questions I had.The back of the book indicates that it is intended for "intermediate" level users.After reading the entire book (it doesn't take long, LOTS of pictures), I'd say it's more for the beginner.It covers the very basics of creating Flash movies, but leaves out a lot of the technical information, which I was looking for.

The examples were somewhat helpful, but the amount of repetition soon got old.If there are two different ways to do something, it described in full gory details, BOTH ways, even though only a single step may be different.One other thing about the example was the author's lack of following her own "tips" and rules.One tip informs the reader to use descriptive names for layers, symbols, etc.Yet the majority of the examples in the book use names such as "Layer1", "Layer2", etc.

The editors of the book missed a lot of grammar errors, misspellings, and typos.Not a major issue, but annoying nonetheless.The only other thing that bothered me was the half attempt at covering the differences between Mac and Windows versions of the software.In some places, the alternative key commands for Mac/Windows were given.In others, just the Windows versions were given.Again, not a big deal, but annoying.

Overall, the book was marginal as an "intermediate" book, but probably acceptable as a "beginner" book.

Product Description
What better way for readers to learn the newest version of Flash than with the Fast & Easy series! Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development presents solution-oriented techniques for creating dynamic animations and graphics for the Web. Through illustrated step-by step instructions, this title demonstrates the technologies of Macromedia Flash MX 2004 while providing practical applications as well. Covering both the Windows and Mac versions, readers will learn important Flash skills such as using symbols and tweening, using vector-based content for faster downloads, and optimizing animations for the Web. Using a hands-on approach to yield fast results and downloadable sample files to practice techniques, this book is suitable for both beginners and current users aspiring to learn the newest features of Flash.

About the Author
Lisa A. Bucki, currently residing in Fairview, North Carolina, has spent six years as a consultant, author, technical writer developer, and trainer.She has more than twelve years of experience with computer book publishing.She has developed over 100 computer book titles and has been an author, co-author, contributor to more then 35 books and multimedia titles, including "Keynote Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592001297), "Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development" (Premier Press, 159200119X), Adobe Photoshop Digital Darkroom(1931841926, Premier Press), Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy" (1592000444, Premier Press), and "Managing Microsoft Project 98" (Premier Press, 0761519866).

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Review of The Microsoft Office Project 2007 Survival Guide: The Go-To Resource for Stumped and Struggling New Users (Paperback)

Great reference book and an excellent tutorial as well. Highly recommend for those who can't afford the Shelly Cashman series. Wonderfully written with sample projects to work with.

Product Description
Find out how to set up your project for success as you examine an overview of the project management practices followed by Microsoft Project. Put these principles into practice as you create, track, and report on example projects. You'll learn how to develop a comprehensive project plan by adding tasks, resources, and cost information; making assignments; and saving a baseline. See how to track work in a project to stay on schedule after the project moves from the planning phase to the execution phase and how to communicate results. You'll also explore time-saving techniques such as how to share information between other applications and Project and how to share resource information between files.

About the Author
An author, trainer, and a publishing consultant, Lisa A. Bucki has been involved in the computer book business since 1990. She has written and contributed to dozens of books and multimedia works, in addition to providing marketing and training services to her clients.

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