Review of Focus On 3D Terrain Programming (Game Development) (Paperback)

Wow.Let me just start off with that.I started this book with very little understanding of terrain algorithms.Now I know 4 major approaches to terrain and how to implement them, with many different possibilities for texturing, lighting and culling.If you are a beginner in the world of 3D terrain, then this book is the best one you can have right now.It can take you from a complete beginner with some basic openGL knowledge, like I was, to someone who knows how to write a very effective 3D terrain engine.

This book is NOT for advanced 3D terrain programmers.It will be very useful to a beginner, like I was.If you know how to do 4 chapters' worth of this book- the basics and one of the more advanced algorithms- then it's not worth it.If you know any less, I'd strongly recommend it!It teaches the main algorithms that have stood the test of time in 3D Terrain Programming, and ONE NEW ALGORITHM THAT'S SO CUTTING EDGE, IT HASN'T EVEN BEEN OFFICIALLY PUBLISHED YET- ROAM 2.O, the next iteration of possibly the most major CLOD algorithm yet developed!

Here are the contents:
Introduction
Ch2. Fractal Terrain Generation, Heightmap Loading/Unloading, building a base terrain class and a Brute Force implementation.
Ch3. Texture mapping, procedural texture generation, and detail texture mapping.
Ch4. Height-based lighting, hardware lighting and when you shouldn't use it on terrain (too much normal recalculation in CLOD), lightmapping and slope lighting.

The three major CLOD algorithms:
Ch5. Geomipmapping theory and implementation.
Ch6. Quadtree theory and implementation.
Ch7. ROAM, improvements to ROAM, new ROAM theory and the implementation of ROAM 2.0- the latest in CLOD.

This book culls together information that is scattered over the web, various books and conference articles into 203 pages of very useful information.It teaches you 4 major approaches to terrain: brute force, the initial algorithm for all developers, and 3 advanced Continuous Level Of Detail algorithms.A beginner would spend a month, easily, finding all of the resources to learn this material.Then when you want a quick reference, you have to rehunt for all of this material, which can waste a half hour or an hour.I read this book in 3 days.Whenever I want a quick reference, I grab it off the desk next to my computer.You be the judge.

Product Description
You have just found the only book on the market dedicated to 3D Terrain Programming.This title from the Premier Press Focus On series will be a very fun and exciting educational adventure through the world of 3D terrain packed full of demos, figures, and information. It will take you from the most basic terrain engines to those that play a very important part in flight simulations. Primarily targeted at the Win32/OpenGL platform, Focus On 3D Terrain Programming will teach you nearly everything that you need to know about terrain engines, period.

About the Author
Trent Polack has been programming for several years now.Trent is the OpenGL forum moderator GameDev.net.Trent is a contributing author for the book "Game Programming Tricks of the Trade" and the author of the book "Focus On 3D Terrain Programming" both by Premier Press.

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Review of Guide to Graphics Software Tools (Springer Professional Computing) (Hardcover)

Not only are his language skills extremely lacking, but his coding is sloppy and his teaching leaves MUCH to be desired.Don't think I'm just a disgruntled student who wants revenge on the professor,because I got an A- for the course and I slept through it.The book really is not all that good.The majority of the book itself is references to other resources.What's left is only four chapters that do not delve very deep into any of the concepts that they supposedly cover.It is not worth it to get this book.

Product Description
Current graphics software and hardware combine to allow multiple-level functionality and open up new application areas for scientists of all disciplines, and for computer scientists and engineers in particular. This integrated guide explains and lists readily available and widely used graphics software tools and their applications, while also serving as a shortcut to graphics theory and programming. It grounds readers in fundamental concepts and helps them use visualization, modeling, simulation, and virtual reality to complement and improve their work.

Features:

* Comprehensive and practical coverage of software graphics tools

* Provides a uniquely categorized compendium of 265 3-D graphics software tools

* Concise listings of platforms and pricing, applications, examples, functions, and related Web resources

* Shortcut to practical graphics principles and methods

* Includes a CD-ROM with extensive collection of source code and executables

* Extensive pointers to websites and other proven helpful sources

* Combines theory and OpenGL programming with an accessible approach

Readers will find the book an authoritative and useful catalogue of practical, working software tools and methods.

About the author: Jim Chen is director of the Computer Graphics Laboratory at George Mason University and editor of the visualization column, and the Visualization Portal (website), for the IEEE magazine, Computing in Science and Engineering.

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Review of Adobe Flash CS3 Professional Bible (Paperback)

Do not buy this book if you intend to use ActionScript 3.0. Most of the code and examples in the book use AS 2.0. Entire chapters have this note at the beginning: "NOTE: This chapter discusses ActionScript 2.0 implementations of ..."

I bought this book as a reference for learning Flash as a beginner. There is no reason for me to waste time learning AS 2.0.

Product Description
Two of the savviest Flash experts in the industry show you how to add impact to your Web content. Robert Reinhardt and Snow Dowd know all the techniques and tricks, and they take you under the hood in this one-stop total reference guide to Flash CS3 Professional. Follow their tutorials, learn from cool examples, and discover insider secrets you won't find in any other book. Don't miss the special 16-page color insert loaded with spectacular examples. Also includes a CD-ROM.

From the Back Cover
Deliver winning Flash content with this one-stop guide

Two of the savviest Flash experts in the industry show you how to add impact to your Web content. Robert Reinhardt and Snow Dowd know all the techniques and tricks - and they take you under the hood in this one-stop total reference guide to Flash CS3 Professional. Follow their tutorials, learn from cool examples, and discover insider secrets you won't find in any other book. Don't miss the special 16-page color insert loaded with spectacular examples.

• Learn Flash CS3's vector-based drawing program

• Use filters, effects, masks, and layers to add impact

• Unravel the nuts and bolts of ActionScript 3.0 code

• Integrate sound, video, and graphics

• Apply HTML and Text Field formatting

• Create a game in Flash and win

• Add interactivity and publish your Flash movies

What's on the CD-ROM?

The CD includes the original Flash project files with ActionScript code for the examples in the book, along with custom components for image loading and effects.

See the CD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of Game Development with ActionScript (Paperback)

There are few author's that take the beginner's (dummy) route to teaching programming to the masses and this book shines brightly in that department. From start to finish, it seems that the author knows what I want to do and shows me thoroughly how to do it properly with different ways to tackle it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to take FLASH MX to sky high heights and not just leave this wonderful program to websites.

Product Description
Lewis Moronta, Queens, New York, has been programming and working withcomputer graphics since 1996. Lewis began freelancing as a graphicdesigner in 1998 through his virtual studio,m80produxions.com. His website hosts many articles on math,programming, and computer graphics, including 3D animation. Lewisearned a degree in visual communications from Katharine Gibbs Schoolin New York in 2003. Lewis recently formed Ism Studios, a graphicdesign and animation studio that handles everything from graphicdesign to professional-level CGI.

About the Author
Lewis Moronta, Queens, New York, has been programming and working with computer graphics since 1996.His website hosts many articles on math, programming, and computer graphics, including 3D animation. Lewis earned a degree in visual communications from Katharine Gibbs School in New York in 2003. Lewis recently formed Ism Studios, a graphic design and animation studio that handles everything from graphic design to professional-level CGI.

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Review of Final Cut Pro 4 for Dummies (Paperback)

I found Final Cut Express 4 for Dummies to clarify a lot of technical information that I was trying to understand in Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Express 4. When reading for Dummies, I had no trouble understanding it and was able to compete a production easily on Final Cut Express 4. It talks plain, layman's language. I love it.

Product Description
* Covers rendering, compositing, transitions, adding titles, audio and video filters, and advanced effects, as well as basic digital video editing information.
* Includes instructions on outputting the final product to videotape, DVD, CD-ROM, or even onto the Web.
* Provides practical, real-world solutions to managing media and incorporating various special effects into unique video/film productions.
* Includes a DVD packed with first hand commentary and project examples from the personal files of author Helmut Kobler, an independent filmmaker.

From the Back Cover
Unravel the mysteries of rendering, compositing, and transitions

Go pro with nonlinear editing and new features like Compressor and Soundtrack

Whether you're focused on the back lot or the back yard, let filmmakers Helmut Kobler and Chad Fahs reveal the secrets of Final Cut Pro and video production! Discover how to manage your media, incorporate special effects, make music with the Soundtrack, use LiveType to make text pop and glow, and produce positively cool video from any source.

All this on the bonus CD-ROM

• Software plugins that add cool new video effects to Final Cut Pro 4
• Links to great online resources for digital video filmmakers
• Special bonus chapters

System Requirements: 350 MHz powerPC G4 or better. AGP Graphics card. Mac OS® X 0.2 or better. See the About the CD Appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of Beginning DirectX 9 (Game Development Series) (Paperback)

I was initially impressed with this book, even after seeing a couple pages of utter garbage in the first part. All I wanted was a quick review before my serious books came, and having programmed DX before I could promptly correct and move on, but enough was enough!
I can best describe parts of this book as rough notes fed to a blender and then pasted into the chapters with a leaf-blower. That goes for the `code' samples as well.

For a complete beginner these errors may be significant enough to possibly detract and frustrate the learning experience. Not a good thing, especially considering that's the book's targeted audience. There is no excuse for this.

More advanced developers will cringe and cringe until they finally damage something or hurt someone as they throw this waste across their office. Also not a good thing.

An alternative book that covers the same ground quite a bit more soundly is Frank Luna's Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DX9, which I finally received & promptly read from one end to the other & moved on to other books now. It's a solid work bolted tight with some good code.

2 Stars, for a publishing a work containing some content I wouldn't even turn in as homework.

Product Description
As a beginning programmer, you've probably noticed how difficult it is to find introductory guides to game programming. If you're interested in learning DirectX and are looking for a book that helps you go beyond the 3D component of DirectX and gives you complete coverage of this amazing product, then look no further! "Beginning DirectX 9" gives you examples that build on previous chapters and culminates in the completion of a playable game.

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Review of 3ds Max 2008 Bible (Paperback)

This is a great book if you want to learn buttonology, but it seems to lack in student projects and exercises. I certainly cannot recommend this book for beginners, unless you want to use it as reference/supplemental guide to other training material. The author goes in to great deal on the "how" but doesn't really explain the "why" portion as well as I hoped he would. Definetely go to your local bookstore and glance through it before purchasing. As for my rating, I gave it a marginal rating of 3 stars simply because I thought it to be average at best, but far from bad.

Product Description
Master the complexities of 3ds Max by working through more than 150 short tutorials under the guidance of 3D expert Kelly Murdock. If you're a beginner, a Quick Start chapter shows you how to create an exciting animation your first day using the software. You'll find extensive detail on the latest features, allowing quick ramp-up for veterans of earlier 3ds versions. In addition, the book includes a 16-page, full-color insert with examples of cutting-edge 3ds Max art as well as a DVD with all the examples in the book, models and textures you can customize, a full-color and searchable PDF of the book.

From the Back Cover
The 3ds Max reference 3D designers choose

Open this book to any page, and you'll quickly see why the 3ds Max Bible is a perennial favorite of 3ds Max artists. Whether you're a beginner looking for a quick start or an expert exploring the very latest advanced features, it's all here. You'll find pages of professional tips, loads of advice, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials guaranteed to jump-start your creativity. This is the 3ds Max book you need to succeed.

• Make global changes to multiple objects with Scene Explorer

• Build MAXScripts more quickly with the new MAXScript ProEditor

• Stream and focus light through a window with the Sky Portal

• Create compelling characters using enhanced Biped tools

• Learn to reference, select, clone, group, link, and transform objects

• Discover new keyboard shortcuts for speed modeling

What's on the DVD?
You'll find before-and-after example files for every tutorial in the book. The DVD also includes:

• Unique models and textures you can customize for your own designs

• 3ds Max 2008 trial version

• A searchable full-color PDF of the book

Also in the Book

• A 16-page full-color insert will inspire you with a selection of cutting-edge work done by 3ds Max artists

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Review of Digital Photo Projects For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

With this book, Digital Photo Projects for dummies, you start out learning the basics, then progress to expert projects.The book gives the basics to get good results from your digital camera, without assuming you are an "expert", by overloading you with lots of technical background.The book takes you from the first step of shooting the photo, to starting the appropriate software for your camera, to how to retouch and enhance your photos.

This is a step-by-step book for those of us who need training from the very beginning. This book covered everything from finding the right camera, printer and software to taking you into shooting a photo; where it explains exposure, color and focus.After taking the photo, it explains how to download the software that belongs with your camera onto your computer.Then, it talks about simple photo-editing tools, retouching photos, tips on red-eye, covering blemishes and whitening teeth.I learned how to add text, take out people from my photos and add new backgrounds.I was amazed at how easy it was to fix a photo that I thought was a complete loss, and turn it into a photo that I could print.It was easy to do simple tasks on a photo, but also get creative and turn photos into digital collages, postcards and calendars.

The best selling point about this book is that it comes with a DVD that contains video tutorials that show you how to accomplish projects in the book and a few additional ones that are not in the book.The DVD is about two and a half hours long. The DVD also has some free trial versions of photo-editing software like Adobe Photoshop Elements that you can try before you buy.The DVD was easy to follow right along with the book.The book also gives tips as a sidebar and warnings of potential pitfalls to avoid.There are even technical tips for the more advanced; making the book useable by the more advanced photographer.

Overall, the book and DVD were of great help to me in learning the basics then incorporating them into my photo editing skills and giving me an end result that I was
proud of.I would highly recommend this book to all digital photographers and scrapbookers.

Product Description
Digital Photo Projects For Dummies presents a unique twist on understanding the basics of digital photography. This full-color book walks you through the most common projects and tasks you'll encounter in your digital photography activities. The book demonstrates the basics of setting your camera for the best shot before diving into how to improve your photos. Projects include brightening a dark photo, improving focus, getting rid of red-eye, touching up blemishes, creating a collage, adding a photo to a business card, rescuing old or damaged photos, and turning a photo into a piece of artwork ready for framing.

This book includes a DVD that contains "screencast" lessons created by the author that let you watch the specific steps of selected projects on your screen while you do them yourself. The DVD also includes trial versions of photo software as well as sample images from the book.

From the Back Cover
Complete all projects with Adobe Photoshop Elements tryout on DVD!

Software and video make this your complete kit for enhancing digital photos

Do you have digital photos stored on your camera and no idea what to do with them? This package provides the tools needed to turn photos into fun projects. The book shows how to take great shots and transform them into cool photo creations. The DVD features video training to help you understand photo editing along with the software you need to complete the projects.

Julie Adair King is the bestselling author of five editions of Digital Photography For Dummies as well as the recently published Digital Photography Before & After Makeovers. She is a speaker at digital photography seminars around the country.

• Fix common digital photo flaws

• Combine pictures into a collage

• Enhance focus, color, and exposure

• Restore treasured family photos

• Spice up photos with text and special effects

All this on the Bonus DVD

• Over two hours of video training

• All the sample photos that appear in the book

• Trial Versions of the software

See DVD appendix for system requirements

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Review of Digital Food Photography (Paperback)

I am a professional photographer, and I was greatly looking forward to receiving this book.

I was hoping to get some detailed information on lighting techniques, specifically for food. The additional sections on food and prop styling were handy extras.

What I did get was a nice easy read, and some useful tidbits of information that I can use. Some of the sections on Photoshop were useful (and would be more-so for serious amateurs and up).

What I wasn't expecting and was very disappointed with, were the large chunks of the text dealing with the relationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter. Come-on! This should be a book about digital food photography. Anyone who doesn't know about the basic photographic relationships should be reading a book on basic photography. There were other parts of the book that likewise contained very basic general knowledge I would not expect in a specific book.

Additionally, much spaced was used as almost a portfolio for Lou Manna rather than providing useful information. He does have some beautiful work, but that is not what I was paying for.

All in all, I was disappointed with this book, although it was not a total waste, especially if you were just wanting to get into professional photography.

Product Description
Great food always elicits strong reactions-the smell of freshly baked bread, the taste of a perfectly prepared steak. The job of a food photographer is to elicit that same mouth-watering reaction, but without the benefit of scent or taste. A well-shot photograph can send crowds flocking to a new restaurant or boost the sales of a culinary magazine. Capturing the perfect image requires a trained eye, finesse, and photographic skill. Digital Food Photography gives you the ingredients to cook up your own recipe for success-with professional lighting techniques, composition, food and prop styling, retouching, and tricks of the trade. You'll learn how digital photography combines teamwork, creativity, and technology, and how to make money creating delectable works of photographic art.

About the Author
Lou Manna is an award-winning Olympus visionary photographer whose work has appeared in national ad campaigns, major magazines, and more than 30 cookbooks. After shooting for the New York Times from 1975 to 1990, he went on to establish his own Fifth Avenue studio, where he works with corporate, advertising, and restaurant clients to create photos that can only be described as "exquisite." Lou is the author of DIGITAL FOOD PHOTGRAPHY, the only book on the art of food photography devoted exclusively to digital technology.Craig Clairborne, restaurant critic and food writer for the New York Times, said, "The important thing about being a real photographer is not only having a great lens, but having a feeling of warmth, collaborating, and bringing out the best of a subject. It requires a sense of style and a feeling of creative arrangement--Lou is marvelous at this."

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Review of Dreamweaver MX for Dummies (Paperback)

Having been a text-based HTML guy for years, I decided I needed to get with on the WYSIWYG bandwagon.This book has been a tremendous help!Amateur or professional, you can pick up this book and get the information you need in seconds.Whether you use it for refreshing your knowledge of seldom-used functions, or (like me) are learning from scratch, I think this book is a must-have for Dreamweaver users of all skill levels.

Product Description

• This easy-to-use reference guide, designed to make creating top notch Web sites more intuitive and efficient, covers the new features and updates included in the new version of Dreamweaver.
• Filled with to the point tips and easy to follow instructions, this book will be the Web designer's secret weapon in the race to design high caliber and functional Web sites.
• When it comes to the most advanced HTML features, such as Dynamic HTML and Cascading Style Sheets; this book really shines making it fun and easy to add animations, rollover effects, and multimedia to bring any site to life.
• The book includes bonus Fireworks coverage, making it even more attractive to the target audience.

ABOUT THE CD-ROM
Includes a CD-ROM with Dreamweaver and Fireworks tryouts, valuable templates, scripts, objects, artwork, and useful utilities.

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Review of Master Visually 3ds Max 8 (Paperback)

This book is through and easy to use, organized throughout by individual tasks that you can do in max -- with numbered, illustrated steps for each solution. Never before have I seen 3ds Max operations made so simple -- and yet there is so much power to be tapped in just those few steps. I rate this as "Highly Recommended" for anyone working with 3ds max. It's the kind of book that you can keep by your side for instant answers. I've found this to be a real time-saver that makes me (and my work)look great.

Product Description
* Navigating within the interface
* Creating and editing 2D and 3D objects
* Controlling animation with function curves
* Integrating walls, doors and windows
* Simulating water surfaces and fluttering flags
* Adjusting color and brightness of lighting
* Rendering scenes with Quick Render

Valuable tools on CD-ROM!
* 3ds Max 8 evaluation version
* Project files from the book

System Requirements: Please see the "About the CD-ROM" Appendix for details and complete system requirements.
* "Master It" sidebars answer questions and present shortcuts
* High-resolution screen shots demonstrate each task
* Succinct explanations walk you through step by step
* Two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules

From the Back Cover

• Navigating within the interface
• Creating and editing 2D and 3D objects
• Controlling animation with function curves
• Integrating walls, doors and windows
• Simulating water surfaces and fluttering flags
• Adjusting color and brightness of lighting
• Rendering scenes with Quick Render

Valuable tools on CD-ROM!

• 3ds Max 8 evaluation version
• Project files from the book

System Requirements: Please see the "About the CD-ROM" Appendix for details and complete system requirements.

• "Master It" sidebars answer questions and present shortcuts
• High-resolution screen shots demonstrate each task
• Succinct explanations walk you through step by step
• Two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules

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Review of Adobe Premiere 6.5 Bible (Paperback)

I think this was probably the first book on the market covering Adobe's new 6.5 version of Premiere and it's quite obvious.

Unfortunately even in the hands on "Quickstart" at the very beginning of the book there are several type-O's and incorrect wording.It's not spelling mistakes but incorrect words.As an example they tell you that you can preview the transition effect by "double-clicking the Transition icon in the Transition palette" when in fact you should double-click the Transition icon in the Timeline, NOT the Transition palette.

Additionally their numbers don't correspond when they tell you how long to make the example clips and where they should fall on the timeline.

There are several other examples just in the first few pages and for a newbie it makes following the example rather frustrating and confusing.

Since I'm only just this little bit into the book I can't say for certain if it gets better or worse or stays the same but it's very evident this book was rushed to market.

Funny enough too that even though the book is for Premiere 6.5 the CD includes a tryout version of Premiere 6.0!

There's no excuse for this kind of shoddy penmanship (typemanship??) and I highly recommend you wait for other books that are forthcoming - read: more thoroughly edited!

Product Description
* 100 percent of what people need to master the latest version of the world's most popular digital video editing application
* Covers the brand-new release of Adobe Premiere, including all of the latest features
* Offers tutorials, tips, and tricks for editing video in Premiere as well as how to create special effects in Premiere, After Effects, Electrifier and other applications
* Demonstrates how to integrate narration, music, and sound effects with moving images like a pro
* CD-ROM contains video-based tutorials, a library of usable video clips and sample effects, useful video filters and utilities, and Premiere tryouts for both Mac and Windows.

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Review of Focus On Photon Mapping (Game Development) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I've implemented photon mapping myself in the past, and this book presents one of the worst attempts at "searching in the dark" (pun intended) I've ever seen.The author obviously does NOT understand photon mapping, neither the concepts behind it or nor its proper usage.Even the "sample images" presented lack the quality and correctness of a proper implementation.The author presents ludicrous methods of "improving performance," by reducing the number of photons (which only increases error), and calculating light only at vertices (whats the point of emitting photons at all then?).

Photon mapping is a technique for generating realistic lighting phenomenon, such as diffuse effects, caustics, and soft shadows, efficiently.This book teaches methods that are not only incorrect, but no better than standard, low quality lighting techniques.People who are serious about implementing photon mapping should invest their money in a book that actually teaches the background and methods necessary to understand the technique, not one that blindly tries to pass off sub-standard results as the product of a realistic method.

Product Description
Game developers, now create real-world lighting simulation in your games! This Focus On book isolates the topic of photon mapping, explaining its practical use in C and C++ languages.You will build your existing knowledge with the hands-on approach to implementing this algorithm and applying it to games and graphics applications. Focus On Photon Mapping includes a basic overview on the physics of light to help you visualize and understand how light works before moving on to implementing the simulated lighting techniques.

About the Author
At 22, Marlon John is already a veteran of the computer world. He first began developing HTML pages a a hobby shortly after receiving his first computer at age 14. Two years later, Marlon took his first job with a computer new media company, Advanced Media Concepts. Marlon's computer graphics skills expanded to include Director, Authorware, Freehand, Frontpage, Lightwave, Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. In 1998, he began programming in C++ and developing games. Marlon started his own company, Advanced Internet Technologies, in 2000.

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Review of Flash MX Complete Course [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

incorrect pictures, lack of filenames ("drag the main project movie file from the CD-ROM onto your desktop" - there is no file called anything similar so you have to guess), dead end instructions, lack of explanations or results. And that's just in the first session. Some of it you can go back and learn on your own by realizing their mistakes, but most of the omissions and errors are beyond correction. i've been banging my head on my desk trying to determine what i've done wrong, and figured i'd come to amazon to see what the reviews of the book were like. Glad to see i'm not alone. i've never given a book review before but had to save other starving artists like myself from wasting their money. This book is absolutely terrible.

Product Description
Exercises build gradually so that by the end of the book, readers will have created a Flash-based Web site that contains several Web pages.
* CD-ROM contains all raw files needed to reconstruct the project, plus "iteration" files for each session.

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Review of Macromedia Dreamweaver UltraDev 4 Fast & Easy Web Development (Paperback)

I use Dreamweaver but want to get up fast on Ultra Dev using database.This book is about UltraDev.It got me up quickly.It is not complex. Many pictures helping you.After a while with this book - I wanted to learn more.This is not an advanced book - It will get you up on Database development fast but to advance you will need more when it comes to complex SQL.And it will not teach you database modeling - that is not what this book is - it is learning UltraDev and does a fine job teaching UltaDev.There is more to dasebase driven sites than just pushing buttons. GREAT BOOK - I am keeping mine! Worth the money...

Product Description
Don't spend your time wading through manuals to learn Dreamweaver. Spend it doing what you do best-creating Web pages! Design, develop, and deliver Web pages like a pro. Integrate graphics, animations, or documents into your Web pages with ease. Combining easy-to-understand instructions with visual examples, this book offers a unique, hands-on approach. Less time, less effort, more results!.

About the Author
Aneesha Bakharia is a Web developer and accomplished author. She is fluent in C#, Java, JavaScript, ASP.NET, JSP, HTML, XML, and VB.NET. Aneesha specializes in creating dynamic database-driven Web sites. She has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Microelectronic Engineering and various postgraduate qualifications in multimedia, online course development, and Web design. In addition to "Macromedia Contribute Fast & Easy Web Development", she has written several other books for Premier Press, including: "Dreamweaver UltraDev Fast & Easy Web Development" (ISBN: 0761531645), "JavaServer Pages Fast & Easy Web Development" (ISBN: 0761534288) and "Microsoft C# Fast & Easy Web Development" (ISBN: 1931841055).Aneesha lives in Queensland, Australia.

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Review of Beginning Direct3D Game Programming w/CD (Prima Tech's Game Development) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I've been waiting for a long time for a decent Direct3D book to refer beginners to, and this is one of the best so far. On the other hand, being the "best" among Direct3D books really isn't saying much, and this book is far from perfect.

Overall, this book covers a lot of good material, including some of the more advanced aspects of DX8, and the code itself is pretty solid. Unfortunately, the explanations can be a little hard to understand, partially due to the fact that the author isn't a native English speaker (the chapters on physics and collision detection don't suffer this problem, though, being written by someone else), so you may find yourself having to reread things several times.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have some game programming and DirectX knowledge, but I would recommend it for someone who wants to get up to speed on the latest version of D3D, especially if they have used a previous version of Direct3D - or even another 3D API - or if they are willing to put the effort into working through the chapters to dig out the (truly useful) information they contain.

Product Description
Guide to creating Direct 3D games for personal computers, covering all aspects and elements of programming, from objects to file formats. The CD-ROM contains a number of features, including software for creating games, the source code from the text, and games. For beginner to intermediate level gamers. System requirements: CD-ROM drive. Softcover.

About the Author
Wolfgang Engel is CEO of SoftGroup GmbH and SoftGroup Plska, which offer IT and game development services. These companies produce 3D animations for marketing and advertising activities.He is the author of "Beginning Direct3D Game Programming" (0761531912).

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Review of Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 Fast & Easy Web Development (Paperback)

Dreamweaver 4, when Macromedia released Dreamweaver UltraDev in 2000? Even the title to this book is antiquated!

There are glimmers of hope in this book, but then those bright spots are snuffed out by incorrect instructions and grammatical errors that makes for difficult reading.

Added to this is the fact that a book on Dreamweaver without comprehensive coverage of the UltraDev components is very anemic.

Product Description
Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 has everything you need to develop a professional Web site. Dreamweaver 4 Fast & Easy Web Development contains the information you need to learn how to use it. An alternative to a text heavy manual, this book is the ideal learning guide for Web developers of all levels. Whether you are new to Dreamweaver or a pro at the previous version, this book will have you up and running with the new version in no time. Filled with easy-to-understand instructions and hundreds of actual screen shots, this book also comes with a CD that includes a 30-day trial version of Dreamweaver 4.ItemID: 0761535187

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Review of Create Web Animations with Microsoft Liquid Motion In a Weekend (Paperback)

Microsoft has stopped supporting Liquid Motion. So basically, this book is obsolete.

Product Description
In just one weekend, you will gain the basic knowledge and practical skills to create interactive 3-D Web animations using Microsofts Liquid Motion. The graduated, fast-track approach makes Web animation accessible to the average user without requiring previous programming knowledge or experience. The informal style of the book allows you to progress at your own pace and experiment along the way. The five main sessions are composed of several tutorial exercises that take you from basic to more sophisticated animations, and show you how to publish them effectively on the Web. The companion CD-ROM includes all sample graphics and files from the book, a Web art library and collection of True Type fonts, a selection of templates that utilize Liquid Motion animations, an assortment of software tools for creating HTML files, and much more.

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Review of Fireworks Fast & Easy Web Development (Paperback)

Another perfect example of a technical book trying to teach too much ,
stretching more than it should trying to gather the widest of readers
possible and falling flat right on the face....I am a technical ASP
programmer building websites and for quite some time now I found
myself being pushed to handle the graphics/animation stuff.So here I
was with just having handled Paint and Brush programs (Visio to some
extent but I handled the stencils and masters thro VBA),deciding which
package I should go in for.After research I targeted Fireworks.Beleive
me its a good package. I got this book along with the Fireworks
package so I could get off on a flying start and presumed the book
would help me atleast start off with handling the basics in
fireworks.

Nope [the book] seems to be in a confusion over the
presentation of the material.Whether to target it to zero level
starters(like me) or to those who have been dabbling in
graphics/fireworks etc for some time. In the end [the book] ends up
satisfying neither of the categories. Part1 of the book = 100
pages.The section deals with exploring each and every
tool,option,button,customization in the entire fireworks window. So
[the book] dumps all the "bitter parts" in the first 100
pages and then 'Assumes' that whenever any tool / menu or action is
called for in the rest of the book the reader can just recall about
their placements/functions/locations right out of the memory? Bad
Presentation....In the computers and internet section this book falls
into the same rut - "the author is trying to thrust upon the
reader , teaching a product at a pace the author feels comfortable
with." and Ofcourse assuming the wrong things at the wrong time -
like trying to explain too much too trivial matters and finishing in
half a page important matters which leave you pulling you hair
out. Considerable time is spent in teaching how to open graphic
files.What if I dont have any graphic files.I am here to build my
first graphic file remember?....I skipped the last 40 pages of Part
1(was running short on Aspirins).Part 2.Ok this is where the action is
or was or never will come.Designing graphics.Please spend atleast 2
hours or less (if you are lucky) to try and follow the step by step
instructions on how to draw a rectangle.I struggled for 40 minutes
firstly trying to bring my screen and window appearance look like [the
book's] window snapshot....so I could exactly follow
those"step by step " instructions.... What are the other
parts in the book?

Automating With Fireworks.Sorry I have not
reached this part as yet and I dont intend to .This book goes back to
where it belongs.the amazon warehouse. To be fair...the idea of
using snapshots to teach a product was excellent,[but] fell flat at the
execution stage. Seriously, its been quite some time since a book has
frustrated me so much.

But you could give it try.Maybe this book
isnt meant for absolute beginners like me who have never handled a
Fireworks product before but hey why in the world is Look Learn and
Apply mentioned on the cover of the book?

Product Description
Fireworks allows you to design editable Web graphics in an instant, as well as automate workflow to meet the demands of constant edits, updates, and changes.It can also be integrated with other Macromedia products, popular graphics applications, and HTML editors for a complete Web solution.Fireworks Fast & Easy Web Development helps you get up and running with Fireworks even if you have no graphics experience.It includes a CD that contains cut and paste templates, which can be used to get a jumpstart in creating Web graphics.It is a great visual guide for graphics beginners, small businesses, students, or business professionals with little or no previous experience with this topic.

About the Author
Lisa Lee is a software and Web engineer/Web developer in the computer industry.She is the author of "Photoshop 6 Digital Darkroom," "Fireworks Fast & Easy Web Development," "Easy iMac," "Easy iBook," "Easy Linux," "Upgrading and Repairing the Macs," and "Teach Yourself Mac OS 8.5 in 24 Hours."

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Review of Macromedia Fireworks 4 Fast & Easy Web Development (Paperback)

The reviewer from Boston is right. This book is little more than a re-write of the manual, and is a waste of money.

Worse, it isn't even a good re-write. The book suffers from a problem that too many software books have: it assumes that the reader has never seen a modern piece of software. Does anyone *really* need instruction on "Navigating the Menu Bar"? (pp. 29 - 42) If you need to be told how to open and close files with the file menu, you're already way out of your league and need to get a basic Windows/MacOS book. The first 100 pages of the book are so much wasted paper.

Unfortunately, the subsequent 500 pages aren't much better. Instructions are poorly designed and disjointed -- and there are errors throughout the book. I lost count of how many times I had to re-read sections thinking I'd missed something because what was on my screen didn't match what Lee described, only to discover that I hadn't missed anything -- Lee had.

Product Description
Don’t spend your time wading through manuals to learn Macromedia Fireworks. Spend it doing what you do bestâ€' creating Web pages! From the basics of getting started with and customizing Fireworks to designing interactive Web graphics and integrating Fireworks with Dreamweaver, this book offers a unique, hands-on approach that you won’t find anywhere else. Less time, less effort, more results!.

About the Author
Lisa Lee is a software and Web engineer/Web developer in the computer industry.She is the author of "Photoshop 6 Digital Darkroom," "Fireworks Fast & Easy Web Development," "Easy iMac," "Easy iBook," "Easy Linux," "Upgrading and Repairing the Macs," and "Teach Yourself Mac OS 8.5 in 24 Hours."

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