Product Description
Master the basics and hot new features-work efficiently with files and folders, organize the desktop, convert files, and much more. Streamline the Mac OS-juggle multiple tasks, maximize the hard drive, add power through memory management and virtual memory, and speed up tasks with sample Applescripts included with the OS. Discover the Internet-use built-in features to connect to the Internet, browse the Web, exchange email, publish Web pages, and much more.Amazon.com Review
The Mac OS 8.6 Book says a great deal about Mac OS 8.6from the user's point of view. If you're wondering how to getsomething done or how to use a particular feature of this operatingsystem, the answers you need are in these pages. Covered subjectsinclude the contents of the System Folder, the Finder's features,typography, printing, and memory management.

You'll findparticularly good coverage of networking: the book shows you how toconfigure file and printer sharing on an AppleTalk network andexplains the ins and outs of Personal Web Sharing. It also walks youthrough the process of getting connected to the Internet. Moreinformation on hooking Macs to Windows boxes on local networks wouldhave made this book a standout.

The Mac OS 8.6 Book tendstoward the elementary end of the difficulty scale, giving lots ofattention to basic skills and features while including onlybroad-brush coverage of AppleScript programming and other advancedcapabilities. This book includes better-than-average coverage ofSherlock, including its new ability to let the user choose from amonga series of search engines to which to submit a query.

You may alsowant to look into TheLittle Mac Book and, for true newcomers, Mac OS 8.6 Visual QuickstartGuide. --David Wall ... Read more

Product Description
This work offers information on the most recent technology in workstations, explaining, comparing and contrasting MS-DOS, OS/2 2.0, System 7 and UNIX. It discusses network operating systems and extensions and includes an abbreviated command reference for each operating system. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive tutorial to maximize the power and sophistication of Adobe Illustrator, this book is part of Adobe's Classroom in a Book series of training workbooks developed and produced by Adobe Systems and used in companies and educational institutions. A CD is included to allow the user to practice using the tools and features of Adobe Illustrator with professionally created electronic files. ... Read more

Product Description
Untitled

Adobe PageMaker 7.0 delivers the features you've asked for: seamless integration with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, the ability to merge text and images from database and spreadsheet applications, and ways to view and create PDFs--and even open and edit QuarkXPress documents--directly in PageMaker, to name just a few. PageMaker 7.0 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide takes you step-by-step through these and all the other key features of this award-winnning page-layout stalwart.

Novices and pros alike will find this an indispensable guide to the latest version of PageMaker. If you're new to the program--or to page layout entirely--you can start with PageMaker basics: its desktop environment, creating a new document, and working with layouts, margins, and palettes. You'll never get lost in dense text or jargon. The book's clear, concise directions and plentiful screenshots ensure that you stay on track. Those who've worked with previous versions of PageMaker can use the page tabs to delve into more advanced topics, like the intricacies of type management, working with graphics, and putting the finishing touches on files for output in print or on the Web.

Customer Reviews (3)

Very Helpful
PageMaker 7 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Useful short resource.

Useful learning tool
I needed to teach myself Pagemaker for projects at work. I had done design in other programs, i.e. MS Publisher, but not Pagemaker. Even though I was unable to learn about the Pagemaker program before I needed to know what I was doing for an official project, the book was able to help me get it done.

Pretty good
Although I am usually not a big fan of the Visual Quick Start series I really like this one.Mr. Alspach certainly knows what he is writing about.Written in a clear, pleasant way without the unnecessary stupid jokes you encounter far too much in computer books these days.Great coverage of all the basic and intermediate Pagemaker stuff.Good as a study book and very good as a reference book. If you are a beginning or intermediate Pagemaker user needing a book to support you when you are using Pagemaker, buy this one.
If you buy this one and Pagemaker 7: Classroom in a book, you have the perfect combination to learn how to use Pagemaker. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides information on the System 7 version of Macintosh system software which provides enhanced versions of all the Macintosh trademark features, including help functions, the finder, memory support, screen fonts, multitasking and sound. ... Read more

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews (16)

Average quality writing and examples
This is voluminous, but quantity does not make up for quality. Some chapters are sketchy, so I found much better tutorials on the net, and in other books.

Shouldn't have to be this way. I'm glad I'm used to working with Photoshop, to do ok with the book.

IF I was getting one or two books on Photoshop, this would not be one of them.

These authors do not write clearly enough for beginners, and intermediate level PS users may be better served by buying higher ranked PS books, keyed to whether you are more into photography, or graphics.

book review
A book for people already familiar with photoshop, too complex for beginers, written in a dull way.

Very Helpful
This is an excellent book, which actually explains a lot about Photoshop for the newer user.It was recommended to me be by a professional and I am happy that I got it.Its only drawback is that none of the graphic charts are in color.Not terrible but it would certainly be helpful.

Another winner in the Visual Quickstart series
I had photoshop 5 and the corresponding Visual Quickstart guide. When I upgraded to CS2, I bought this book based on my satisfaction with the previous version. I was not disappointed.

The concept of these books is to provide a 1-3 page illustrated lesson on real world tasks. With photoshop, that works particularly well. I am an occasional user, and this book helps me get great results fast.

Good books
The book is pretty easy to get around and find what I want to do with the program. ... Read more

Product Description
The first volume of this important two-volume series described each step of the design and decision making process, while Volume Two, Internetworking with XINU--covers internetworking and user interface software. Professional software programmers can learn how protocol software fits into an operating system and how VAX software works as well. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (13)

Caution: Authorized IT personnel only
This is a book that should be read only by seasoned IT professionals. As the director of a small academic lab I don't have the luxury of having adequate IT support, so I, like many others, have to wing it. With its rave reviews I thought thisbook would help, but it didn't. Another 50-100 pages (a relatively small increment in this tome) to compactly introduce and define some of the jargon would have helped immensely and expanded the intended audience to those familiar with IT, but as a sideline, not a career. That being said, I appreciated the author's candor and attention to "gotchas" that official documentation doesn't mention.

No other OS X server book comes close
Even with 10.4 out this is still the number one book on Mac OS X server there is. Period. Bartosh goes deep in to all areas of OS X server and provides excellent examples for you to follow. This book has saved my hide on a number of occasions and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. If you only buy one OS X server book this is it.

This is a "must-have" book for all level users related to Apple systems administration.
This book is organized into seven parts and one appendix: from new system installation to remote management and different kind of clients supported.

Inside the first part, there is a chapter about planning system deployment reviewing different scenarios as first task to take care of. The author exposes some basic ideas about system administration as well as strategies and tools to resolve a large number of common problems.

One of the key points of this book is its better organization centered around system deployment phases than Apple documentation. Continuous explanations and small tricks to monitor and tune the system are made across the entire book sections. There is exhaustive information about installation with graphical tools, command line and network setup. The most appreciated resource can be screenshots: it allows to follow all the explanations without any problem to new Apple system administrator.

Authors, as advanced users, describe in an easy but deeply enough way all management tools of all system services either graphical or command line versions. Some other Open Source or even propietary tools are described when they are good alternatives to Apple ones.

All the chapters contain "best practices" sections and background knowledge to really understand their functions.

This is a "must-have" book for all level users related to Apple systems administration. I'm really impatient waiting for Tiger revision.

Best MacOS X Server book
For those who are familiar with MacOS X and would like to learn the server-side of the equation, this book is it. Apple's documentation has been sparse and this book covers that deficiency with great aplomb. This is the best Mac OS X Server book on the market right now. Too bad O'Reilly just cancelled the Tiger version because I would have first in line for the next edition.
http://www.afp548.com/article.php?story=20051221121321676
I hope they change their minds because it will certainly leave a big void in future MacOS X Server documentation.

Not for Web Server help
If you are looking for OS X web server inside information, this is not it. Only about 15 pages, out of 800, discuss the web server. And the information on those pages mostly just covers the already intuitive interface. It would not be fair for me to dis the whole book based on this one gaping whole - but since that was the information I was looking for more information on, I was sorely tempted. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive, technical reference guide provides in-depth informationon Apple technical architecture. It will teach the reader how to install andconfigure machines; architect and maintain networks; enable, customize, tuneand troubleshoot a wide range of services; and integrate Mac OS X, Mac OS XServer, and other Apple technologies within a networked environment. Thebook covers myriad system administration topics from Directory Servicesintegration to Tiger Server deployment, Xsan administration, accountmanagementbest practices, security best practices, and more. Following thelearning objectives of the Apple Certified System Administrator exam, thisbook is a perfect supplement to Apple's own training class and a in-depthtechnical reference for existing system administrators and engineers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Simply...awesome
He's got an amazing grasp of the subject and very easy, organized way to present it. I'm enjoying learning what could otherwise be a very dry subject.

Very Good Explanation of OS X Directory Services
I read this book from cover to cover in order to prepare for two of the ACSA certification exams Apple offers, including the Directory Services Integration and Administration and Best Security Practices exams. If one is interested in the topics then one can learn an amazing amount of details and facts, otherwise difficult to come by in such an easily readable style.

However, I should warn, the book is not perfect in that the quality of the exposition can vary greatly from chapter to chapter. If I recall correctly, one of the first chapters explaining the basics of the KDC service and the concepts of Realms and principals contained grammatical errors so severe that they compromised the validity of the topic. Furthermore, some very interesting topics, such as cross realm authentication are barely touched upon.
Also, the information herein will not really help one troubleshoot a problematic service/server, but it will give you the background information, provided you are actively absorbing the information, which will allow you to analyze and think through troubleshooting scenarios.

However, any of these pitfalls are made up through such step by step explanations of the background processes behind promoting a server to an OD master, for example. I wish more OS books would cover such information either in this way or even at all.

Regardless, the book definitely did an amazing job of preparing me for the exams. I received very high scores on both exams (a 96 on the Directory Services and an 88 on the Security exam) and learned numerous interesting facts in every chapter.

At last, I would surely recommend this book for anyone thinking of getting an ACSA or someone just curious about the Unix side, along with its many possibilities, of OS X.[.....]

Excellent look under the hood
I bought this book along with Mac OS X Server Essentials.While that book is good on the GUI interface, this book shows in good detail what is really going on under the hood and behind the scenes.I have a much better understanding of Open Directory and LDAP in general as well as Kerberos and Single Sign in logic. Many of the other services offered under OS X Server 10.4are also explained well.The command line information is good while not being so in depth as to lose the reader.You should have a basic familiarity with UNIX command line before trying to understand the concepts presented.The section on security is very good and presents a broad range of options to the administrator.

Great book from a top-notch trainer
As another review states, this book is the guide for the relevant Apple ACSA courses.It succinctly provides you with an understanding of the basic information needed to attack the certification exams.

I do also recommend that you find the time and funds to actually take the classes.The folks in Cupertino have put a lot of work into creating great courses that offer you the crucial opportunity to learn by doing.The content and examples you work through during the courses are relevant to a wide range of applications, from small business to multi-national corporation as well as K-12, higher education, and research.

Schoun himself is one of the top independent providers of Apple training and has had no small hand in the development of the courses.I've had the pleasure of taking classes from him on several occasions and recommend his work highly.

Not for bedtime reading
This book is a one-to-one version of the course material found in the Directory Services Integration and Administration v10.4 course, the Security Best Practices v10.4 course and more. The exercises are well thought out and easy to do. Not so easy to remember are the 800+ pages, but it is not meant to teach you all you need to know about being an SysAdmin. It is enough to get you through these two exams, which give you 7 credits and the ACSA. And it is enough to set you off into a job as Junior SysAdmin or, as in my case, a supporter with server duties.

Ideally, one should visit both official courses - not so much because more isoffered in the actual courses than in the book, but rather because one can ask pointed questions of the teacher, that one cannot ask if something in the book isnot clear.

As in most such books, itrepresents a beginning - the rest is a matter of acquiring experience. Do not expect this book to give you all the answers. I doubt if that would be possible. But it will give a whole lot of things to look out for and a whole lot of new input, especially if you have been doing some SysAdmin-ing and now want a look-see as to how the fulltime SysAdmins do it. ... Read more

Product Description
Focusing specifically on Account Management and Deploying Mac OS XServer, this comprehensive reference provides in-depth information onMac OS X Server's technical architecture. System administrators, ITprofessionals, and Mac enthusiasts will learn the details of how todeploy Mac OS X Server within a multiplatform, heterogeneousenvironment, and how to manage Mac OS X Server accounts. This is thesecond of two volumes certified by Apple Computer. Following thelearning objectives of the Apple Certified System Administrator exam,this book is a perfect supplement to Apple's own training class and anin-depth technical reference for existing system administrators andengineers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Apple Training Series - Admin Vol 2
Very usefull book.
High tech reference guide, if you want to understand mac and/or unix you need of it.

Great Resource!
This book is a great resource for any system admin, or especially those completing the certification tracks for Apple.

Expensive series but surely valuable
My one and only complaint is the cost of these version specific books.The next OS X will be out in just a few months, but here we are with a 10.4 specific book.And of course this book by itself doesn't do much: you need others in the same series to have a good overall picture.

But: as I expect with Apple docs, these are very nice: good looking, well presented, excellent coverage.For a Windows admin needing to understand OS X, these would be perfect, and they also are aimed at specific Apple Certification courses, so someone planning to take those would also benefit.

Be warned: there's plenty of detail left out.You need to do the exercises, you need to experiment, and you probably will need other resources too.But this (with the other Server oriented books in the seies) definitely is an excellent introduction and reference. ... Read more

Product Description
Need to learn FileMaker Pro fast? Try a Visual QuickStart Guide!

If you've recently upgraded to FileMaker Pro 8, teach yourself thispowerful database software the quick and easy way! Using picturesrather than lengthy explanations, this Visual QuickStart Guidetakes you from working with records and files to creating and designingdatabases, printing and networking with FileMaker, and Web publishingwith FileMaker in no time. Step-by-step tasks show you how to use newfeatures like PDF and Excel makers; fast match, fast send, layoutalignment, email merge, and table import tools; and popular featureslike digital image management to organize digital photos with minimaleffort and XML support to easily share and integrate data with otherapplications--even those not running FileMaker. This affordably priced,reference style book also includes a companion Web site with excerpts,tips, related links, and more. You'll be up and running in no time! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great buy!
I ordered both "Using FileMaker 7" and "FileMaker Pro 8".
The condition of both books were very good.
The price was fantastic!!

Contents
Very useful contents for FileMaker Pro 8.
Hardly can expect the issuance of FileMaker Pro 9 for Windows & Macintosh.

Only useful if you are an absolute beginner
the title says it all really, if you have never used Filemaker before you will find this useful to get started on very basic databases. If you've used versions of Filemaker prior to v7 you will get a couple of tips about the differences in creating relational databases BUT this is quite clearly described in the free guide that comes with FileMaker. If you have used fileMaker 7 or above and know how to create a relational database with it you won't get one single useful bit of information out of it.

It's really just an extended version of the Users Guide that comes with FileMaker - not worth buying. ... Read more

Product Description

Good computer books make assumptions about the reader: what they do and don’t know when they pick up the book, and what they want to know when they put it down. For each reader this could be very different; therefore, a book that suits one person may not be the best for another. Mac OS X Leopard: Beyond the Manual makes some assumptions too, ones that tend to differ from other Mac OS X books.

First of all, we assume that you have used a computer in that past: that you know how to use a mouse and you know the proper place to stick a DVD to get it to play in your computer. We won’t be showing you these things. (We will however demonstrate to our Mac converts how to “right click” on a trackpad with only one button!).

Second, we assume you know what you want to do with your computer. We won't waste your time showing you specifically, step–by–step how to order a pizza from Pizza Galaxy in Milwaukee Wisconsin on the with Safari (though, when you’re done with this book we think you’ll be able to do this just fine… if such a place exists anyway).

Finally, we assume that you are a reasonably intelligent person with who realizes the value of such phrases as “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime” and can imagine how that might apply to a computer book.

If this sounds like you, then we think you'll find this book rewarding.

Inside you will find everything you need to get up to speed with Mac OS X Leopard including:

• Using the standard included Leopard applications including Mail, Safari, Preview, and more
• Taking advantage of the Darwin subsystem in Leopard
• Learning all the ins and outs of the Finder and Leopards improved interface
• Administering your computer for yourself and for others
• Working with other computers and operating systems from you Mac
• Configuring the network to take full advantage of the powerful networking capabilities in Leopard
• Working with add on devices via USB, Firewire, and Bluetooth
• Effectively implementing data backup, recovery and security
• Getting started with OS X development in Leopard

Customer Reviews (3)

Good resource for power users
Those who like to do more with their Macs and aren't afraid to try things will appreciate this book. This is not aimed at absolute beginners although there may be some who are ready to jump in. The nice thing about this book is that there are topics covered that you don't always see in other books. For example, there is a chapter on connecting peripherals to your Mac and another chapter on Leopard as a web server. One chapter is devoted to "common Leopard maintenance."
As with most Leopard books, you get information about using the applications that come with Leopard, connecting to the internet, what the system preferences do and customizing your Mac.
Included are chapters on Darwin, Mac OS X Development and tools and cross-platform solutions. These advanced topics are not just a page or two, but chapters long which are a good portion of the book.
Some people may be scared off by all the advanced topics, but all the basics are covered too. It doesn't hurt to have both even if you aren't ready for all of it just now.

Competent guide with above average programming intro
When I did the first cut at this review I found myself saying "there's 3 pages on this, then there's 8 pages on that, then there's....". It looked like I hadn't actually read anything beyond the table of contents, when in fact I had read virtually every page of a LARGE computer reference for the first time in as many years as I can remember -including 30+ spent in IT.)"Mac OS X Leopard Beyond the Manual" is one of those encyclopedic tomes that tries to touch on virtually everything about a given subject area without going into anything too deeply.It's targeted at intermediate/professional computer users though, not beginners.

I was coming back to the Apple desktop platform after a decade plus hiatus - since the days of MAC OS 8. Like many people, I don't buy nearly as many computer books as I used to given all the online resources available; but I'm old fashioned enough to feel the need to have a couple good ones around in each major area of interest. Browsing the table of contents of Leopard BTM made me think it would provide the security blanket I wanted as a 'new' user/administrator and that it would give me an intro to OS X architecture and development. So here are some impressions of what I found most useful; your mileage may vary.

The first two parts of the book cover using and administering Leopard. They do a pretty good job of of introducing the Aqua interface and giving an overview of how the file systems are laid out. You're sure to resolve a few of your quandaries and find some unexpected features. Here, for example,I found out about 'fast user switching' which I knew that Leopard, being UNIX, must have but hadn't figured out yet. Also that voice recognition is built-in. (I'm looking forward to testing it with the included chess program.) The section on networked printers was good background. (But what finally got mine working was just doing the same steps over and over til it `took'.) The chapter on backup was rather perfunctory. In a book of almost 600 pages this would seem to warrant a little more than 8? The chapter that covers Spotlight, Expose, Spaces and Dashboard in a dozen pages is typical of too much of the book. And half of these pages are screen shots - that's also pretty typical of the whole book - so you can figure the coverage of each topic is rather lean.

The next two sections cover all the major Leopard applications which, perhaps surprisingly, was the least important area to me.
I'm a confirmed Firefox user and I didn't really see anything while dipping into the Safari pages to convert me to Apple's browser. Similarly, I have no intention of using Leopard's Mail, Address book or iCal programs - Google covers all these for me across Mac, Windows and Linux desktops. However, I found the iChat chapter surprisingly interesting. I should have known, but didn't, that it supports the built-in iSight camera in my iMac. (I'm really sick of all these iWords.) And that it is Gtalk/AIM compatible. iTunes on the Mac is pretty much like iTunes on Windows.A few pages on Apple's .Mac online servicedidn't convince me to plunk down $99 so that I can store my photos in an Apple enclave rather than via Flickr or Picasa Web. The iLife 08 'digital lifestyle' apps are covered quickly. My wife probably got more in the first 3 minutes of actually using iPhoto than in the 3 pages here. Coverage of the more powerful iWork 08 applications - similar to MS Office - is even shorter as Leopard includes them only as trials. (My wife liked the Pages word processor enough to shell out the extra bucks for iWork.)

Up next is an intro to Darwin, Apple's UNIX variant underlying OS X. The first chapter was a little disappointing for this former sysadmin as it was pretty much like any UNIX primer you've ever read. The following one was better but uneven - the authors go into shell scripting in some detail but then have a section covering "Advanced Scripting with Perl, Python and Ruby" in under 4 pages?!?

The networking chapters are decent but contain more .Mac propaganda. The authors are very much true believers whereas I simply want my Mac to play well in an existing Windows/Linux environment. Apache is bundled in Mac OS X and a lot of good pointers to other sources of information of interest to new web designers are included.

The most compelling portion of the book to me was the 100+ pages on application development under Leopard. I haven't earned a paycheck as a full-time developer since about the time Gerald Ford was president and there's the presumption that you already have a clue about how objects work, but I feel like I got the lay of the land and could start poking around in Automator or the Xcode IDE now. The authors seem to be passionate about programming and it's a bit infectious.

Overall, I found "Mac OS X Leopard Beyond the Manual" to be fairly good from a using perspective, a little weak from an administrative orientation, pretty strong as an introduction to current Mac development tools. At the Amazon price, I'd say its a superior value if your Mac interests are anything like mine. (Full disclosure - I got my copy free through a user group with the intent of a review.)

Good Primer for advanced users
There are a growing number of guidance books being published about Apple's latest computer operating systemOS 10.5, a.k.a. "Leopard.""Mac OS 10 Leopard: Beyond the Manual" by Scott Meyers and Mike Lee aims for a more sophisticated reader group than most of the others which tend to target casual users and perhaps new "Windows switchers."

This book is for advanced computer users, especially those familiar with UNIX and Linux who want or need to learn about the hundreds of new and improved features of the MacOS, and even for casual Windows users who are comfortable with command line interaction and prefer full keyboard use of the computer.

Scott Meyers is an editor and Mac OS consultant and Mr. Lee is a technical specialist. The writing is clear and straightforward.Unlike some other Leopard guides, there is no attempt to be literary or stylish - this is a software manual after all for advanced users.They cover all the Leopard basics and assume the reader is not, or only barely, familiar with the Mac OS 10 system.The first four parts(of eight) of the book, counting 17 chapters, describe the basics--the Aqua interface, the Menubar, Views, the Sidebar and Dock, system and user preferences, the file system, maintenance, security, networking, and included Apple applications like Safari (the browser), Mail, iChat, and iCal. An item by item description of the Safarimenus takes up a full seven pages.The Mailmenu descriptions take up 11 pages.The menu descriptions are contained in a chart which provides alternative common keyboard shortcuts for each of the menu commands.Like UNIX and other operating systems, one can ignore the mouse completely once one knows the key combinations.They also provide an introduction to the iLife suite of applications, like iTunes, iPhoto, and the other consumer-level productivity applications included with the Leopard installation.

The coverage is comprehensive but not deep.The reader will be exposed to most of the operating system but nothing is treated extensively or with depth.Some of the chapters are very short.Presumably, higher end users will figure the deeper stuff out for themselves after being directed to what is available in OS 10.There is no shortage of illustrations, screenshots, charts, tables illuminating in an effective way the text comments and descriptions.

Throughout, the authors provide numerous "Notes" and "Tips" which elaborate on the basic text.These are more explanatory of specific items and features and some are in the nature of practical recommendations and suggestions - for configuring preferences, for example, or utilizing third-party applications instead of Apple's for certain functions.There is an extensive five-page section on the components of the system-wide and user Libraries in OS 10 with descriptions of all the items contained in them.Throughout the first half of the book - the part focused on the user interface and middleware layers of the OS - the authors provide information on both the menu -mouse navigation and keyboard operation alternatives, the latter for power users and others more comfortable with keyboard use.Differences in desktop and laptop keyboards are detailed as well.There is an an interesting section on calibrating the display and modifying the default Macintosh1.8 gamma to a Windows-like 2.2 gamma for those users who are not graphics professionals, at least.

The last half of the book is about UNIX, or more specifically for the MacOS, "Darwin" which is Apple's flavor of UNIX.Starting first with the "shell" the authors walk the reader through starting up the command line functions, describe the elemental UNIX commands, note navigation issues, root access, and the like.Later chapters cover scripting Darwin, using the included scripting languages of Perl, Python, PHP, and Ruby, and how to install additional advanced software like Fink and Macports.

Chapters 20 and 21 cover networking, remote monitoring, andfirewalls.Chapter 22 deals with the included Web server software, Apache, as well as SQLite and PHP.There is a chapter devoted to Apple' s own scripting applications, Automator and AppleScript.The final chapter covers the developer tools, also included with OS X.There are references to the various "kits" which developers can use to create their own applications and there are many kits included in OS X - for audio, video, graphics, PDF handling, animation, and more.

The appendices include guidance on installations and a list of what's new in Leopard (versus earlier versions of OS 10.)An extensive index of 43 pages rounds out the book.

This book is solidly produced and written and should bring advanced users up to speed with Leopard and to point the way for them to explore the depths of it themselves. ... 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
A follow-up to the definitive Mac Toolbox guide offers readers even greater coverage of the tools and utilities available in this useful package. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Essential for Mac Programmers
Yes, it's true that Apple has all its "Inside Macintosh" books available online now. Or you could get the Inside Macintosh CD-ROM, which contains some 26 volumes of these amazing books.

But if you're like me,you aren't about to sit in front of your computer reading a book of thislength and depth. This is one to curl up in a chair with and really getinto.

Continuing where "Inside Macintosh: Macintosh ToolboxEssentials" left off, this book describes more Mac OS features, suchas the Resource Manager(worth purchasing just for this chapter), ScrapManager, and the Component Manager. Other chapters cover more obscuresubjects, Like Icon Utilities, Translation Manager, and List Manager.

There's also a chapter on Control Panels, but Joe Zobkiw's book "AFragment of Your Imagination" will help you a lot more in thatdirection. This book isn't so much about how you should implement, butabout how things really work at the deepest level.

As the title of thisreview says, this is a book for programmers, not novices. If you're notintimidated by long code examples or explanations of OS behavior at thebyte and bit level, you will not find a more thorough explanation of what'sgoing on in Macintosh applications. Note that code samples are in Pascal,so some translation is required if you want to use them in your C/C++programs.

(If you're just starting out, you're better off getting theprevious volume, "Macintosh Toolbox Essentials," which coversmore fundamental Toolbox features. That one is a five-star book!) ... 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
Best-selling authors Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas introduce a visual way of learning LiveMotion, Adobe's recently announced design tool for creating interactive Web graphics and animation. The book, which can be used as a tutorial or reference, provides a step-by-step guide to LiveMotion's powerful features.Amazon.com Review
LiveMotion for Windows & Macintosh is an easy-to-read, liberally illustrated guide to learning and using Adobe's tool for creating animation for the Web. As with all Visual QuickStart guides from Peachpit Press, this book is geared toward the user who's new to the software that the book covers, and is designed from the ground up to get you up to speed as quickly as possible.

Every feature of LiveMotion is covered (some better than others), from an introduction to the interface and all of its palettes to animation basics, creating and using objects, using layers, using text, creating rollovers, using behaviors that are linked to objects, and exporting your work for inclusion on a Web site.

With the use of a simple two-column format, the tools, palettes, and features are explained in a balanced presentation that is half text and half illustration. Because animation is LiveMotion's forte, it gets more coverage than any other feature. Animation basics, using the timeline, working with keyframes, and adding sound are introduced in chapter 13, "Animation," while chapter 14, "More Animation," takes on advanced concepts, like animating layers, reshaping objects, animating text, using motion paths, and using rollovers. It would've been nice to see a larger section on using behaviors (chapter 15, "Behaviors," is only about 13 pages long), but that's a minor shortcoming in an otherwise valuable book. --Mike Caputo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good if you're an absolute beginner to graphics
If you're already familiar with photoshop, illustrator, and have some familiarity of flash or vector animation, this book will only have limited usage. There might be about 50 pages of actual material you might need to know as this book spends a lot of time covering basic elements (graphic/drawing), and you have to wait until chapter 13 to get to the animation. Overall, it's not a bad book, but if you're already familiar with graphics and animation, then I suggest you look elsewhere. If you're new to this whole field, then it's a good start.

For beginners only
If your new to animation and web authoring, this book will be a big plus for you.If you are looking for advanced material on LiveMotion, I would recommend "Adobe LiveMotion Classroom in a Book."

In this title, the authors are perhaps a little too cute, in a manner that speaks down to it's readers.It begins with. "Are you a real greenhorn?,"moves to a web-speak glossary (including chatroom shorthand) and wraps up with a suggestion to surf the web to study good design (not bad advice, excepting there's just so much bad design to make this a blanket tip).

Of course in between these, the authors do indicate how to use the application, giving accurate descriptions of how to use each function in a relatively simple way.

So again, a good book with the caveat that it is a beginner's title, not for intermediate or advanced web authors who are adding Livemotion to their tool box and want to get into the more complex aspects of this tool.

All around great training and information!
I am new to both Live Motion and to web animation/design.I have readeverything I can get my hands on, from information on the internet to otherLive Motion books.This is THE best information I've read to date.Theinstructions are very clear, it is easy to find specific information bygoing through either the index or table of contents, the training is easilyapplied to your own projects and, as you go through the exercises, you gaininvaluable experience with the program.It's definitely a book that anymultimedia designer will want near by at all times!

In my humble opinion,this book is useful to both the new and experienced designer. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides savvy solutions and the attitude you need to take advantage of the iBook computer.Provides everything you need to know to get started; practical, real-world advice for all things iBook, tricks and tips to help you work faster and smarter, and learn by doing the tasks you need. Softcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Easy to Learn
This book was a tremendous help in learning how to use the ibook.Very comprehensive and teaches you every aspect of your ibook from turning it on to browsing the internet. It's a great book. ... Read more

Product Description
This in-depth look at advanced topics in Mac network administrationshows system administrators and other IT professionals how to use MacOS X Server v10.5 within a multiplatform, heterogeneous environment.Following the learning objectives of the Apple Certified SystemAdministrator course, this book is a perfect study aid for the AppleCertified System Administrator exam. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Read the book and passed the exam
I purchased this book to study for the 9L0-621 exam. I studied for about 2 weeks. I have roughly 4 years of experience administering OS X servers. I passed the exam today with a very comfortable score and earned my ACSA! I would recommend this book, although real life experience is also a must.

What's missing from Server Essentials
First, the book is only 363 pages long, not 560 as identified in the Amazon description. So in my opinion a little over priced for the content.

Having said that, I found the book contained a lot of information that I wish had been in Server Essentials.Of course, considering that these are geared towards the Apple exams I suppose you have to give them some leeway.

As I am in the process of planning an OS 10.5 Server upgrade, this book has been helpful.I'm still hoping that someone will write more about Print Queue Management in OS 10.5.If you're looking for more info on that subject, you won't find it in here nor in Server Essentials.

Overall, if you're new to supporting OS 10.5 Server or migrating from 10.4 to 10.5, then this book has some helpful information - but maybe you can get lucky and find it at a discounted price. I don't feel it's really worth $65 but I'd consider $35 a fair deal. ... Read more

Product Description
Richly colored illustrations, and clear step-by-step instructions guide users new to Mac OS X Tiger through the basics of this powerful operating system. Covering all aspects of Tiger, this book shows visual learners how to work with files, customize their computers, and maximize the versatility of iLife '05 applications. Also explores how to browse the Web with Safari, manage fonts with FontBook, use iCal to track appointments, and make the switch from older Mac OS versions. Get your Tiger to roar with this easy to use reference filled with more than 100 fun and helpful tasks, presented in full color with a newly re-designed interior to make learning fast and efficient. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Great for a visual person
This is certainly super for an individual learning a new operating system like Apple cause the step by step pictures tell it all.

teach yourself visually
This book is what I was looking for and will be very helpful for me.
It really is a fast and EASY way for me to learn.

Teach Yourself Visually Mac OS X Tiger
I wasn't really thrilled with the graphics and layout of this book. It is supposed to be visually pleasing and helpful for learning and I found it confusing and all over the page. There needs to be more of a balance of graphics and text and they need to interact more with each other in a visually appealing way.

Mac OS Tiger
I have learned sooooo much from this little book. it's simple, to the point & user friendly !!!!
It's great !!!!!

It's basic level, but it is the ABSOLUTE BEST basic OSX Tiger book!!!
I bought this book for my 77 year-old mother that has never touched a computer in her life.Even with this book, it's a little bit of a struggle for her, but that is just because she is in completely new territory.I personally looked through every page of the book and highlighted the most important sections for her to learn, so I'm very familiar with it.

If you're making the switch to Mac from Windows, you may find it overly dummied down at times, but there will be some good stuff you'll learn.Anyone that has reluctance to master Tiger should buy this book ASAP. ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (5)

Very Organized, Lots of Pictures
I really enjoyed this book.It is very well organized, with the text right next to the pictures so you can follow along easily.Also, it breaks down the chapters into organized sections that follow the same order you'd use to design a project.It also provides full-page, full-color photographs of artists' work so you can see the amazing things this program can do.

not for a beginner
i bought this book as a recommended text for a beginner's course on photoshop.the first time i cracked it open, i was trying to get a jump on my 2nd or 3rd class, and i was reviewing "how to draw a path using the pen tool."the instructions in the book were so thoroughly useless to me, they may as well have been written in mandarin chinese.in fact, i only figured it out after i put the book away and just went at via trial and error.you would think the authors really would have made considerable effort to explicitly cover such a central topic, but they only devote 1/2 a page of text and 1/2 a page of diagrams (which don't completely correspond to the text, i might add) to it.

despite my first frustrating experience with it, i actually tried to consult this oversized paperweight on a few other random questions and found it to be equally inscrutable.

perhaps the fault is mine since i have no background in graphic design at all: i am a physician by trade and artist by hobby.my brother gave me photoshop as a gift, thinking that i might enjoy it.i have since come to enjoy it, but no thanks to this clear-as-mud text.

A great value!
In 534 pages, Weinmann & Lourekas cover the basics of Photoshop CS 8.0, as well as the more intricate details.The guide is divided into 25 chapters, each of which focuses on a different topic.The authors start with a few introductory chapters for Photoshop newbies, and gradually get into the real nitty-gritty that is Photoshop CS.

The chapters include:
1 - The Basics
2 - Photoshop Color
3 - Startup
4 - Pixel Basics
5 - Layer Basics
6 - Select
7 - Compositing
8 - History
9 - Adjustments
10 - Choose Colors
11 - Recolor
12 - Paint
13 - Photography
14 - Gradients
15 - Layering Layers
16 - Layer Effects
17 - Masks
18 - Paths/Shapes
19 - Type
20 - Filters
21 - Liquify
22 - Automate
23 - Preferences
24 - Print
25 - Web/ImageReady

In contrast to some of the other Photoshop books I've read, "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" isn't laid out like a lesson book.It doesn't come with a CD-ROM and lesson files, nor does it present a series of steps for the reader to follow.Rather, it simply explains the different features and functions of Photoshop, with an emphasis on how to use the tools in a variety of situations.This is in welcome contrast to other Photoshop guides, which seem to teach you the base mechanics of using a tool, yet neglect to show you how you can apply this knowledge beyond the lessons presented in the book.

However, it's still possible to work through "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" as if it were divided into lessons.The chapters are roughly the same length (although there are a few noticeably shorter ones, such as Chapter 21, Liquify), so it's easy to schedule your work and actually follow through with it.I managed to knock out two chapters a day, and finished the book in about a week and a half.Simply set aside a few images to work with, and experiment with them as you read through the chapters.Although you won't have any "correct" images to compare your work to, this can actually be an advantage.There's not always a "right" and "wrong" way when it comes to graphic art, and by focusing on how to use Photoshop in a variety of situations, you learn how to apply the tools creatively and intuitively.In short, after reading "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh," you'll find yourself able to tackle new projects with confidence and ease - your skill won't just be limited to tasks similar to the lessons in the book.

In addition to offering a wealth of useful information, the authors do so in an organized and pleasant manner.The layout of the book is attractive, and is filled to the brim with helpful pictures, illustrations, and screen shots.The main downside is that almost all the pictures are black and white, and printed on standard paper.Although this can make the chapters on color a bit less effective, I generally didn't mind the black and white graphics.The authors include SO MANY pictures, that to present even half of them in color would be cost-prohibitive.Indeed, at $24.99, "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" is one of the more affordable guides out there.Those Photoshop books that run a similar length yet are printed on glossy paper with full color images sell for at least twice as much.For the frugal Photoshoppers out there, this is a great value!My only gripe in regards to the pictures is that the authors include a 32-page insert of color artwork created solely in Photoshop.Although it is interesting artwork, I think that their budget for color prints would have better been spent on instructional photos instead of being used to showcase the work of a few artists.

"Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" is both a helpful and comprehensible introduction to Photoshop for newbies, as well as a useful guide for the more experienced Photoshop user.Of all the books I've read, it's the only one that makes a handy reference book.Whenever I find myself stuck, it's the first book I reach for.And at a such a (relatively) low price, it gives you quite a bang for your buck!

Reads too much like textbook but still pretty good
This book isn't the "best" book for beginners but a great supplementary book or a pretty good semi-beginners book if you had the chance to play with photoshop or have some basis of it.

The book has no color examples in the step by step instructions although there are some sample artwork in the middle of the book that is fully colored.

The book has plenty of details from the beginning. The first few chapters explain each of Photoshop CS tools, navigation, selections, etc. The book does have lots of explainations for its step by step instructions but its not a bad thing if you have the patience to read and understand the author's concepts and apply it. There are other books that are quicker and more to the point then this one but it does do a pretty good job of explaining even without all the pictures in each step by step.

I would recommend this book but there are other books out there that I liked better for beginners like Kelby's. The book seems to read too much like a textbook but it's not a big of a deal. Sometimes you get bored of reading all the details and information but they are all things that you can later apply once you get the hang of the basic stuff. Recommended but not the best book for beginners. Makes great supplementary book if you had photoshop experience.

Try another begginer book instead
I liked the concept of the book, but it didn't deliver on the promise when I actually tried using it while sitting at the PC. ... Read more