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Index Interviews: Lee Child Telling Lies for Fun and Profit: Setting Your Sights With So Much Content on the Internet, Why Do People Still Read Newspapers? A Roundtable Discussion With Lois McMaster Bujold, Tony Daniel, and Jack McDevitt Book Reviews Events Calendar Return to This Issue's Index Return to Homepage Subscribe
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Computer/Web Design Book ReviewsPage Two of TwoSpecial Edition Using Macromedia Flash 5 by Darrel Plant and Robert ClevelandQue, May, 2001.Trade Paperback, 606 pages. ISBN: 0789724448 Ordering information: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk 
The popularity of Flash is undeniable;
Macromedia claims there have been over
one billion downloads of Flash from its website.
But popularity isn't everything -- there are
obviously good and bad
ways to use Flash -- and plenty of websites
overdo it when it comes to Flash designs.
There are scores of books about Flash design; some
focus on specific Flash designs using
screenshots in a step-by-step instructional
approach, while other books teach readers how to
create "cool" Flash animations. This
book offers more of a text-based approach, like
a traditional computer reference book.
The book provides an introduction to Flash
utilities and the Flash authoring environment,
instruction on working with Flash animations
and vector art. The book also provides detailed
coverage of ActionScript,
Flash's programming language. A CD-ROM
included with book contains Flash demos and
source code from the book.
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Flash, that can both help readers to Flash and teach them how to develop more complex Flash applications. The ActionScript instruction is very helpful for programmers, and coverage includes syntax, functions, objects, scripting buttons, dynamic text, controlling movies with ActionScript, Smart Clips, controlling the player and debugging. Having knowledge of both graphics and programming concepts gives the Flash developer a more well-rounded understanding of Flash design. Although some readers might prefer a Flash book that provides more full-color step-by-step procedures of how to create specific Flash animations, this book should appeal to Flash developers that need more extensive instruction, including coverage of ActionScript. Surviving Security: How to Integrate People, Process, and Technology by Mandy AndressSams, July, 2001.Trade Paperback, 524 pages. ISBN: 0672321297 Ordering information: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk 
Networking and security issues can be
very complicated and expensive for a
small business. Security is very important,
but small businesses have to manage to
balance their needs with what they
can afford. This book helps readers learn
how to determine the risks involved with
computer networking and the Internet, and
understand the options
available to them for securing valuable company
information, data and websites. It also
explains the costs and complications involved.
Some of the security measures covered include
encryption, authentication, firewalls, intrusion
detection, remote access, host security and
server security. The book goes well beyond
a basic explanation of these security topics. It also
provides chapters covering security maintenance,
vulnerability tests, security audits and a chapter
about what to do if and when security is breached.
Throughout the book, readers are frequently
referred to additional resources where they can
find more information. The book also offers
a companion website where additional information
and updates can be found.
Author Mandy Andress is CEO and Founder of ArcSec Technologies, a security consulting firm. She is also Chief Security Officer for Evant, a San Francisco-based software company, and a writer and reviewer for InfoWorld. This is an excellent resource for small business owners and network managers. These days, security is more important than ever, and your company will need security plans, security policies, insurance, hardware and software. This book can help small businesses and system administrators learn what is needed and expected, and help them implement security plans and solutions based on their needs. Highly recommended. Web Site Design Goodies by Joe Burns, Ph.D..Que, July, 2001.Trade Paperback, 379 pages. ISBN: 0789724855 Ordering information: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk 
Web Site Design Goodies provides
simple, easy-to-follow instruction to
help readers understand and implement
web design concepts. The book also
offers advice on how to solve specific
web design problems and learn things to
avoid, such as using a
combination of green and red as colors
for text and background. Author and
communications professor Joe Burns,
Ph.D. explains web design
concepts and helps readers solve specific
problems, rather than simply providing specific
HTML templates for readers to use.
After readers have finished the book, they will have some actual
knowledge of design and will have acquired skills they can
use to solve problems on their own.
Burns also explains how content is
important, and teaches readers how
to use a website to communicate
effectively with its users.
Critiques of websites designed by
amateurs are also offered to help
readers learn what works and what
does not.
This is not the first time Joe Burns has helped people with web development. He is well-known for his skill at simplifying web design concepts and has authored two books, HTML Goodies and JavaScript Goodies, and also maintains a website at htmlgoodies.com. Once again, Burns provides an excellent collection of valuable tips and examples for readers to learn from when creating a website of their own. Highly recommended for web design novices. Computer Reviews Page One | Page Two Return to Book Reviews Index ** For an archive of computer books reviewed in The IWJ, please click here. |