Computer Book Reviews
Absolute PC Security & Privacy by Michael Miller
Synex, August, 2002Trade Paperback, 530 pages
ISBN: 0782141277
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
In this age of online privacy threats, spam, trojans
and viruses you definitely need a book like Absolute
PC Security & Privacy. This book lists many of
the potential problems (including many you may
not even be aware of), then provides methods for
avoiding them and solutions for fixing and removing
them if you have already been affected.
We can all understand the damage and frustrations
a virus can cause -- what is more difficult to comprehend
are the potential privacy problems and hidden security
risks, such as someone obtaining your credit card
or other personal information. For example, what risks
is your teenager creating for you when he uses
one of those file swapping services? Fortunately,
in addition to listing the many ways your personal
information can be accessed and stolen, the book
also provides methods for protecting your information.
The book also helps readers
understand complicated subjects such as cookies, firewalls
and secure servers.
In addition, the book includes sources and
websites for keeping up
with new viruses and new privacy concerns.
In this early stage of
the Internet, proper security is absolutely essential
to safeguard your privacy.
This book is a must-have for all PC users.
Highly recommended.
Photoshop Type Effects Visual Encyclopedia by Roger Pring
New Riders, June, 2002Trade Paperback, 190 pages.
ISBN: 0735711909
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
As exciting as animated graphics, flash and
original artwork are, it is important not to
overlook the importance of typography.
Displaying your headings, topics or menus
with good, clear visual effects can really make
a section of a website or important elements of
your sales brochure stand out and draw a
reader's eye. This book helps
show you how to create numerous professional-looking
type effects using Photoshop, and teaches you the fundamentals
so you create many more effects on your own.
The book includes hundreds of
stunning type effects
such as Frosty, Into the Fire, Pond Life, Slippery
When Wet, Warped Type, Genuine Antique and
Polished Chrome. Each effects is explained
through simple instructions and screen shots.
The book also includes an introduction section which
provides a quick overview of the fundamentals involved
in creating type effects.
The appendix includes information on all the
built-in Photoshop filters, as well as some of the best
third-party filters. The accompanying CD-ROM
contains the effects shown in the book.
The Photoshop Type Effects Visual Encyclopedia
is an excellent guide that no graphic designer,
Photoshop user or web developer should do
without.
Shockwave 3D by Jason Wolf
New Riders, May, 2002Trade Paperback, 210 pages.
ISBN: 0735711976
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
This book by Jason Wolf, a co-creator of Shockwave
technology, teachers users how to use Shockwave 3D,
a new technology that allows developers to create
3D applications and content for use on the Web.
The instruction in the book begins with a concise
introduction to new features in Director, including
behaviors and the DCR file format for publishing
on the Web. The book provides coverage of
topics such as using behaviors, creating 3D files and
Lingo programming, while guiding the reader
through real-world Shockwave 3D examples.
Detailed sections on Lingo coding are provided,
including a section on Havok, a
a physics library that allows developers to create
worlds that incorporate real, physical interactions
between models -- such as a realistic race car-driving
game. The book also teaches readers how to export 3D scenes in
director, add interactive behaviors and publish
content on the Web.
A final chapter in the book provides sources for
additional information about Shockwave 3D.
The companion CD-ROM includes real-world examples from
third-party developers, code, links, installers for Shockwave
3D and other sample files.
Shockwave 3D offers developers great insight and information
into this powerful new technology. Some prior knowledge of
Director, Lingo and Shockwave 3D is recommended.
Return to Book Reviews Index
Return to the September 2002 issue of The IWJ.
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