Computer Book Reviews
The Macromedia JRUN Web Application Construction Kit by Drew Falkman
Que, December, 2001Trade Paperback, 1084 pages
ISBN: 0789726009
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
This book teaches webmasters and programmers
how to use JRun, a web application server,
to build data-driven websites. The book instructs
developers on how to get started with JRun, including
coverage of databases and SQL, as well as basic
JRun coding, and then progresses to the development
of applications.
The applications include sample code with detailed
explanations, so programmers can learn more about
coding in JRun as they go. Some of the applications in the
book include shopping carts, email clients,
database interfaces and content management
tools.
The appendix in the book includes reference
sections for JSP syntax, JRun tags and Java packages
and classes.
An enclosed CD-ROM includes source code from
the book, evaluation versions of JRun and JRun Studio,
and additional reference materials.
The design and structure of this book is similar to ColdFusion 5 Web Application Construction Kit. Any developer familiar with ColdFusion will have an advantage, and will notice the code similarities with Java Server Pages and ColdFusion. For developers unfamiliar with ColdFusion, the book provides plenty of specifics and examples to help them learn everything they need to know about JRun to build complete applications.
Photoshop 6 KillerTips by Scott Kelby and Felix Nelson
New Riders, October, 2001Trade Paperback, 204 pages.
ISBN: 0735712093
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Photoshop users will love this handy guide that
teaches them expert tricks. The book includes
hundreds of tips like shrinking file sizes on
web graphics, rendering text in just one click,
supercharging your filter effects,
creating your own custom typeface, instant
red-eye removal, creating a metallic
look and changing brush softness on the fly.
Each trick includes short instructions
(about a paragraph in length) and screen
shots showing the reader how to create the
desired effect. The focus of the book is speed, and
the tips selected include methods for increasing
productivity by finding shortcuts and avoiding
speed traps.
The books authors, Scott Kelby and Felix Nelson, both work for Photoshop User magazines. Felix Nelson is the publication's creative director and Scott Kelby is the Editor-in-Chief. Kelby has also authored several other books on Photoshop, including Photoshop 6 Down and Dirty Tricks and Photoshop 6 Photo-Retouching Secrets. The two combine their expertise to provide valuable insight and easy-to-learn skills that will help anyone learn to quickly create powerful Photoshop graphics and special effects. Pros will also like the book for the time-saving tips. Highly recommended.
www.photoshop.imageready by Greg Simsic
Que, June, 2001Trade Paperback, 390 pages.
ISBN: 0789725517
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
There are lots of books about Photoshop, but
this book specializes in teaching the reader how
to create graphics for the Web using
the tools provided with Photoshop.
Aimed at beginners, the book begins with
introductory topics on Photoshop and
ImageReady.
The next section in the book covers some
basic concepts of
web graphics, including understanding web colors,
saving files for the web, fonts on the web,
backgrounds and optimizing graphics for the
web. The third section covers special web
effects, including slices, rollovers, image maps,
animated gifs and transparency. And
the final section looks at styles, automation and
creating a web page. A reference section is also
included which contains links to graphics related
websites. The book is very visual, with lots
of example graphics and screen shots, making it easy for
the beginner to follow along.
Photoshop.imageready is a great book for
anyone with Photoshop who wants to create impressive
graphics for their business website or create exciting
features, graphics or photographs for their own
personal homepage.
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