Computer Book Reviews

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Photoshop 6 Effects Magic by Rhoda Grossman and Sherry London

New Riders, February 2001.
Trade Paperback, 353 pages.
ISBN: 073571035X
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.


Photoshop 6 Effects Magic
by Rhoda Grossman and Sherry London When you see the somewhat grotesque book cover (which sports hundreds of human eyeballs), you'll know immediately that this is not your garden-variety design book. Photoshop 6 Effects Magic is a unique and useful reference that guides and teachers readers through 23 different Photoshop projects developed by a team of ten expert Photoshop professionals. By following along with the projects, readers can learn various Photoshop skills and techniques from painting techniques to image manipulation. Each project is presented in a step-by-step manner with color photographs, screenshots and instructions explaining each individual step. For example, the "Altering Atmosphere" project helps readers learn how to change the background of a photograph of downtown San Francisco from a cloudy day to a clear day with a beautiful blue sky (and even add some fluffy white clouds if you like). The project approach utilizes vivid, color photographs which show users exactly how each step should look. The project also provides screen shots of Photoshop, so users know they are selecting the correct Photoshop tools.

Also included is a CD-ROM which provides images and files used in the projects in the book. A helpful menu on the inside cover helps you quickly locate the project that covers the specific Photoshop technique in which you are interested. This is an effective learning tool for Photoshop users, which is recommended for users already familiar with Photoshop who are ready and eager to move on to more advanced techniques.


PHP and MySQL Web Development by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson

Sams, March 2001.
Trade Paperback, 867 pages.
ISBN: 0672317842
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.


PHP and MySQL Web Development
by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson PHP and MySQL Web Development is a comprehensive resource which covers PHP and MySQL, two web development tools that work well in tandem for managing and creating web databases. Readers are introduced to PHP, a server-side scripting language, and MySQL, a relational database management system. Readers are instructed in the basics and then taught how to use PHP and MySQL together to develop powerful Web applications. The book provides thorough coverage of how to set up, manage and run a MySQL database, including instruction about how to use PHP to access and update the database from the Web. The book also provides coverage of ecommerce and security issues, and implementing authentication and secure transactions with PHP and MySQL. The last section of the book includes instruction and code for building several applications from the ground up, including web forums, a user password section, mailing list manager, discussion forums and a shopping cart. This is a top-notch reference for programmers using PHP and MySQL. Highly recommended.


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