Book Description

Everyone appreciates professional-looking documents, whether they're newsletters and brochures or business proposals and presentations. Now, with Desktop Publishing & Design For Dummies, you can discover how to create effective, desktop-published documents yourself -- saving both the time and expense of working with designers, typesetters, and service bureaus. Leading desktop publishing guru and author Roger C. Parker shows you how toApply basic design principles by using popular desktop publishing and page layout programs such as QuarkXPress and Adobe PageMaker Choose the right computer hardware and software to suit your budget as well as your needs Scan photographs and place them effectively on your pages Select the best typefaces for headlines, subheads, body copy, and captions Use color tastefully Prepare bug-free files for service bureaus and printers Talk the talk: A glossary of over 200 design terms helps you communicate with others to ensure that your job is done on time and within budget

Plus, Desktop Publishing & Design For Dummies features a special insert that takes you step by step through the process of creating successful newsletters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspired a career change
OK, this book is old. I don't read it too often anymore, but have probably read it cover to cover three times, and referred back to it dozens of times. It is good generic information that still applies today. I bought this book back in late 1995. Around the same time I started fooling around with Corel Draw 4 and Serif Page Plus 3/Draw Plus 2. By June of 1996 I was a graphic artist at a weekly newspaper. Two years later I got a job as a signmaker for a few months. I returned to the newspaper business when a good offer came in, and have been doing dtp, design and signmaking freelance on the side ever since. When I bought this book, I didn't know the difference between a serif and san serif font. I was self taught, 100%. Other books that were a big influence "The Gray Book" and a little spiral bound book from DDC "Quick Reference Guide-Graphic Design for Desktop Publishing". Learning programs certainly is valuable, and I've worked with a lot of them. More valuable is the understanding of layout and design. Without this knowledge, knowing a bunch of programs is of little use. This book is good for someone starting out, or someone who thinks they know a lot.

Easily make your documents look professional
This is a great, easy to understand desktop reference for making ANY document, brochure, newsletter, report, letter, etc. look professional, and for making people want to read them. It tells you what makes publicationslook better and WHY, and gives examples and ideas. Even using just a fewtips from this book can help your documents look better and be easier toread. It explains fonts and how to choose, spacing, using pictures, clipart, and graphics (including scanning and sizing), borders, tables, charts,how to attract reader's attention, and how to use color and save money. Thedesign, page formatting and layout tips also provide detailed instructionsfor most major word processing and desktop publishing applications, such asWord, Wordperfect, MS Publisher and Pagemaker (Windows and Mac). Althoughit was written in 1995, the tips and tricks still apply and I find theinstructions generally hold up in the upgraded versions of the softwareapplications (i.e., Office 2000)(- but it would still be nice to get a newedition of this book published). It also has a section on how to easilywork with your service bureau or print shop, and on creating a corporateidentity for your business.

I've read this cover to cover and keep it atmy desk for quick reference. I think all design and publishingprofessionals should read this book as I can now do better than most I'veworked with!I highly recommend this for anyone who owns their ownbusiness - but it even helps with the family Christmas newsletter. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Great!
Well written and packed full of information! Very helpful, I wish I would have bought this before leaving my full time job to start my own business. So many things that I wish I would have had set up before hand. I am implementing much of it now. I have bought several books regarding running a design business from home, I recommend this one over all the others!

Very Thorough Is Lacking in Only One Area
As the previous reviewers have written, this book covers day-to-day information you need to run a DTP (or graphic design) business.

Have you thought about creating a policies & guidelines sheet for your customers?If you don't, you'll be sorry after a client blames you because they didn't proofread their job before it went to the printer.If you had the P&G to review with them, you would be able to bring it up BEFORE it becomes a crisis.

This book is loaded with examples like this; not just the ancedotes, but the forms that help your business run smoothly.As I mentioned, this book was lacking in only one area--financial recordkeeping was a mere two pages in this book.That subject could be a 200 page book in and of itself.Kursmark is so clever at writing about this subject in a friendly and conversational manner, I found myself disappointed not to get her help on recordkeeping.

That said, this book is highly recommended based on what it does cover, and I'm off to find a book to explain how to track expenses and the like.

Excellent so far!
I have only had time to read about 15 pages of this book, but so far it is fantastic!When I read more pages I will rate again, but like I said, this book is great.From what I have readso far, I would highly recommend this book.The author is very straightforward and her writing style is wonderful - easy to understand and down to earth.

Very effective resource
As a pro DTP & graphic artist, I didn't think there would be much more to learn to eliminate my employer and sell the services I did already directly to customers. In fact, thinking I was an expert of graphic design & all of the software made me mistakenly believe I was ready to pass out biz cards and start selling my services and wondered how this book could possibly be 200 pages for something so simple. I was quite wrong, however, and I'm so glad I read this book and got aware of how much more successful I could be by following the author's plan. There is a lot of lessons learned the hard way the author shared which would save anyone a lot of money and a lot of trouble, not to mention lost business. There is a lot of planning that needs to happen before one passes out there first bizcard and I would not have had a clue were it not for this book.

A Great Resource!
The author of this book has done an excellent job in providing the 'would-be desktop publisher' with lots of great information on how to get started in this business. The book is very clear and concise, with a sense of humor. It provides information step-by-step so it's very easy to follow. ... Read more

Book Description
This new text from our BASICS series provides introductory coverage of many desktop publishing topics, including working with, enhancing, and formatting documents.Additionally, there is coverage of the use of graphics and design concepts.An excellent introduction to desktop publishing. ... Read more

Book Description
- Manage your business profitably - Develop a niche market - Find opportunities on the Internet ... Read more

Book Description
The best practice, technical desk reference for allprofessional designers and aspiring pros.

Perfect for professional designers, aspiring pros, and design studentsalike.

The Designer's Desktop Manual explores, topic by topic, theessential aspects of key areas of print and screen based design-type andtypography; color; imaging; layout; and printing, from the most basic,introductory techniques and principles, to more advanced practices, viastep-by-step projects and inspirational examples. This in-depth guideoffers insight into the technological issues and step-by-step skills neededto bring design to a professional standard.Readers will also findhistorical background on key topics, allowing them to put up-to-datetechniques into context with the evolution of design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Helpful tips!
I'm fairly new to many of the topics discussed in the book, including color, photoshop tips, etc. It was quite helpful. It is also helpful for designers going between windows and os x- it gives basic differences and how to deal with that. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This book is for the non-designer faced with the task of producing professional-quality publications. It discusses core design concepts such as typography and grids, and provides tips on how to use Adobe PageMaker 6 (both for Windows and Macintosh), the desktop-publishing program that, in version 6 and the newer 6.5, is successfully challenging the market leader Quark XPress. The book offers tutorials for developing brochures, ads, and newsletters with color, tables, and art elements; discusses new PageMaker features such as multiple master pages and HTML conversion; and includes project source files, templates, and photos on a CD. It's overkill for Sunday publishers with dreams of designing flyers but ideal for situations where your work must meet professional standards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The best on the market!!!
I have both copies of this book (for Pagemaker 5 and for 6). It is the best book on the market by far for beginners in desktop publishing.I would like to use this book as a textbook in an adult ed program. The students in this class are novices in computer experience but need something basic for their small businesses or church offices or small private schools. I sincerely hope this book keeps pace with new upgrades of Adobe Pagemaker, the easiest and most versatile layout program on the market for the small business, inexperienced computer user.

An excellent resource for both PageMaker and design
The best part about this book is the extensive introductory section packedwith design ideas for different kinds of work. I teach PageMaker classes,and this is always my top recommendation!

Want to be a master? That's the only introduction you need!
This is kind of book that leads you from "inconcious unawareness" to "concious mastery" not only on PageMaker, but also on design at the whole. Everybody knows that one cannot learn design by book; after reading "Desktop Publishing by Design" which is fulfilled with so many tips and techniques, advices and examples, one won't be so certain about the beginning of this sentence.

Informative, detailed, and well-written
I'm a novice designer who recently took on the responsibility for my company's quarterly magazine. This book gave me a thorough introduction to layout, typography, and electronic prepress, with lots of intelligent examples.I also picked up dozens of time-saving Pagemaker 6.0 shortcuts I might never have gotten around to learning if I'd just played with the program and skimmed the manual.

I was able to make immediate improvements to both the design and the production process of the magazine issue I was working on. I plan to read the book again--it's huge, by the way, and packed with peanuts--in a few months to get all the stuff I was unable to absorb the first time. Totally worthwhile. ... Read more

Book Description
All you need to design and produce professional-looking publications is here in this comprehensive guide. This book can be a companion for layout novices or the production artist. Unlike other resources, design and typography techniques are linked to the software language in a single source. Twenty-five of the most typical projects such as letterhead, reports, brochures and newsletters are included along with information on page elements, audience, effect, postal requirements and printing options for each. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must have for desktop publishers!
This is an excellent reference manual that supports both the beginner and the more advanced desktop publisher.The layout of the book is particularly helpful in locating materials for specific projects.I caneasily find examples of a publication type to use for a reference.I alsonever realized the importance of choosing the correct paper.This chapterwas very enlightening.As a new web designer, I found the informationregarding design levels especially useful.This bookwill be on myreference shelf for a long time.

Covers Desktop publishing, layout, design & style.
A highly useful reference covering virtually every aspect of desktop publishing layout, design, and style. The book provides a broad foundation for the procedures and methods employed in contemporary electronicpublishing. Numerous illustrations and examples are provided. Samplechapters include: Establishing a Process, Living with the Software, TypeFormatting Information, Typefaces and Their Uses, Quality Control Methods,and Web Design Packages.

Great book, comprehensive and easy to follow
As a student of desktop publishing I can only say I wish I had found this book sooner; it would have made things a lot easier.With this book,you will need no other on this subject. ... Read more

Book Description

Desktop publishing has become the industry standard for publishers and freelancers alike. Teach Yourself Desktop Publishing is a practical course in desktop publishing that includes up-to-date information on the latest software and techniques.

Book Description
Ever since the desktop publishing revolution in the 1980s, people with access to computers and printers could produce their own newsletters, flyers, brochures, and marketing materials. Today, the revolution has gone online, and even the smallest of companies can create a viable Web presence. Just having a Web presence doesn't cut it, though -- you want to have a good-looking, effective Web site that gets your message across. That's where Web Design & Desktop Publishing For Dummies comes in. Author and marketing consultant Roger C. Parker introduces the fundamentals of design for both print and Web documents, and he gives you the tools and knowledge you need in order to make dynamite publications, either for print or for the Web.Jam-packed with information and illustrations, Web Design & Desktop Publishing For Dummies includes A no-nonsense introduction to professional design, no matter what your level of experience Dozens of before-and-after illustrations that demonstrate how to take your pages from mediocre to outstanding The Use of Color For Dummies, a full-color guide to using color effectively Advice on choosing and using fonts and typography, including specialized Web techniques Editing Newsletters For Dummies, a bonus section to get you started making professional publications Tons of ideas and practical advice for every kind of publication Tips on which software programs and Web sites can help you the mostWhether you're making a Web site for fun or a price list for customers, you can have your publications looking great in no time when you keep this handy reference beside your computer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A great book, but a misleading title.
Other reviewers have offered high praise for this book, and I strongly agree with them. However, I feel obliged to offer a few counterpoints, since most readers will purchase this book sight unseen.

Roger C. Parker is a recognized expert in his field, and this book exemplifies his experience as if it were his portfolio and resume. From lessons on defining your message to practical tips on layout and the proper uses of color and type, most readers will certainly find some helpful bit of advice in this book. BUT IT ISN'T ABOUT WEB DESIGN!

This book contains no code, NONE, not one tag. Though there are good illustrations explaining the usefulness of tables and frames, for example, this book will not give you even the slightest hint as to how to create these elements on a page. The same can also be said of graphics. (However, the book does provide excellent insight into the subliminal impact of perforations, folds, and paper texture). And while technology marches on, this book has not - it remains a relic from the age of 28.8K modems.

So let us appreciate this book for what it is, a fantastic book on the fundamentals of graphic design. But readers might be better served by Parker's master work "Looking Good in Print" (ISBN 1566048567); its lessons apply just as well to PowerPoint and the World Wide Web. Fans of this series who actually want to make web sites might also consider "Web Design for Dummies"... it's about web design.

Great stuff for newbies!
Today, I received my copy of this amazingly simple but thorough treatment of web design and desktop publishing. I'm a freelance writer and need to ramp up my tech skills. This book is launching me ahead at incredible speed with its simple advice. Roger Parker writes like the mentor you've always wanted. I will order more of his books because he makes good sense and doesn't sound techno-crazy. Every freelancer needs this book just to keep up.

Better than the other 'Dummies'
I'm actually going to purchase the book now, having already read the book.I checked out 10books on desktop publishing at my local library and narrowed the field down to the three I thought were best in providingconcise, valuable information.Two of the three were written by RogerParker, and the Dummies book seemed written for a person who needs valuableinformation fast. I own my own small business and this book fit my needsthe best.

All meat, no cutesy humor
Some folks might like it, but I've always been put off by the Dummies series' attempts to force sophomoric humor into serious computer books.So I alsmost didn't buy this one, but Parker's reputation as a solidstraightforward writer made me take the chance.There's not one drop ofcutesy humor; instead, there is a wealth of information that is immediatelyuseable.Parker writes as if you're sitting across a design table from himand he's showing you how to create design magic all by yourself. ... Read more

Book Description
The Desktop Publisher's Idea Book: One-Of-A-Kind Projects, Expert Tips, and Hard-To-Find Sources 100 STEP-BY-STEP DESKTOP PUBLISHING AND WEB DESIGN RECIPES. The Desktop Publisher's Idea Book is about breaking new ground. Beyond the obvious newsletters, envelopes, and letterheads, there are a wealth of useful, eye-catching, and unusual projects perfectly suited to your computer and graphics or laser printer.

UNIQUE PROJECT IDEAS. The idea book features scores of projects you can easily recreate using any DTP or word processing software program. Whether you're a new computer user with no design experience, or an experienced pro, the idea book provides the design and production details that put the power of print to work for you.

COMPLETE DETAILED LAYOUTS. Each project includes one or more designs, page dimensions, typeface names and sizes, sources for clip art and photos, and the names of companies that can supply you with production help and special materials.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BOOK. All of the idea book projects were created exclusively for you to integrate into your own work. You are free to recreate any element of a project—the design, the production techniques, the font choices, even the headline and text ideas.

EXPERT TIPS AND TECHNIQUES. Chuck shares the basics of project production and tips for working with illustrators, photographers, and commercial printers. He helps you rethink the design and function of everyday documents and explore ways to maximize their effectiveness.

TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO RESULTS. The idea book includes over 350 pages packed with hundreds of illustrations and scores of ideas to help you tap the creative power of your PC or Macintosh computer.

PROJECTS INCLUDE THE: Instant binder, Gift Folder, Catalog, Cookbook, Infobook, Brochure Book, Quick-Change Menu, Take-A-Test Brochure, Business Greeting Card, Pop-Up Card, Letter/Coupon Combo, Two-Way Message, Map Flyer, Play Sheet, Computer Files Record, Newsletters, Billboard Box, Poly Bag Pack, Great Quotes, Dry Erase Board, Coasters, Decals, 3-in-1 Labels, and many more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A little less than I had hoped it would be.
I have purchased a number of desktop publishing books and would have to say when compared to others this is extremely dated.By that I mean many of the examples are no longer relevant... that is unless you and your customers still use floppy disks, VHS, and a roladex on a daily basis!Not too cutting edge.However, it was not a total loss of $$$.There are many ideas that are useful and while a few of the others are outdated, they may still trigger some ideas to transition to applications for modern times.I feel if you get one good idea from a book, it may be worth the price of admission.

The Desktop Publisher's Idea Book, Second Edition
This is an incredible book. Chuck Green shows us how he produces clean, professional, fresh, striking ideas for a large variety of design applications and he tells us how he produces them. His instructions, like his designs, are well laid out and very clear. Novice designers can now produce very professional and effective design by following his advice and examples. Experienced designers will find a wealth of information.

I have gone to Chuck's web site Ideabook.com for years to get ideas and reference. I was always amazed how Chuck could have so much information and by the use of layout, colour and graphics make the site inviting, fun and yet not cluttered. His book follows his web site design in that he shows both great design and how to instructions in a very appealing and easy to follow way. Chuck's ability to simplify the complex is unique and to me very valuable. Tremendous value, a must have reference book.

Not what I expected...
As a graphic artist, this book was a book about templates, and personally I have created and seen much better work than was featured here. This is the last book I buy from Mr. Green.

A Must Have!
I just received the "Desktop Publishing Idea Book" and I am in love. One of the sections I enjoyed is the Resource section in the back in respect to Project Materials. I would love to see a section on the ideabook.com web site relative to these type resources. I spent about three hours on the ideabook.com web
site this morning. What a wonderful source of information in addition to this valuable book, and the site's structure and navigation is commendable.
Having been developing web sites myself for over five years, I am slowly making my way into DP because my clients think that because I am a professional web developer and graphic designer, I should be able to whip up a business card or brochure for them. The concept isn't hard for me. I have been artistic and a natural brainstormer all my life and enjoy dabbling with new software. The problem is taking the time out to branch into
another area and going through that uncomfortable learning curve. Chuck's book is a wonderful tool to set my brain in motion and it has done just that. Having only browsed through a few chapters and jumping from section to section, I already have pages of notes and ideas to help promote my existing dot com businesses. This morning I also ordered Chuck's newest "Logo" book too and anticipate the wealth of information it likely contains. Thank you, Chuck Green, for the inspirations
and nudge forward into DP. It undoubtedly will take some of that uncomfortable learning curve away.

One Great Resource -- Many Great Applications
Although the Idea Book includes many projects designed with easy to follow templates in mind, probably the best thing about this book is that it's NOT just another book of templates.

I found many projects in the book to be unique and effective revenue generators and promotional tools that I may never have otherwise created.

I personally used his "WebCard" idea (page 321) on my own website, and response to this one simple little graphic application has been phenomenal.

The "Book Jacket Index" (page 44) is now something I use on all my frequently referenced books -- highlighted passages can only be seen when you remember which page they're on, and I'm tired of all the little Post-Its poking out of my books -- they get bent, moved, and eventually dry-up and fall out. The jacket index eliminates these problems.

The "Info Book" and "Take A Test Brochure" are two more examples of great items to suggest design clients use as marketing tools.

And don't forget Chuck Green's website, ideabook.com -- it's Chuck-full (I mean Chock-full) of additional information for using design, clipart, and fonts effectively. A great resource for any creative professional.

The only improvements I would recommend for the next edition of this book are the use of color photographs and the inclusion of a template-filled CD-ROM, or a companion webpage where the templates could be downloaded. ... Read more

Book Description
If you're seeking MCDST certification, here's the book you need to prepare for Exam 70-271, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft XP Operating System, and Exam 70-272, Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System. This revised and updated Deluxe Edition features over 200 pages of new content-including the very latest updates to the exams as well as case studies-and provides complete instruction to meet the exacting requirements of each exam. Prepare for your certification and career with this two-in-one, value-packed guide.

Inside you'll find:

• Practical information on how to analyze problems and provide support to end users
• Hundreds of challenging review questions
• Bonus CD loaded with exam prep software, four bonus exams, Sybex test engine, and 300 electronic flashcards

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Pretty OK
I used only this book and plenty of hands on experience to pass the test (271:880, 272:918).
The 271 coverage is iffy. As other reviews have said the book covers a lot about the boot sequence which wasn't on the test for me at all. It is missing coverage of security templates .inf s completely but that is probably a page's worth of material, you can google it.
The 272 coverage is complete and very much what the test questions covered.

I gave it 4 stars because it is concise, a feature that many other MCDST books lack.

The practice exams on the CD are slightly easier or about the same than the actual test albeit is worded very differently.

If you already have some experience in the field, and don't want to spend too much time then this book is great. Otherwise look for something more detailed.

Good OS knowledge builder but not the total readiness solution for both exams
Really I wish I could give this 2 and 1/2 stars since it really only covers one of the exams well. I found that this book covers the content in 70-272 wonderfully and most of what is included in this text was really relevant and helpful in that exam.

The same can not be said for the content covered for 70-271. I found that a lot of what was in the exam was not mentioned in the book, specifically security template inf files (which there were a few questions). The book focuses a lot on the knowledge of the boot process and I can say I don't remember seeing one question about troubleshooting that in the exam. I understand that all questions may not be the same for every session but I remember thinking when the exam was completed that I studied a lot of stuff that I saw no questions on. On the other hand a lot of stuff I knew through my experience with the OS and not from what I read in the book. The opposite was true for 70-271 which as I said before, the covered content was pretty relevant.

Overall I am not sure I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for an "all-encompassing" testing tool. It provides good working knowledge of WinXP but I think a little more material relevant to exam 70-271 should be covered. I think on future exams I will stick to MS published material instead.

Very Helpful Book
This book the MCDST Study Guide "DELUXE EDITION" which is the second edition of MCDST Study Guide, is really helpful and updated in order of studying it and taking the exams,it contains a cd with test / exams and flashcards wich are really helpfull= for revising the chapters. If you are willing to take the exams i recommend you to buy the deluxe edition because its an updated version, dont buy the previous edition. Some of the questions included on the CD are pretty similar with questions in the exams. I did pass the exams studying this book and thats why i recommend it! Dont forget that taking the exams requires also a bit of experience:)

Great review book, but know it thorougly
I just passed the 271 with an 899 and the 272 with a 916.This book was my only study resource, but I have been working with the XP OS on-the-job for four years.

The difficulty of the test comes from Microsoft's method of testing.Even though I did very well, I only had "warm fuzzies" with half of the questions as I was taking the test, because they really run your brain through the wringer.So, you must understand why all of the other choices are clearly wrong and only one is right, and this entails knowing the material thoroughly.

The only problems I had with the book are is the horrible amount of typos and strange program behavior with the practice tests, and the lack of anything other than multiple-choice questions.

Other than that, get hands-on training, read this book over and over, and be careful with the wording of questions on the actual exams. ... Read more

Book Description
THE BUSINESS OF TECHNOLOGY: DIGITAL DESKTOP PUBLISHING is a concept-based, activity-driven textbook that includes the business aspects of desktop publishing. The text uses generic instructions for its numerous activities with downloadable software-specific instructions for the activities available on the product Web site. End-of-Unit projects reinforce skills learned, apply decision making, and allow students to pull together a portfolio of their work. ... Read more

Book Description
THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL PRINT PRODUCTION is an understanding of theentire workflow, from scanning and file creation through prepress andprint production. Fully updated by author and publishing consultantBrian Lawler, The Official Adobe Print Publishing Guide, Second Edition,brings together the collective knowledge and wisdom of the experts atAdobe Systems in a simple, elegant presentation of the fundamentalconcepts and issues related to producing high-quality printed output.The book includes succinct, expertly illustrated explanations of thebasic concepts and terminology of print production, along with Adobe’stried and true guidelines, tips, and checklists for ensuring asuccessful print job. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great School Resource
Great resource for designers who deal with the print aspect of thier projects. Good material to read through and very helpful.

Not what I'd expected.
This book wasn't what I'd expected from the reviews. It is largely a reference guide and less of a learning resource. Definitions are presented clearly, but then the application of things wasn't fully explained. For someone new to print publishing, this isn't a 'how-to' guide. It's more of a reference material and to discover new things about print publishing you may not have known about. I would recommend this tentatively to anyone who wants to bulk up their reference library on print publishing, but wouldn't recommend it to a absolute beginner wanting to know more about print publishing.

Information a plus
Great in detail book for Graphic Communications I used it in one of my classes. Learned a great deal in it. Thanks

Great Resource
The reality is that lots of graphic designers don't have formal design training, which can result in a problematic lack of production and printing knowledge. This book is easy to read (in a day), thoughtfully illustratrated, and covers the most important productino and printing issues that a designer should be aware of.

The book is really good about inustructing the designer on what they should know and then giving the reader a list of questions/issues to discuss with their printer when the matter is outside the domain of the designer. Great stuff!

New to print? You need this book
I know a teeny tiny bit of print. Spot colours - hmm I did know that one, but since I don't do much print (or haven't til this year) I was always at a loss when it came ready for the printer.This book is an essential guide for the non print designer.

Terms, project proofing, even what a colour bar is (you know that strip of colour on the prepress and press proofs?) - it's all covered. There is a world of difference between making something for screen and print. If you have ever had someone ask to have a business card made, or a more complex print piece, and you usually export a 300 dpi TIFF and hope for the best this book helps take you further. Every introductory design course, not just a print course, should be covering this book to ensure that designers are well versed in all the verbage, processes and production issues that print demands.

A great chapter in this book covers project management which most will not think of to be in a book like this. The added value of having this chapter allows one who is not familiar with print to understand ones responsibilities to the client, the printer and themselves. Do not waste time creating something the client may love and the printer will not deliver - at your quoted budget anyway. It all intertwines and knowing what questions to ask is the key to a better project. And don't forget that File Checkoff List. ... Read more

Book Description
Intoduction to Desktop Publishing with Digital Graphics is written specifically for secondary students. It is the only text that covers the four most popular applications: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

The Projects Across the Curriculum feature reinforces skills in math, science, language arts, and social studies. We offer Online Resources which include rubrics, additional projects, data files, and solution files and provides a comprehensive solution for any curriculum.
... Read more

Book Description
You can make up to $100,000 a year as a desktop publisher if you know where to find clients, how much to charge, and how to manage your business efficiently.

Whether you would like to strike out on your own or have been operating a business for years, this book is full of helpful advice on how to run an efficient and profitable desktop publishing business - from registering a business name, to producing artwork, to invoicing and collecting your fees. Samples, worksheets, and checklists complete this package for the desktop publisher.

Topics include: basics of starting a business, pricing your work, equipping your office, marketing your business, managing a studio, working efficiently, dealing with suppliers, opportunities on the Internet, and the future of desktop publishing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Book
This book tells a beginner everything about starting a desktop publishing business at home. It includes many ready-to-use letters and business forms, not just the basic invoices and sales letters but also check lists for printer's proofing approvals, printing instructions, printing bids, production schedules,proof reading, etc. The author discusses the various services your business can offer, beyond newsletters and advertisements; how to attract clients, how to price your service, etc. This book is well organized and informative.

Working from Home
This book gives reader's the pro's and con's of working from home in the desktop publishing industry. There are step-by-step calculations to help you figure out daily costs and what to charge for your work. It gives an overview of the different types of computer software that you will need to use. There is helpful advice on dealing with suppliers and finding the right printshop. My friend bought me this book for my birthday and it is one of the most useful presents I have ever received!

Own a Desktop Publishing Business? You NEED this Book!
As the owner of a home-based desktop publishing company, this book was a lifesaver! After applying the techniques given in this book my profit margin has increased each month! The tips given will really help increasesales. The numerous sample letters and forms helped make my business evenmore professional! The sample letter for "collecting outstandingaccounts" made collecting late payments easy without being offensive!From intro and follow-up letters to tips on pricing, marketing and taxes,this book will answer all of your questions. Buy it...Read it... Wear itout... You will want to highlight every page. You'll want to startimplementing your new ideas right away. Barbara Fanson makes the day to daybusiness and marketing techniques fun and exciting. This book is easy toread and will energize you into launching a very successful desktoppublishing company! ... Read more

Product Description
This Fundamentals text introduces the beginning student to Autodesk's Architectural Desktop software. The text covers the Layer Manager, Design Center, Structural Members, Doors, Windows, and Walls. Step by Step lessons take the student from creation of a site plan, floor plan, space planning, elevations, all the way through to creating a video of the finished building - a standard three bedroom, two bathroom residence. Students are provided with in-depth coverage of toolbars, dialog boxes and commands. Educators will appreciate the quizzes and practice exam included in the text.

Table of Contents

1. Desktop Features
2. Site Plans
3. Floor Plans
4. Space Planning
5. Roofs
6. Structural Members
7. Layouts
8. Dimensioning
9. Schedules
10. Creating a Video ... Read more

Product Description
Often rejected out of hand as a typesetting tool, Microsoft Word has greater typographic capabilities than even most long-time users realize. With a little tweaking, Word can produce type that few readers could distinguish from the best of Quark or InDesign.In this book, Aaron Shepard gives a tour of the depths of the program, describing the settings, commands, and manual adjustments you need to create type that no book reviewer will scoff at. Skeptical? This book's own typesetting is the proof! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Aaron does it again

Very specific info for a very specific purpose.Well worth the price.

How To Save Tons Of Money And Get Your Book Ready For Publishing
Whether you are a self-publisher, author, or merely considering self-publishing as an option, this is a great book to have on your shelf.

Specifically if your work is primarily in text format, with limited photo reproduction then if you are not considering laying out your document in MS Word then you may missing out.

In my case I was using some MS Word templates I found online but I needed to understand better how to set things up.Perfect pages provides an ideal reference book.

The book is text intensive and if you are looking for lots of photos telling you specifically where to point and click, you may want to look elsewhere.

MS Word is pretty much a standard piece of software these days.Although not a page layout program, it is a great text editor.

MS Word files can be converted into production ready portable document format (pdf) files and sent off to print.

My one criticism is that Mr. Shepard on his website states that he may not continue updating this book, as MS Word keeps evolving.

That is unfortunate but I am sure someone will pick up the slack.

Cheers!

Start Your Self-Publishing Quest with This Book!
Aaron Shepard's Perfect Pages offers the best overall introduction to the use of Microsoft Word for self-publishing your book. His topically organized instructions enable you to zoom-in on those aspects of book design and manuscript formatting that you most need help with. This book presupposes that you have extensive knowledge of using Word, but assumes that you are clueless about book design. If so, you will benefit the most from Aaron's instructions. If your Word use is limited to very basic word-processing skills, you can still learn essential lessons from Aaron's book, but you may encounter terms and tasks that you can understand only after further research and experimentation.

Perfect Pages was the initial book that enabled me to launch my own self-publishing ventures. I used it as a springboard to more in-depth knowledge of precisely how to create Word-to-PDF files for Print-On-Demand presses. If you are serious about self-publishing your own manuscript, buy this book!

Edwin Scroggins is author of How to Self-Publish Your Book with BookSurge for $99, 2nd Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide for Designing & Formatting Your Microsoft Word Book to PDF & POD Press Specifications

Results speak for themselves
Aaron Shepard's PERFECT PAGES gave me the courage use MS Word to format my own book for POD via our own publishing company, Ancient Otter Publishing. We produced excellent finished products, ready for printing, from MS Word to a PDF using Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional.

Aaron's directions are specific, precise, and to-the-point.

The only problem I had was I did not read all of his directions about the creation of PDF files.In one place he suggests turning off the embedded fonts when printing to PDF if you want the conversion to go faster. That will speed up the process or creating PDF files (which is fine for files going to someone with Adobe Reader that has access to the usual fonts in a computer).However, one page later Aaron makes it very clear that you MUST always embed all fonts when creating PDF files of your book.He points out that this is essential, especially if you are using a printer like Lightening Source.That is also the case for a small local printer we use for smaller projects.

Some material in this book will already be known by long-time users of MS Word, but Aaron puts it all together as it relates to book lay-outs. His excellent Index also makes this text a great reference so you can find quickly just what you need when you need it.

I have also used Aaron's suggestions to improve our parish newsletters for the two Episcopal churches where I serve as Rector.

I highly recommend this book!!!

And, if you are promoting your own book, you must also purchase another book by Aaron: Aiming at Amazon!This book is a must-read book for small publishers and for any author who must self-promote (which is every author except J.K. Rowling -- and even she does it).

One last note ... I like Aaron's style. He doesn't overinflate his ideas or himself. Anyone with hair and a beard like that must have a sense of humor, and that is critical for survival in this half-crazy book world!

The Rev. Dr. Prentice Kinser III, Author of LIMITLESS LIVING, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

Couldn't be a better book!
I love the simple way this book is written. Mr. Shepard has proven, without a doubt, that a book can be written with Microsoft Word and my second book is proof of that. I wrote and designed my first book, Adirondack Nightmare, using InDesign. InDesign is a wonderful program but with a very steep learning curve. I stressed over having to "relearn" it when I began writing the sequel to Adirondack Nightmare so I decided to try this method. Using Mr. Shepard's clearly written advice, I'm enjoying the designing process a lot. Almost too much, I need to stop playing and finish the book! LOL. Thank you, Mr. Shepard. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This isn't another cookie-recipe approach to planning a successful Web site. Philip and Alex's Guide to Web Publishing, by MIT veteran Philip Greenspun, is both broadly conceptual and deeply technical, and it assumes that the reader is willing to think seriously about the challenge of building a content site, a community site, or an e-commerce store before plunging in.

Although heavily Unix-oriented, it does not set out to proselytize a product, or even suggest that there is only one way to solve certain technical challenges. Rather, it encourages the reader to think about Web content and functionality as something designed to help visitors answer questions or do something useful. This may sound nebulous, but his observations about why Web sites go bad are illustrated with many well-chosen examples.

The core of the book is quite technical. Three long sections on publishing, community, and e-commerce architectures are illustrated by the author's data models and working open-source systems, so someone with C, SQL, and a good understanding of Internet Protocol (IP) under his or her belt will get the most out of the discussion. Such technical readers will find numerous Web addresses and other citations for further technical information. The author also invites readers to use his code if appropriate.

Although there is a lot of technical meat here, Greenspun dispenses with a dry, technical tone. Throughout, he manages to speak to the reader in a way that is always interesting and frequently bemused or ironic. The overall effect is that of a wry professor who knows his stuff, has thought about the problems, and isn't about to engage in commercial puffery. --Kathleen CasterBook Description
From the author's preface:

This book is a catalog of the mistakes that I've made while building more than 100 Web sites in the last five years. I wrote it in the hopes that others won't have to repeat those mistakes.

For the manager in charge of a Web publication or service, this book gives you the big picture.It is designed to help you to affirmatively make the high-level decisions that determine whether a site will be manageable or unmanageable, profitable or unprofitable, popular or unpopular, reliable or unreliable.I don't expect you to be down in the trenches typing Oracle SQL queries.But you'll learn enough from this book to decide whether in fact you need a database, whom to hire as the high database priest, and whom to allow anywhere near the database.

For the literate computer scientist, I hope to expose the beautiful possibilities in Web service design. I want to inspire you to believe that this is the most interesting and exciting area in which we can work.

For the working Web designer or programmer, I want to arm you with a new vocabulary and mental framework for building sites.There can be more to life than making a client's bad ideas flesh with PhotoShop and Perl/CGI.

For the users of the world, I document a comprehensive open-source approach to building online communities and show a collaborative Web-based way that we can dig ourselves out of our desktop application morass.

*Includes 200 photographs from Greenspun's highly successful photo.net Web site.
*Presents a general theory of the issues in Web Publishing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (233)

The lessons will last while the technology changes
I thought I knew a lot about building good web sites, until I started reading this book. The author, Philip Greenspun is a professor of Computer Science at MIT and has built over 100 large-scale sites. The purpose of the book is twofold: to share the author's mistakes and successful strategies so that hopefully you don't have to make the same mistakes, and secondly, to emphasize how best to leverage the collaborative power of the Internet to provide services that were impossible or impractical before. Now I know how to properly engineer an RDBMS-backed site, how to build a personalization system, how to build an online community-based system (correctly), and how to build a content management system--and tie it to the personalization system. I have already incorporated many of the core concepts of the book into my own projects. This is the best web publishing book I have read to date.

Beautiful Book
Philip Greenspun is the creator of photo.net and a very entertaining author as well. This a great book for beginners to get an overview of web publishing, online communities, and databases. Some of the specifics of the book are a little dated but the concepts are not. I often refer back to this book for ideas and inspiration. The online version of this book is free, but the print edition has great glossy pages and is packed with gratuitous, full-color pictures from Philip's image library.

Collected (but a bit jumbled) wisdom of a web pundit
This book covers such a wide range of subjects - HTML, web design, SQL, server configuration, e-commerce, accepting credit cards, scalability, futurology, search engines, choosing a database, the nature of buying software, system admin and loads more, all in great depth - that it's almost impossible to characterize the contents. It's also packed full of beautiful, but completely unrelated, photographs; all taken by the author!

Philip Greenspun runs a successful web consultancy with several very busy sites, and seems to have tried to distill all that he has learned into one book. A lot of what he says is very wise, and although I disagree with some of his technology choices, he has thought everything through in great detail. There are quite a few sections which I will re-read and study for my own projects, but many others I will never bother with again. The book's main drawback is its size, which makes it hard to cherry-pick just the bits you need.

If you are looking for ways to use the latest technology to make a web site look cool, this is not the book for you. If you are building or running a site or business with lots of users, and you want to keep them and avoid going crazy in the process, you need this book. And the photos really are good.

Still the book to recommend
It's interesting how a lot of readers complain about the book being all about Phil's ego and Arsdigita,(the company he created that is now part of redhat). It seems those people didn't understand much of the book or found the subject disappointingly tougher than they thought... Yes, web publishing requires more intelligence and thoughfullness some would like to believe. And this book makes you realise that, whether 1998 or 2002.
Most web sites that are data driven these days still use the same principles explained in this book. Most don't use the ACS but the whole idea behind the ACS is one that comes from a sincere desire to facilitate the creation of dynamic (data driven) web sites.
One can tell Greenspun is more than a technologist, but a humanist as well. This would explain the appearance of the book some like to critisize. Certainly Greenspun ego is present, but what can you expect from someone who's got a vast array of knowledge and wisdom to share. Definitely a book any intelligent person will love.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what it takes to create web services.Also, this book is the perfect reference for teaching a class on website development, in a manner that gives students a broad perspective before they delve into the inevitable geek stuff: web application programming, data models, and SQL queries.I've used this book at work to educate some of my cooworkers who were programmers or designers, and to give clients instructive lectures on the subject.

Not bad, but woefully outdated
Let's face it folks, this book was already outdated when it came out in 1999 and today it's even worse.The book *does* provide a good high-level discussion of how this stuff works (like you'd expect from an MIT prof), highly recommended for the utter novice.For everyone else, I'd pass until we see an updated version with less Microsoft bashing and even less demagoguery.But if you want a good history lesson, go for it! ... Read more

Book Description
The complete and user-friendly introduction to graphic design—in a new edition

Now with information on Web site design, plus examples, exercises, and more!

Today, anyone with a good basic computer setup can produce a newsletter or a Web page—but to create effective, professional-quality pieces that stand out from the competition, you need more than a hard drive and some decent software. You need an understanding of how visual communication works and a solid grasp of the principles of design, composition, and typography. You need Graphic Design on the Desktop.

Written specifically for those who have little or no design background or experience, this accessible guide teaches you the fundamentals of sound graphic design and gives you the practical know-how to put them to work on your own projects, from initial concept through final production.

This new edition covers every key element of the design process, including format, layout and page design, typesetting, color, and illustrations—and offers clear explanations of type terminology, printing terms, and more. It guides you step-by-step through the design and production of ads, posters, brochures, and other promotional materials, as well as newsletters and magazines. A separate chapter on designing for the Web helps you make the most of home page and Web site designs.

Complete with helpful examples, exercises, hints, and checklists, plus tips on common pitfalls and how to avoid them, Graphic Design on the Desktop is the ideal design partner for projects that get attention and get results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good book for beginners
I just went through the book, the most important part i liked is its language which is very welcoming for a beginner. I know lots of graphic softwares very well, but unware of some basic designing fundamentals. This book showed me the way. Though the samples in the book is few and not very interesting but has lots of basic information written in compact form so that a beginner can refer back any time. The book is broken down into basic topics a designer should know and its related subtopics. I liked its exercises at end of each chapter.May not be interesting to a person who is already a professional, but its a very handy book for anybody who want to become a designer with limited knowledge about it. I think one should go through it before trying out very hi-end designing books.

perhaps useful as a poor man's "for dummies" book on design
This book was required reading for a publication class taughtby Toor. In general, the book is extremely simple, even simplistic,and gives the reader only a cursory glance at desktop publishing, suggesting many obvious cliches and "tried and true" design solutions rather than training the reader's visual sense.Some of the design examples are crude and amateurish.Ironically, the book is poorly designed as well, making liberal use of overused default graphics software "effects" and muddy, low-resolution graphics.Very disappointing... I would suggest this book only to non-designers who do want to really learn anything about design, but are only looking for some easy answers. ... Read more