Book Description

If you're like many people, you wouldn't dream of turning on your computer without also instantly (or almost instantly) launching at least one of the applications included in Microsoft Office. This task-based guide recognizes that and gets down to business fast, taking you step-by-step through all of the key features of the Microsoft Office 2004 suite for Mac OS X: Word 2004, Excel 2004, PowerPoint 2004, Entourage 2004and MSN Messenger Version 4.0. If you're a beginning user, you¿ll appreciate the friendly, visual approach to all of Office¿s word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, calendaring, and email features. And if you're an Office veteran, you¿ll relish the coverage of Office 2004's newest features (many of them exclusive to Macs): Compatibility Reports, which identify and correct discrepancies between different versions of Office documents (including Mac and Windows versions); Word's Notebook Layout View; Excel's Page Layout View; and much more.

Customer Reviews (4)

Office 2004.
This is one of the bestof the Quick Start guides. It is clear and concise and makes a long time Mac. user comfortable.

Owen O'Meara

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac OS 10 Visual QuickStart Guide
This books makes learning the workings of Microsoft Office 2004 super easy. The photos and instructions take the reader step-by-step through the inner workings of the program. A must for the beginner and a resource for the experienced user. Learn Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Entourage and more by using this guide any way you wish.

Gets You Started Quickly
Aimed at the beginning and intermediate user of Microsoft Office for Macintosh, this book is part of the Visual Quickstart Guide. The philosophy of the series is to use a lot of photographs so that you can see what the screen should look like as you do various tasks during the learning process.

The organization of the book, after an introduction that you really should read or at least glance over, is modular just like the software. There's a part on Word, on Excel, on PowerPoint, and on Entourage. Each part is self standing and can be used independently of the other parts. You can read the part on the software you need without having to go do everything at once. Although to be sure you will sooner or later want to use the various applications together, and for this there is Part VI: Combining the Applications.

As a visually oriented book, there are hundreds of pictures/drawings to illustrate just about every point. It's a very fast way to get started.

Excellent quick guide to Microsoft Office
This 453-page book is written for beginning and intermediate users of Microsoft Office 2004. It blends short, well-written sections on the various parts of Office 2004 with screen shots and other graphics that show you visually how to do things.This is a winning combination and makes learning about Office 2004 easy and fun.I also was pleased to find short "tips" following the various discussions that further enhanced your ability to use the feature being discussed.

Starting the book is a good summary of what's new with the four components of Office 2004, namely Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage.This is followed by separate"Parts" for each of these four applications plus an introductory section and a special ending section.The latter contains instruction on combining some of the aspects of the four applications.Within each of the major "Parts" are Chapters of major features each broken down further into short sections focusing on the various useful ways to use various features of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage.

For example, Part II is on Microsoft Word.It is broken down into 6 chapters focusing on working with word, document formatting, text formatting, adding graphics, creating tables, and other word features.Then within each of those are several subsections providing specific help on various aspects of each chapter topic.For instance, within "document formatting" you'll find specific focus on paper size and orientation, margins, headers and footers, page numbers, inserting page breaks, creating multiple sections, and multiple columns.And all are user-friendly and quite helpful!

This book is part of the "Visual Quickstart Guide" series of Peachpit Press, and the again lives up to the other fine visual guides from this company.I was also impressed by the knowledge shared in this book by the skilled author whose past works included more than 50 other books and hundreds of computer-related reviews and articles for various well-known computer magazines.He knows his subject and has the skills to guide the reader to a most satisfying understanding of Office 2004.

All and all, I would highly recommend this helpful book and I'm sure I will be referring to it many times whenever I have a question about Office 2004 - and I have confidence that I'll find the answer! ... Read more

Book Description
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Mac! Whether you’ve just decided to switch from Windows or you’ve been using a Mac for awhile and want to take advantage of all its bells and whistles, Macs All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies is the perfect guidebook to Mac land.

You probably already know that Macs were made for media. There’s iPhoto for organizing, editing, and sharing your digital photos; iMovie to let you become a moviemaker; iDVD for preserving that movie and playing your favorites; and of course, iTunes for managing your music. But your Mac is just as happy creating documents, browsing the Internet, putting together cool presentations, or even crunching numbers. This guide shows you how to use all those applications and more. Seven minibooks cover Mac basics; working with photos, movies, and music; using the Internet; working with iLife and iWork applications; various other Mac programs; time-saving tips; and networking. You’ll discover how to

• Set up and customize a new Mac
• Get online, choose a browser, configure an e-mail account, and instant-message with iChat
• Handle Mac security and troubleshoot problems
• Create a Web site with iWeb and get it online
• Back up your files, sync your stuff, and manage your life with your Mac
• Network your Mac with other computers, even PCs, and share files, printers, and more

Even if you’re a seasoned Mac veteran, we bet you’ll find some things here you didn’t know! And you’ll refer to this book again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

• Eliminates lengthy introductions, detailed explanations, and sidebars, focusing on what new Mac OS X users want most-clear instructions on how to accomplish specific tasks
• An easy-to-navigate landscape layout featuring a two-column design and illustrated step-by-step instructions make it easy to find a specific task fast and get it done in a flash
• Tasks covered include adjusting system preferences, creating and managing user accounts, managing files and folders, using the Dashboard, networking wirelessly with AirPort, using iTunes and iPods, connecting to a Windows network, watching videos and DVDs, viewing and organizing pictures with iPhoto, making movies with iMovie, blogging and Web designing with iWeb, and using a .Mac account
• Published to coincide with Apple's release of Leopard

Customer Reviews (2)

Mac OS X Leopard for Dummies
A bit advanced for dummies if you have never been a Mac user!As a brand new Mac owner, I had difficulty with it for getting started on learning Mac but after a month, it is now helpful.

GREAT OOK FOR STARTERS
Mac OS X Leopard Just the Steps For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
EASY TO UNDERSTAND, CUTS TO THE CHASE WITHOUT LONG TECHIE TERMS.
YOU HAVE A QUESTION ,LOOK IT UP AND THE BOOK PROVIDES A QUICK AND EASY ANSWER ... Read more

Book Description
Mac OS X just keeps getting better! The newest cat in the pack, 10.4 Tiger, has new bells and whistles and terrific updates that make it even easier and more fun to use, which is why you won’t want to miss out on the helpful guidance this book has to offer.

Written by “Dr. Mac” himself, veteran Macintosh expert Bob LeVitus, Mac OS X Tiger For Dummies is perfect whether you’re brand-new to the Mac or you’re a longtime Mac-thusiast. You’ll find sections on

• Basic Mac usage, including keyboard and mouse, menus, windows, the Dock,  saving and backing up files, and getting around OS X
• Internet ins and outs, how to print from your Mac, and the how and why of System Preferences
• How to set up a network, share files, and troubleshoot problems
• Step-by-step installation instructions for OS X, and a lot more

With the friendly and expert advice in this book, you’ll tame the Tiger in no time.  Then, when you’re ready to delve deeper into some of the specific applications like digital media, check out other For Dummies guides, including iLife '04 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (ISBN 0-7645-7347-0).Download Description
Mac OS X just keeps getting better! The newest cat in the pack, 10.4 Tiger, has new bells and whistles and terrific updates that make it even easier and more fun to use, which is why you won't want to miss out on the helpful guidance this book has to offer. Written by Dr. Mac. himself, veteran Macintosh expert Bob LeVitus, Mac OS X Tiger For Dummies is perfect whether you're brand-new to the Mac or you're a longtime Mac-thusiast. You'll find sections onBasic Mac usage, including keyboard and mouse, menus, windows, the Dock, saving and backing up files, and getting around OS XInternet ins and outs, how to print from your Mac, and the how and why of System Preferences How to set up a network, share files, and troubleshoot problems Step-by-step installation instructions for OS X, and a lot more Bob LeVitus reaches over a million readers weekly with his Dr. Mac column in the Houston Chronicle, and his books have sold more than a million copies worldwide. In this one, he helps you:Find your way around the new Finder, go Web surfing with the cool new Safari browser, and search smarter with Spotlight Use Preferences to personalize your system for the way you workHandle removable media, including CDs, DVDs, and even classic devices like zip drives Manage files, use file sharing, and protect your precious data painlessly Take advantage of Dashboard widgets, navigate nested folders, and make the most of TigerWith the friendly and expert advice in this book, you'll tame the Tiger in no time. Then, when you're ready to delve deeper into some of the specific applications like digital media, check out other For Dummies guides, including iLife '04 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (ISBN 0-7645-7347-0). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Should be Mac OS X Tiger for Beginners ONLY
Really basic stuff.If you're a complete newcomer to computers AND to Mac OS X, then this should fit fine.If you're already familiar with Windows, other books are probably better.I don't regret the purchase, but I'd hoped for a bit more depth.

I was a dummie to buy this
Today, in May 2007, this is completely out of date. Buy the Pogue book.

Mac OS X Tiger For Dummies
Extremely helpful. As a fairly new computer user, I found this book especially helpful because it contains some basic info for the beginner. Most books assume you're an accomplished user, and go into more advanced issues.I have learned alot from this book.

Mac OS X Tiger for Dummies.
Not really needed to due basic things with OS X.

And for not so Dummies
Bought my parents their first mac this christmas. And while they are very smart people they were having some issues on the basics. As I live to far to give actual hands on help.bought this book for them and they seem to have been able to pick up on what they needed help with. ... Read more

Book Description

The Mac has fully embraced OpenGL throughout its visual systems. In fact, Apple's highly efficient, modern OpenGL implementation makes Mac OS X one of today's best platforms for OpenGL development. OpenGL^® Programming on Mac OS^® X is the first comprehensive resource for every graphics programmer who wants to create, port, or optimize OpenGL applications for this high-volume platform.

Leading OpenGL experts Robert Kuehne and J. D. Sullivan thoroughly explain the Mac's diverse OpenGL APIs, both old and new. They illuminate crucial OpenGL setup, configuration, and performance issues that are unique to the Mac platform. Next, they offer practical, start-to-finish guidance for integrating key Mac-native APIs with OpenGL, and leveraging the full power of the Mac platform in your graphics applications.

Coverage includes

• A thorough review of Mac hardware and software architectures and their performance implications
• In-depth, expert guidance for accessing OpenGL from each of the Mac's core APIs: CGL, AGL, and Cocoa
• Interoperating with other Mac APIs: incorporating video with QuickTime, performing image effects with Core Image, and processing CoreVideo data
• Analyzing Mac OpenGL application performance, resolving bottlenecks, and leveraging optimizations only available on the Mac
• Detecting, integrating, and using OpenGL extensions
• An accompanying Web site (www.macopenglbook.com) contains the book's example code, plus additional OpenGL-related resources.

OpenGL^® Programming on Mac OS^® X will be valuable to Mac programmers seeking to leverage OpenGL's power, OpenGL developers porting their applications to the Mac platform, and cross-platform graphics developers who want to take advantage of the Mac platform's uniquely intuitive style and efficiency.

Customer Reviews (2)

multiple APIs to choose from
The text describe the nitty gritty of coding or porting your OpenGL applications to the Mac OS X environment. To a limited extent, the book has a general treatment of programming in OpenGL. But it is not meant as a text on the latter. Instead the focus is on the "issues" that making for possible problems on OS X.

One of which is that OS X has 2 types of windows, Carbon and Cocoa. It might perhaps be nicer if there was only one. But this is what you have to deal with. The Apple OpenGL (AGL) is the interface to Carbon, while you need the Cocoa OpenGL for Cocoa. It is slightly unusual that a major platform would have 2 types, and you may want to code just for one type. The book gives many details about both APIs, as well as the GLUT API. An evenhanded discussion. Different readers might well have different preferences.

Some of you should check out the discussion about multithreading, if intensive graphics performance is needed in your applications. The OS X OpenGL engine is said to have much better performance due to its multithreading, than typical serial engines.

Boost your OpenGL Programming Productivity
This book has a lot of shining points. First, all its explanations are crystal clear, focused into the concepts and techniques OpenGL developers really need. Furthermore, the book comprises OpenGL architecture and configuration on OS X, and the various APIs we can use in order to create OpenGL applications, specifically, CGL, AGL, Cocoa, (our old buddy) GLUT, and X11 APIs. A chapter focused into API interoperability is also included. But there is much more information in this book: history notes, a germane review of Mac's hardware, OS X programming, compatibility between Mac platforms, and a discussion about OpenGL extensions. Appendices contain an useful Glossary and notes about Cocoa API for OpenGL in Leopard. Last but not least, the book is the OpenGL/Mac companion we were demanding.

This, however, is not a book for starting to learn OpenGL (use the OpenGL SuperBible or the Red Book instead). This is a book aimed at two categories of programmers: Mac developers in general, and those with OpenGL foundations who want to explore the enormous benefits of OpenGL development on Mac OS X. I do strongly believe that any OpenGL developer will benefit of studying this great book.

Personally, Chapter 11 is the one I've enjoyed the most. The technical wisdom revealed in such chapter almost justifies by itself the full cost of the book. It's such a fine chapter. The almost 5 pages covering the "Axioms for Designing High-Performance OpenGL Applications" are very interesting, particularly the care we must have when doing our OpenGL drawing in Object-Oriented programs; we could easily incur considerable glVertex overhead, if our code is not properly structured. The little tutorial section "Putting It All Together" includes a detailed optimization of an OpenGL program, "Please Tune Me". Delicious. Very Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description
Apple’s next version of its OS, code-named Leopard, will keep Mac usersin the forefront of making the most from their computers. Respected,best-selling author Maria Langer takes readers through Mac OS X’sgroundbreaking capabilities, including new applications such as TimeMachine and Spaces and revamped applications such as Mail, Dashboard,Spotlight, and iCal. With plenty of screenshots to clearly illustratetechniques, this reasonably priced guide is a great reference to theessentials of Mac OS X Leopard.

• Easy visual approach uses pictures to guide you through Mac OS X and show you what to do.
• Concise steps and explanations let you get up and running in no time.
• Page for page, the best content and value around.
• Companion Web site offers tips, links, updates, and more at www.marialanger.com/category/book-support/macosquickstart/.
• MariaLanger has written more than 70 computer books, including best-sellingVisual QuickStart Guides on Mac OS X, Microsoft Word, and MicrosoftExcel, as well as hundreds of articles for magazines and Web sites. AMacintosh user since 1989, Maria never tires of teaching her Macs newtricks. When she’s not writing, Maria is working hard to build herhelicopter tour and charter business, Flying M Air. Visit Maria on theWeb at www.marialanger.com.

Customer Reviews (1)

Rreview of Mac OS 10.5 Leopard Visual Quickstart Guide
Good presentation of OS 10.5.
Table of contents and index are well-structured and thorough. ... Read more

Book Description
The incredible true story of one high school student's determination to triumph against the challenges of autism-and his opponents on the basketball court...

On February 15, 2006, the Greece Athena Trojans high school basketball team took the court for the final game of the regular season. With four minutes and nineteen seconds left on the clock, and the Trojans nursing a comfortable lead, the coach sent Jason McElwain-an autistic student and the team manager-to the scorer's table. He scored twenty points, including a school record six three- pointers. J-Mac, as McElwain became known, was carried off the court on his teammates' shoulders, and a videotape of the game quickly found its way onto national television, making J-Mac a household name.

An inspiration to people everywhere, Jason McElwain's amazing accomplishment was broadcast on CN, ESPN, and local newscasts across the country, moving President Bush to tears with his courage and determination. The Game of My Life is one of the few books written by an autistic author-a riveting chronicle of how J-Mac overcame a lifetime of adversity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good insight into life
I'm not a basketball fan, but I enjoyed reading "J-Mac's" story.He says:"I like my routines, to break things down into patterns I can understand and control." "Keep it simple--that's my thing.""Just isolate on it and concentrate and you can control it.That's what focus can do.""I'm aware of it (sic, being different), but I try not to think about it because there's too much to do without thinking all the time what other people are thinking."He's talking about how he deals with his autism.But don't these words ring true for all of us?Profound words from someone who really isn't any different than the "rest of us."

RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "AN AUTISTIC HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYER TOUCHES AMERICA'S HEARTS!"
Just about every person in America who had a television set and watched any channel's news or sports report during the week of February 15th 2006 had saw and heard about Jason "J-Mac" McElwain! This teenage boy, having been diagnosed in childhood with autism, though normally just the team manager for his Greece Athena High School varsity basketball team in Rochester New York, was allowed to actually suit up for"Senior Night" the last game of theregular season. Coach Johnson had promised him he could wear a uniform but said he couldn't guarantee he would be able to get him in to the game, but he'd try.

The introduction and ending to this amazing "FOREST GUMP-LIKE BASKETBALL STORY" is written by Daniel Paisner. There is also a postscript entitled: "SPECIAL NOTE FROM J-MAC'S PARENTS". But everything else in between is "WRITTEN" by Jason himself. Note: Jason likes being called "J-Mac", but his mother likes Jason, so I'll honor his mother in the rest of this review.) The way Jason is "writing" is speaking his thoughts into a tape recorder, and then when he gets out everything he wants to say, he reads it back on paper to see how it is. Jason says: "Maybe there'll be some things I forgot, and some things I didn't remember right. And maybe I'll change my mind about something I wanted to say at first. I'm not actually holding a pencil in my hand or sitting in front of a computer, but it's a kind of writing. For me it's the same thing as writing. It's organizing my thoughts and getting them down on paper in a way that tells what I'm thinking, what I remember, what I want to say about some of the incredible things that have happened to me."

What the reader will be blessed with is at times heart-warming, at times sad, at times simply incredible, and always so interesting and educational, about a world that most people can never see inside of. But with Jason's remarkable "writing" we're given a view heretofore never seen by the world at large. Jason confirms many clinical statements but also audaciously disagrees with others. Jason refused to eat unless he was forced until he was three years old. He didn't speak until he was five. He was diagnosed with severe autism. "Autism is a developmental disorder that generally appears in childhood, typically in children under three years of age. The disorder is characterized by a marked impairment in social interaction (included but not limited to an aversion to being touched, avoidance of eye contact, and an inability to judge appropriate social behavior) and delayed development of communication skills, and is often accompanied by obsessive thinking and repetitive actions, such as tapping against a table." Instead of speaking Jason would point and one of his favorite things was to constantly bang two packs of gum together. Jason was blessed with two wonderfully loving and dedicated parents. Mrs. McElwain read everything she could about autism but she modified treatment and responses successfully as she saw fit. Jason's older brother Josh was also very instrumental in his interest and development in sports. "Like many autistic children, Jason had his obsessive interest, and for the longest time he lived and breathed basketball. If he wasn't playing it, he was watching it, or thinking about it." He read the sports section and watched ESPN and dribbled a ball everywhere he went and shot hundreds of shots a day with Josh. After being bused all over town to different special schools he finally got to go to a middle school and Greece Athena a "mainstream" high school. Jason was well liked and one of the many insights that Jason shares with the reader is his disagreement with magazine articles that say kids with autism don't have a sense of humor. He says: "I don't think that's true with me. At least it's not true anymore." Jason tried to live a normal life in these schools and even went out for the cross country team. His mother told the coach he couldn't tie his shoes, and they arranged it so that a "guardian angel" would help tie his shoes before every race and practice. It was just another kid on the team who would tie them for him, but that's what the athletic department calls it. This is the type of heart-warming view of human decency that is shared with the reader throughout this uplifting story. Jason went out for the junior varsity basketball team in his freshman and sophomore years and was cut each time. During the off season his passion and work ethic was infectious so the junior varsity coach made him the team manager. In addition to his duties such as filling water bottles and helping put the player's names in the scorebook his enthusiasm was catching. His overriding mantra was "STAY FOCUSED!" The junior varsity coach did not allow juniors or seniors on the team so the coach allowed Jason to suit up for the last game. When he got his one chance to play he got fouled attempting a 3 point shot, and with the crowd going wild he bounced the ball TWENTY TIMES between each free throw attempt and made them all. The junior varsity coach said: "He just started pounding his chest and it was amazing. The energy in the room. People were going bananas, and after the game people were in tears, just sobbing at the beautiful situation that it turned out to be. Who knew that two years later the same thing would happen times a million?"

And now to the fateful day two years later on February 15, 2006: After two years as the varsity team manager Coach Johnson lived up to the promise stated at the beginning of this review. On senior night with FOUR MINUTES AND NINETEEN SECONDS LEFT IN THE GAME "J-MAC" got into his first and only high school varsity basketball game. With the entire crowd chanting his name, and the Sixth-Man cheering section holding up pictures of him attached to sticks, "J-MAC" scored TWENTY POINTS INCLUDING A SCHOOL RECORD 6 THREE POINTERS! The crowd gushing tears came on to the court along with the entire team and carried him off on their shoulders. Tears were unabashedly flowing from every fan, every coach, and of course his parents. As "J-MAC" lived his lifelong dream from his perch on the fans shoulders he said: "A part of me didn't want it to ever end-I'll tell you that. A part of me wanted to stay on my teammates shoulders forever and ever, because from there I could look out at all the other people and feel normal. From there they could look at me and not think I was any different from anyone else on the team. I thought, this is what happens when you're a regular kid and you hit the game-winning shot, or make the play of the game. I thought, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU'RE JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE!"

What follows is what America already knows about. The constant TV exposure including winning the ESPN ESPY for the best sports moment of the year and a contract with Magic Johnson to film his life story. But as all of Jason's friends graduated and moved on, Jason stayed at home and hasn't graduated high school and is working part time in a local market.I feel this book has made me a better person with the education Jason gave me. I recommend this book highly and feel it should be mandatory reading from middle school on up.

IMPORTANT FINAL NOTE: "According to a 2004 study issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism occurs about once in every 166 births-and, curiously, once in every 100 male births - currently effecting as many as 1.5 million Americans. Alarmingly, that number is growing, at a rate of 10 to 17 percent each year, MAKING AUTISM THE FASTEST-GROWING DISABILITY IN THE COUNTRY."
*** On February 14th 2008 I was advised by a reader that the new statistic is 1 in 150. *******
... Read more

Book Description

Mac OS X is quickly becoming one of the most popular operating systems for power users. Mac OS X’s ability to mesh an easy-to-use and attractive interface with a Unix back end has attracted average and power users to the Mac. In 2007, Apple releases the next version of Mac OS X: Leopard.

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Primer for advanced users
There are a growing number of guidance books being published about Apple's latest computer operating systemOS 10.5, a.k.a. "Leopard.""Mac OS 10 Leopard: Beyond the Manual" by Scott Meyers and Mike Lee aims for a more sophisticated reader group than most of the others which tend to target casual users and perhaps new "Windows switchers."

This book is for advanced computer users, especially those familiar with UNIX and Linux who want or need to learn about the hundreds of new and improved features of the MacOS, and even for casual Windows users who are comfortable with command line interaction and prefer full keyboard use of the computer.

Scott Meyers is an editor and Mac OS consultant and Mr. Lee is a technical specialist. The writing is clear and straightforward.Unlike some other Leopard guides, there is no attempt to be literary or stylish - this is a software manual after all for advanced users.They cover all the Leopard basics and assume the reader is not, or only barely, familiar with the Mac OS 10 system.The first four parts(of eight) of the book, counting 17 chapters, describe the basics--the Aqua interface, the Menubar, Views, the Sidebar and Dock, system and user preferences, the file system, maintenance, security, networking, and included Apple applications like Safari (the browser), Mail, iChat, and iCal. An item by item description of the Safarimenus takes up a full seven pages.The Mailmenu descriptions take up 11 pages.The menu descriptions are contained in a chart which provides alternative common keyboard shortcuts for each of the menu commands.Like UNIX and other operating systems, one can ignore the mouse completely once one knows the key combinations.They also provide an introduction to the iLife suite of applications, like iTunes, iPhoto, and the other consumer-level productivity applications included with the Leopard installation.

The coverage is comprehensive but not deep.The reader will be exposed to most of the operating system but nothing is treated extensively or with depth.Some of the chapters are very short.Presumably, higher end users will figure the deeper stuff out for themselves after being directed to what is available in OS 10.There is no shortage of illustrations, screenshots, charts, tables illuminating in an effective way the text comments and descriptions.

Throughout, the authors provide numerous "Notes" and "Tips" which elaborate on the basic text.These are more explanatory of specific items and features and some are in the nature of practical recommendations and suggestions - for configuring preferences, for example, or utilizing third-party applications instead of Apple's for certain functions.There is an extensive five-page section on the components of the system-wide and user Libraries in OS 10 with descriptions of all the items contained in them.Throughout the first half of the book - the part focused on the user interface and middleware layers of the OS - the authors provide information on both the menu -mouse navigation and keyboard operation alternatives, the latter for power users and others more comfortable with keyboard use.Differences in desktop and laptop keyboards are detailed as well.There is an an interesting section on calibrating the display and modifying the default Macintosh1.8 gamma to a Windows-like 2.2 gamma for those users who are not graphics professionals, at least.

The last half of the book is about UNIX, or more specifically for the MacOS, "Darwin" which is Apple's flavor of UNIX.Starting first with the "shell" the authors walk the reader through starting up the command line functions, describe the elemental UNIX commands, note navigation issues, root access, and the like.Later chapters cover scripting Darwin, using the included scripting languages of Perl, Python, PHP, and Ruby, and how to install additional advanced software like Fink and Macports.

Chapters 20 and 21 cover networking, remote monitoring, andfirewalls.Chapter 22 deals with the included Web server software, Apache, as well as SQLite and PHP.There is a chapter devoted to Apple' s own scripting applications, Automator and AppleScript.The final chapter covers the developer tools, also included with OS X.There are references to the various "kits" which developers can use to create their own applications and there are many kits included in OS X - for audio, video, graphics, PDF handling, animation, and more.

The appendices include guidance on installations and a list of what's new in Leopard (versus earlier versions of OS 10.)An extensive index of 43 pages rounds out the book.

This book is solidly produced and written and should bring advanced users up to speed with Leopard and to point the way for them to explore the depths of it themselves. ... Read more

Book Description
Your new Mac with OS X Leopard is so cool! You have digital media, including iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD, and iMovie, at your fingertips, as well as everything the Internet has to offer. Where do you start to make the most of it? With Mac OS X Leopard All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies, of course! Here are seven handy minibooks, each devoted to one aspect of your Mac OS X Leopard.

One section is devoted to the digital media you love, another to the Internet, others to networking, customizing, sharing, and expanding your Mac. There’s even a minibook for you geeky types who want to tweak the system with AppleScript. You’ll find information on:

• Locating anything with Spotlight and Sherlock
• Personalizing your desktop
• Creating movies and burning DVDs
• Jamming with iTunes and your iPod
• Making your own music with GarageBand
• Collecting, editing, and sharing photos with iPhoto
• Browsing the Web with Safari and staying safe online
• Setting up a wireless network
• Adding RAM, hard drive space, and cool extra applications
• Using AppleScript to program even more customizations

With Mac OS X Leopard All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies, you can find what you need in a hurry and get on with the fun your Mac makes possible. It just may be the best friend a Leopard can have! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Worth buying
MacOS X Leopard for Dummies is a must have book.It's a good read and will answer almost every question you may have.

MAC OS X Leopard for Dummies
Just received the book today, your request for a "review" is a tab premature.

Seemed to me your scheduling plans should be revised and book purchasers should be contacted perhaps thirty days after receipt. Then,perhaps,I could give a meaningful review/rating.

Among other things,it is impossible to properly answer question 2. Realize the computer will not be "satisfied" until some answer is entered, hence the one star.

Pretty good but not great
All of the new Mac Leopard books are lacking in some way or another and this book is no exception. Mac for dummies does cover many topics in great detail but falls short of explaining some of Leopards programs such as iCal. In fact, the only thing I found in the book about iCal is a sentence that says what its for. Nothing else. If this bit is not very important to you, than it is a pretty good user guide. If you are interested in actually learning to use the features of ALL of the software that this operating system comes with (like iCal) than please take a look at Mac OS X Leopard : The Missing Manual. I've been a pretty loyal dummies fan for years and this book was kind of a disapointed. ... Read more

Book Description
Robin Williams Cool Mac Apps: A Guide to iLife 05, .Mac, and More is a companion volume to Robin Williams Mac OS X Book, Tiger Edition. Together they continue the tradition of Robin's classic guide to the Mac OS, TheLittle Mac Book. Because Apple now provides a long list of useful applications with Mac OS X, its state-of-the art operating system, it's impractical to cover all of the Mac OS in one volume. This book gives you detailed explanations and tutorials of the main applications that Mac OS X installs on your computer. In addition, you'll learn how subscribing to a .Mac account can enhance your digital lifestyle. John and Robin cover each application in detail in the clear and friendly style for which their award-winning books are known. Through tutorials, tips, and techniques you'll learn how to use each of the powerful apps--both individually and as part of an integrated, interactive suite.

Whether you're a new or veteran user, you'll welcome this book's easy approach to all that's new (and not so new) in Tiger's application collection. You'll find an entire chapter on GarageBand 2, Apple's newlyupdated consumer-level music-making software. You'll also learn everything about getting on the Internet and using email, including the greatest Web browser, Safari; the way-cool iChat AV, which adds audio and video to instant messaging;iTunes, which includes access to the revolutionary Apple iTunes Music Store; iCal, Apple's sleek and shareable calendar application; Dashboard, the handy strip of desktop "widget" applications (including stock tickers, RSS feeds, address book, and more );iMovie, Apple's newly updatedmovie-making software with HD capabilities and advanced editing tools,and much more.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A GREAT WAY TO START!
I switched to MAC about one month ago, bought the book the next day and found it very helpful. I went through it page by page and it was easy to read and understand and it was more than helpful. I recommend it highly for the first time MAC users.

The Coolest
Can these people write, or can they write? Thier books are always easy to follow, and presented in an entertaining fashion as well. If Robin Williams had written books about all the subjects I so disliked in school, I would undoubtedly have been very well read in all topics.
In a matter of minutes, I was able to unlock a few mysteries about my Mac...in days, I was using the applications without fear or hesitation. And while I am quite aware of how user friendly Macs are anyway, Ms Williams takes away the fears I still tend to harbor. I'm no computer wiz kid, I am FAR on the opposite end of the spectrum. But this book in particular, opened my eyes....from a place of feeling overwhelmed by all the things I KNEW this little box could do(that I didn't think I could) to a world of fun, and confidence. Cool Mac Apps is quickly becoming my favorite book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn anything about the iLife applications.

A Must Have Reference Source
As we have all come to expect from Robin Williams, this book is written in a clear, precise manor. The illustrations are all very helpful.I particularly like the way the windows of each application are illustrated with details about each item within the window.

I have been using OSX for over two years now and thought I knew my way around each of these applications, but I was able to learn a lot of easier ways to do things . I have also learned that there were a lot of the features that I was not even coming close to using to their full potential. I have been using iCal, iTunes, and iPhoto on an almost daily basis, so these new tips and techniques are a real timesaver for me.

I was really surprised at how much new knowledge I gained on using Safari. I am on the internet on a daily basis and just took the browser for granted. The quick Tips section was very helpful. The section on RSS feeds opened up a whole new world of information for me.

Cool Mac Apps is a must have reference book that every MAC user needs in their personal library. I would give this book an excellent rating!

Cool Mac Apps
Book is very informative, easy to understand and use. I bought this book for school (I don't own a mac), but there were many things I learned about iTunes (only non Mac program I use) I wouldn't have known without reading this book. Definitely would recommend for anyone wanting to get the most out of their Mac.

Offers some nifty short-cuts, tricks, and customized set-ups
John Tollett and Robin Williams' Cool Mac APPs: A Guide To iLife 05, .Mac And More may sound familiar: it's in its second edition now, and continues to back Williams' Little Mac Book by offering detailed explanations and tutorials of the main applications Mac OS X installs on your computer. From iLife applications to setting up files for Internet storage and sharing or synchronizing calendars and contact info with a PDA, COOL MAC APPS offers some nifty short-cuts, tricks, and customized set-ups.
... Read more

Book Description
No product on the planet enjoys the devotion of a Macintosh computer. Famously dedicated to their machines, many Mac fans eat, sleep and breathe Macintosh. In The Cult of Mac, Wired News managing editor Leander Kahney takes an in-depth look at Mac users and their unique, creative, and often very funny culture. From people who get Mac tattoos and haircuts, to those who furnish their apartments out of empty Mac boxes, the book details Mac fandom in all of its forms. This paperback edition includes an all-new chapter about the iPod, updates throughout, and new photos that reflect current Apple technology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Mac Enthusiasts Unite!!
'The Cult Of Mac' is a Mac fans ultimate guide to learn about the legions of people around the world who not only enjoy their Mac but LOVE their Mac.Packed with 260+ pages of full-color shots, this shows all the praise that people have in the form of tattoos, artwork, detailing, etc etc etc!

The first word that came to mind when skimming through this is the word FUN.Every page turn, every picture it's just a whole lot of fun and anyone that either likes or is a macaddict, this is a very entertaining book.

MACTABULOUS!!!

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Excellent insider book
This was a great book about the people that make up the Mac cultsa round the world.

A book for everyone!
The Cult of Mac
By Leander Kahney
Publisher: No Starch Press
Price: 39.95 US
ISBN: 1886411832

I was delighted when I was given a copy of this book to read and review. Not only is it about something I LOVE..... it is written so that even my parents would understand my passion. A lovely coffee-table book, this 260+ page book is a visual treat, with many pictures of our beloved machines, and the fans who buy them. You won't find a detailed look into Apple, Inc. This is about us, the users. The chapters are focused on specific traits, or habits of the Macintosh community. And while we all KNOW why we love our Macs, this book will help others learn, and perhaps make the switch.

There are also many little known factoids, and a full chapter devoted to the Japanese obsession for Macintosh computers. Many will remember, and perhaps still have, the holiday ornamentthat looks like an all-in-one classic. Fans have made replicas out of cardboard and paper for decades. Some even use the packing boxes as furniture.

One of the things about this book that readers may like, is that the chapters can be read in any sequence. The topics are as individual as our users, and no strict order is required. Read about what interests you.There are references enough to follow on your own, so if you are interested in digging deeper, you can.

While some of the material is obviously dated already, this is not about the latest and greatest, but about the phenomenon of the Apple user. One word that stands out in many of the chapters is "community". The author stresses many times how incredibly loyal Macintosh fans are, in spite of the wide range of users. From tattooed bikers, to captains of industry, no barrier is too high, or wide, or deep to make any appreciable separation between Macheads.

Not to sound trite, but this is a "must have" kind of book.And it looks great with any décor.........

A great tale of our Mac Lifestyle.
When your family asks you why you have a Mac, this book
explains it for you. We are unique in our view of life. The fact that
our cult is different is just fine with us. The text covers the roots
of the Mac experience, the skin ink, the haircuts, the car art, the
mods we have done, the inspirations we share with the creators
within Apple. We offer up our ideas for the next big thing freely,
hoping to become some small part of the process by posting on
discussion boards and rumor sites for those already at Apple
to notice.
But, this book goes even further. It recalls how every person who
buys a Mac, receives so much more than just a machine to do a
particular task. They receive a new pathway into a future. One
where some will find joy in the special thought that went into the
packaging the Mac was shipped in. We will throw a party for the
unwrapping of that new Mac and then take photos to share with
friends who were absent that day. Others will save the packaging
for later or build something out of the box. Get enough Apple
boxes together and build a sofa. Get a few older Macs together
and build a bar, a network, and a piece of art.
If you as I have bought Macs since the 80's, this book is a joyous
ride back. If you are new to the Apple clan, read about where we
have been. The inspirations that Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and
Guy Kawasaki brought into the business world. Of the developers
and suppliers who have created all of those little gizmos thingies
for the Macs, the Power Macs, for the ibooks, the PowerBooks, the
MacBooks, the minis, for the ipods, and for our lives. And mainly,
this book is for the users. For those of us within "The Cult of Mac"
and of how we relish life.

Mac lovers unite!
The Cult of Mac.

Forthe true Mac lover. Possibly the largest computing subculture on this planet. This book is about everything Mac in a fashion sense. The first coffee table book for Mac that I can think of.

There is nothing technical about this book. It's solely about the Mac life style. Shave a Mac apple into the back of your head. It's alright here. The Mac. It's not just the worlds best computer it's also an art form. Not using that iMac any more no problem, remove the hardware and convert it into a fish tank. Buy the clothing. Use the Apple Lisa as bookends. This book is filled with ideas of what to do with that old Mac that you don't use and it's too beautiful or there's too much of a emotinal attachment to send it to the recycling plant. Revel in your own personal Mac-dom. Think different ... Read more

Book Description

As a Mac user, you may often feel like you are in a unique world and that the programs you use are even more unique. Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac is no exception and Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac In a Snap covers all of the innovative program features. A unique random-access format makes all of these nuggets of information and advice easily and instantly accessible. Packed with more than 160 essential tasks, tips and techniques for the new Mac version of Microsoft Office 2004, this book will help you zero in on the task you're most interested in so that you can learn and get back to work.

Customer Reviews (3)

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac
I found this book very helpful, easy to follow and not compicated in their directions.I would highly recommend this book for the novice or those that have extended experience with the Mac or Office and the price is a bargain.

Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac--a Must Buy
Even though on-line help (prevalent in most computer applications today) has its advantages, it is good to know that there is help in a book format that is much more detailed, well-organized, and better illustrated.It is rare that I encounter a problem with Microsoft Word that is not addressed in Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac.

A Very Nice Approach
The In a Snap books do not presume that you are a Dummy or an Idiot. They presume that you are a smart person, not afraid of computers, but that you need to learn how to use something new, like a piece of software on your computer. Further they assume that you want to get started without having to pour through all the 1500 pages or so in the guru level book. This book takes the Office 2004 software package for the Mac computer and gives it the In a Snap approach.

In evaluating books on Office, I always look first to see if they discuss Pivot Tables in the section on Excel. A surprising number of books don't, or give them very short treatment. In this book the index sends you to page 263, that puts you right in the middle of a discussion on pivot tables. Flipping back a page or three gets you to a section called Find Relationships Between Data. What an excellent idea, that's what a pivot table really is, but doesn't have the problem of the dumb name Pivot Table. The discussion is as good as I've seen anywhere in explaining what you can use them for.

The next thing I found was inside the front cover where they have a "Contents at a Glance." This sends you to, not the page number - that's the function of the index, but to a section identified by its own numbering system. Really a handy way to get where you want to jump in to solve the problem you're having at the moment. ... Read more

Book Description
Killer Tips books are written with one goal in mind: to allow thereader to work faster and smarter. In other books, you’ll often findthat the most useful information is found in sidebars, tips, and notes.In a Killer Tips book, there’s nothing to weed through: it’s allsidebars, tips, and notes! Here, Scott Kelby gives you only the besttips and info on Mac OS X Leopard, covering all of the new features,including Time Machine, the revolutionary and completely unique backupsystem; Spaces, which allows the user to totally customize differentwindow configurations based on their needs; Spotlight, which now allowsthe user to search across an entire network (not just the user’scomputer); and much more. Scott Kelby’s trademark style—both direct andhumorous—is easily accessible to all readers, who will appreciate allthe great information here, as well as the book’s clear and focusedpresentation. ... Read more

Book Description
Richly colored illustrations, and clear step-by-step instructions guide users new to Mac OS X Tiger through the basics of this powerful operating system. Covering all aspects of Tiger, this book shows visual learners how to work with files, customize their computers, and maximize the versatility of iLife '05 applications. Also explores how to browse the Web with Safari, manage fonts with FontBook, use iCal to track appointments, and make the switch from older Mac OS versions. Get your Tiger to roar with this easy to use reference filled with more than 100 fun and helpful tasks, presented in full color with a newly re-designed interior to make learning fast and efficient. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Fast and easy to learn from
I have had these books in the past. They are great books, because they not only explain what you are doing but show a picture of the screen that you are on and what to do with it. Fast way to learn how to use the computer.

The real idiot book
This is a real good idiot book.The visuals are what makes the book.A good reference book for the do it yourselfer computer person

Teach Yourself Visually MAC OS Tiger
This is the second Teach Yourself Visually book I have used, and it is great, especially if you want to learn things rapidly.The instructions and illustrations are excellent.I highly recccommend it.

A Great Guide!
I gave it to a college student who was leaving for St. Lawrence.He was very pleased with the book and the photos will help him with his new computer.

Helpful
I got this book to help my parents who just switched from using a PC to a Mac. They had some difficulty adjusting to the Mac that I found myself becoming their tech support person. Since buying this book for them, the tech support calls has decreased and I even got an email saying, that this book was very helpful for them. ... Read more

Book Description
Excel X for Mac OS X is the model OS X app, from its Aqua interface to its complete support for OS X's modern architecture. In Excel X for Mac OSX: Visual QuickStart Guide, author Maria Langer, veteran Mac writer andconsultant, walks you through all that's new and noteworthy in Microsoft'sspreadsheet powerhouse, dispensing lots of expert tips along the way.

Maria knows you're a busy professional. That's why Excel X for Mac OS X:VQS was designed to let you learn as you work. Use it as aquick-reference guide: Just look up a topic in the index--or use the pagetabs to thumb to it--then follow the simple, concise steps and check yourresults against the accompanying screenshots. Newcomers can treat the book as a step-by-step introduction to Excel, starting with the basics, thenmoving on to more advanced techniques, such as inserting objects andmultimedia events, creating charts and graphs, and publishing spreadsheets to the Web. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Computer Reference Books
I received Excel X for Mac OS X in excellent condition. Love it. Thank you.

Great for beginners
This is the second book I've purchased written by Maria Langer.The first was Mac OS X Panther (Visual QuickStart Guide).Like the book for panther. Excel X is great for those new to the program, or for those who have little experience in formating the spreadsheets, conjuring up formulas, and establish and managing lists.

For more experienced/advanced users, you'll appreciate the book as quick reference and the nice tips you'll find to increase your efficiency.But if you're looking for more advanced techniques (i.e. scripts, macros, advanced formatting) you might want to look elsewhere.

Excellent way to quickly transfer your Excel skills from Wintel to Mac.
This book probably works just as well for an introduction to Excel for the ones who have no experience with this program.Given that I have extensive experience with Excel, my review focuses on this guide's ability to transfer your Excel skills from the Wintel to the Mac OS environment.

This guide does a very good job of transferring the skills you have acquired in Excel/Wintel to Excel/Mac OS in the minimum of time.The format of the book is even superior to the Dummies series (my favorite until now).This is because each page is smartly divided between a relevant simple list of action steps to take to achieve a specific function.And, the other half of the page shows actual pictures of what the screen will look like.So, the emphasis on actual visuals is second to none (it is ahead of the Dummies series on that count).

It is the simplest stuff who will baffle you at first.The more advanced features of Excel are common whether you work on the Mac or the Wintel platform.But, what is unsettling is that the simplest features are different. When you first work with Excel for Mac, just the simple viewing and editing of cells is different.It leads one to believe that Excel for Mac and Wintel are really incompatible.They are actually very compatible.But, you just have to understand how the Mac environment works.It is a little bit different.Once you get the hang of it, it's a cruise.

After studying this guide, you will quickly realize that Excel for Mac is just as flexible and powerful an analytical tool as Excel/Wintel.It even has some advantages.The Clipboard is more visible and useful.The Calculator feature gives you more space and control when developing complex formulas.The List function offers more robust database capabilities than the traditional Excel.It integrates Access capabilities into Excel.The graph function has several additional 3-D capabilities.Thus, overall I strongly recommend this book, that will quickly teach you Excel for the Mac.

Mac users do well to get Windows Excel books
I'm a long-time (since 1984) Mac user and devotee, so I'm not being heretical when I say that the best books about Excel are written for a Windows audience. The Mac versions of Excel are sufficiently compatible with the Windows versions that almost everything you learn from a Windows book will apply on the Mac. There are so many more Windows users (and especially power users) of Excel that many more books have been written for them. If you want to become a power user, try "Microsoft Excel 2000 Formulas" by John Walkenbach.

Great 4 Beginners - Power Users Will Be Disappointed
I've bought several of the Visual Quickstart Guides for other Mac applications so when I decided I wanted to become a real Excel power user, I thought this would be a good book to start with.For those just getting into Excel, this would be the place to start.(In fairness, this is probably their target audience in the first place.) I even found it useful for gaining a better understanding some functions I hadn't attempted in the past.

My only complaint is that it just doesn't go deep enough.I wanted some help with formulas in general and more advanced formulas in particular (e.g. HLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, etc. and nested formulas) and the book didn't provide any more information on formulas than the application's help file, which isn't much.

To be helpful, it would be nice to see a nice long list of example formulas with descriptions on how or when you would use them.

OK, maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but hey, I bought the book and was a little disappointed. ... Read more

Book Description
The only Apple-certified book on Mac OS X, this updated best-seller will take you deep inside the latest big-cat operating system, covering everything from networking technologies to system administration, customizing the operating system, command-line programming, and more. Whether you're a support technician or simply an ardent Mac user, you'll quickly learn and master the 150+ features new to Mac OS X Tiger, including the innovative Spotlight search system, a Dashboard filled with customizable Widget mini-apps, the Automator application for building customized workflows, and more.Following the learning objectives of the Apple Certified Technical Coordinator certification exam, this self-paced book is a perfect supplement to Apple’s own training class and a first-rate primer for computer support personnel who need to troubleshoot and optimize Mac OS X as part of their jobs. Chapter review sections and quizzes summarize and reinforce gained knowledge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great all around Mac book
Highly recommended for anyone wanting to troubleshoot and take care of their Mac themselves.It covers in detail the set up, administration and daily care and feedingof OSX.

Best book out there to study for the ACHDS exam.
If you are studying for the ACHDS exam, this book is all you need. I just got back from taking my exam and received a 96% score. Everything from this book with prepare you for the exam. I would of gotten a perfect score but I think my nerves got in the way.

Get this book, you won't regret it.

Very Good Book - with tutorials
The book is very well written with clear explanations, and detailed lessons. Because you read about it and then go through an excersize, you retain the information better. I would recommend this book because it really does almost feel like you are in a class when you are reading.

Solid
I needed this book to study for my Apple Certs, and found it to be very concise and all of the sections were explained well. It was more of a review for me, but once in a while, I found a tidbit of information that I did not know. I was kind of exciting finding little "secrets" about an OS that I have been working with and developing on for years.

I recommend this book if you are looking to study on your own or if you just need, or want, more insight into the way Mac OS X works. The information is fairly complete and when it is not exhaustive, I found that the authors had placed direct URLs to many of the great resource web sites.

The definitive book on certification, and a good overall reference.
If it is Apple certification you want, you can choose to use the web based Applecare technician training or this book. To do a great job on your cert tests, I recommend both. The book allows you to learn and study when you are not in front of a screen. Completely web-based programs require me to print out a lot, and I found I did not have to with the book in hand. ... Read more

Book Description
Beginning Mac OS X Programming

Every Mac OS X system comes with all the essentials required for programming: free development tools, resources, and utilities. However, finding the place to begin may be challenging, especially if you have no prior development knowledge. This comprehensive guide offers you an ideal starting point to writing programs on Mac OS X, with coverage of the latest release - 1.4 "Tiger."

With its hands-on approach, the book examines a particular element and then presents step-by-step instructions that walk you through how to use that element when programming. You'll quickly learn how to efficiently start writing programs on Mac OS X using languages such as C, Objective-C(r), and AppleScript(r), technologies such as Carbon(r) and Cocoa(r), and other Unix tools. In addition, you'll discover techniques for incorporating the languages in order to create seamless applications. All the while, you can follow along on your own system so that you'll be prepared to apply your new Mac OS X skills to real-world projects.

What you will learn from this book

• The major role the new Xcode plays in streamlining Mac OS X development
• The process for designing a graphical user interface on Mac OS X that conforms to Apple's guidelines
• How to write programs in the C and Objective-C programming languages
• The various scripting languages available on the Mac OS X system and what tasks each one is best suited to perform
• How to write shell scripts that interact with pre-installed command-line tools

Wrox Beginning guides are crafted to make learning programming languages and technologies easier than you think, providing a structured, tutorial format that will guide you through all the techniques involved. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This is a Great Disappointment
I am a total programming newbie. I'm also fairly new to the Apple world, having bought my first Macintosh in April. I've really been excited about Macs, OSX, and all the stuff they offer.

I mainly work in graphics programs such as Poser & DAZ|Studio. Over the years, I've created countless tutorials to help Graphics Newbies. I'm known for extensive use of screenshots, and good writing skills.

I've been disappointed because there are no Macintosh versions of some very important Poser-related utilities. I thought it would be nice to learn programming, and make my own utilities.

I browsed through the Amazon book collection, and this book seemed promising. Unfortunately I was wrong. Unfortunately, it appears no one proofread this book. I got as far as Chapter 3 before I gave up.

There are numerous problems with the Calculator project. The code you enter doesn't match the code listed later in the exercise. You're supposed to fix errors on code you never entered.

The book was a problem from the start. The XCode installation information was incorrect. This problem cost me a couple hours of downtime. I eventually found the solution myself...

In the book, we have some exercises that get you started, and then you're left hanging while the authors go on and on about related stuff. Should you save the project? Should you abandon it?

In my own opinion, this book doesn't have enough screenshots. I'm left wondering exactly what item to click, or what my code should look like, etc.

It's natural for a newbies to feel lost. It's the book aut