Book Description
If you learn best by doing, and what you’re intent on doing is createstunning Web graphics with Macromedia Fireworks 8, this is the place toturn. The best-selling tutorial book on Fireworks has been completelyupdated to get you hands-on fast with all of the program’s mostimportant features, including its newest: additional blend modes,support for special characters and AutoShape properties, workflowimprovements, and more. Through project-based lessons that equal 16 to20 hours of instruction, you’ll cover the entire process of creatingWeb graphics with Fireworks 8—from creating images to optimizing andexporting them. Simple step-by-step instructions, loads of screenshots, and a CD with media files and a trial version of the programwill have you creating rollovers, pop-ups, and more in no time. Whetheryou’re new to the world of Fireworks graphics or a veteran user eagerto tap the power of the latest version, you’ll find the trusted,Macromedia-certified instruction you need in these pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Excellent tutorial
Great book, specially for beginners.
Well organized and rich in details.
It teaches you step by step how to use fireworks.
I definetely recomemend it, specially if you are new to fireworks like I am.

Excellent book
I found it an excellent walk-through of Fireworks. Within a short time, I was applying oval marquees, bevels, drop shadows and other terrific graphic effects. I carry this with my notebook computer -- it goes wherever I go, for the next few weeks at least.
[....]
Ed Detlie

So So
Not exactly the best tutorial book, but then again, there isn't much out there on Fireworks. If you are new to Fireworks, then this is the book for you. However, if you are looking for more advanced content, then don't get it.

Awesome Book for us Beginners
This book along with the tutorial cd really help to try out a lot of the features of the Fireworks program.As a beginner in the website development field, it has been a lot of help.

About what I expected ...
My impression is that this is a reasonably good book for a first introduction to Fireworks. It helped me to already be familiar with Photoshop since many functions are quite similar.

I like "learn by doing" books but they, like this one, can be a little light on why you are doing something in a particular way.

One irritation with the book's structure is that the author would tell you to do something, not explain exactly how to do it using Firework's definitely quirky interface, then explain it after all in a call-out tip box a paragraph or two later. This after one stumbles all over the menu and icons searching for the function and finally move on, discouraged. Then, I'd discover the tip box and go back and revisit the assignment.

When I caught on that this was a pattern, I learned to search ahead when something wasn't self evident and often found the information I needed and progress was smoother.

Another irritation was that the files on the accompanying CD seemed to be incomplete. I was able to construct similar components myself, but I would like to have had the example ones to see where mine differed.

In summary: I found the book a bit cumbersome to use, but it achieved its purpose. It gave me an overview of the more important functions of Fireworks and a humble capability with its interface. I didn't complete the last couple of chapters where you are asked to export to Dreamweaver and complete the functionality there. I tried and the resulting program was a hash. Hardly anything worked. The two programs do not seem well integrated. But, since I intend to use Fireworks for text and limited graphics and do not intend to generate navigation with the program I wasn't concerned. If you are to become proficient in the use of Fireworks, I suggest you plan on reading some other books on the subject. Sadly, I haven't discovered any good ones to recommend. ... Read more

Book Description
Adobe Fireworks CS3 is back and better than ever. Completely revampedfor inclusion in the Adobe Creative Suite, Fireworks is now positionedto be an integral part of Adobe's Web workflow. Designed for developingWeb site prototypes, Fireworks lets Web designers go from scribbledconcept to online framework. Fireworks CS3 has been given new life, sonew in fact that a whole new generation of Web designers needs tobecome acquainted with it. Adobe Fireworks CS3 How-Tos: 100 EssentialTechniques gives you quick access to the key features and fundamentaltechniques to help you come up to speed in Adobe Fireworks CS3. Eachtechnique is presented in a self-contained unit of one or two pages soyou can dive in and start working right away, unencumbered by lengthydescriptions or technical detail. Adobe Fireworks CS3 How-Tos: 100Essential Techniques will be one of the first books available on thissoftware. ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive introductory book provides step-by-step instruction and in-depth explanation on three of today's most widely used Web design and development programs: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3, Adobe Flash CS3, and Adobe Fireworks CS3. Readers gain practical experience with the software as they work through end-of-chapter learning projects and step-by-step tutorials. An integration chapter demonstrates how to move from one application to the other while creating a Dreamweaver Web site that incorporates both Flash and Fireworks files.Full-color illustrations and a user-friendly design combine to create a solid learning experience that reveals how to master the latest features of these popular applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Web Collection Revealed - Premium Edition
I purchased this book primarily for information on Flash CS3 and Photoshop CS3. I don't have anything to compare it to in regard to these two features, but it is clear to me that the section on Dreamweaver CS3 is not nearly as thorough as the book "Dreamweaver MX 2004" which I purchased several years ago.

I just tried to read up on a couple of Dreamweaver topics in "The Web Collection Revealed" but couldn't find them mentioned. I didn't have any trouble finding the topics covered in my "DREAMWEAVER MX 2004" and the instruction from MX 2004 still worked in the CS3 version of Dreamweaver. ... Read more

Book Description

Anybody who has a Web site knows that content alone is not going to make or break it. The site's visual images, the appearance of its navigation buttons, the type effects it employs, the interactivity it offers--all of these things are key to a Web site's effectiveness, and all of them can be manipulated with Macromedia's newly updated Web graphics program, Fireworks MX 2004. To do so effectively and efficiently, you need this easy, task-based guide. In these pages, best-selling author Sandee Cohen takes you through all of the Fireworks essentials: from using the basic drawing, color, and effects tools to creating interactive buttons, and more. Simple step-by-step instructions; loads of visual aids; and a friendly, no-nonsense writing style make it easy for beginners to get up to speed quickly. Plus, a well-indexed reference format and complete coverage of Fireworks' newest features (added drawing tools, more image manipulation options, motion effects, and more) make it a must-read for veteran users as well.

Customer Reviews (4)

Easy to Use
This book is very helpful and easy to follow. It's a very nice book for anyone trying to figure out Fireworks!

Another great one!!
Fireworks made easy!!!

Good Concept to Get Started Fast
Macromedia is clearly devoted to the web page production business. Fireworks is their graphics package that is ideally suited for producing the kinds of images you want on web sites. It is also smoothly integrated into the rest of their packages such as Dreamweaver, which is hands down the preferred web authoring package available at the professional level.

If you're thinking about Fireworks but aren't sure, you can go to the Macromedia site and down load a free trial of the package to see if you like it. As for the literature that comes with it, you will find that this book is a much better option.

The Visual Quickstart Guides us an interesting format where each page has one column of text and another of screen images. The idea is to show and explain at the same time. This is a very easy and quick way to get up and running on a software package. The concept is good, and Sandee Cohen does a great job here.

callipygia600.com
Having bought Studio MX 2004 because I wanted the easiest way to integrate graphics with DreamWeaver, I struggled and struggled to use Fireworks.I use Photoshop, but read how great Fireworks was and wanted to try it.I found that it's HELP is terrible, and not very useful to new users.Then I found Sandee Cohen's book, and all is now clear.This is a great book, walking the user systematically through how to use Fireworks, and emphasizing the ease and simplicity of keystroke shortcuts.Very highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"A thousand miles ago, in a country east of the jungle and south ofthe mountains, there lived a firework-maker called Lalchand and hisdaughter, Lila."

Lila, the heroine of Philip Pullman's charming fable, was, as a baby,"a cross little thing, always crying and refusing her food, butLalchand built a cradle for her in the corner of the workshop, whereshe could see the sparks play and listen to the fizz and crackle of thegunpowder." Once out of her cradle, she showed a marked talent forpyrotechnics, even inventing her own fireworks with names like TumblingDemons and Shimmering Coins. Nevertheless, when Lila tells her fathershe'd like to become a master firework-maker, he's shocked. Firework-making is no job for a girl, he tells her; besides, with her burnedfingers and singed eyebrows, he's afraid he'll never be able to find ahusband for her.

If Lalchand is horrified by Lila's ambitions, his daughter is equally appalled by the prospect of a husband. Instead, she decides to run awayto Mount Merapi, where every firework-maker must go to claim some ofthe royal sulphur from Razvani the Fire-Fiend. Lila's adventures on theroad to Merapi alternate with those of her best friend, Chulak, and histalking white elephant, Hamlet, who set out after her when they learnsomething that could mean life or death for Lila. Along the way, theymeet pirates, wild animals, and supernatural beings of every stripe until, at last, Lila must face the scariest obstacle of all: herown fear. Pullman invests The Firework-Maker's Daughter withwit, wonder, and more than a few goose bumps. The charm of the prose isreflected in the black and white illustrations by S. Saelig Gallagherthat punctuate this slim novel. Though not as sophisticated asPullman's remarkable fantasy novels The Golden Compass and TheSubtle Knife, this engaging story does share acourageous heroine, an exciting adventure, and a singular philosophythat ties everything together in a deeply satisfying denouement. (Ages9 to 12) --Alix WilberBook Description
Lila, the Firework-Maker¹s daughter, wants to follow in her father¹s footsteps, but she soon finds out that to be a true Firework-Maker, she must face down the Fire-Fiend of Mount Merapi. And so Lila sets off fearlessly, ready for any adventure that will come her way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

too bad i'm not a child anymore
i think i would have liked this short, simple book a lot more if i were younger. having read other phillip pullman books, i suppose i was expecting something a little more substantial, but nevertheless, i did enjoy the simplicity and quick read. and since the book was only a buck fifty, i'd certainly say i got more than my money's worth. but if you're an adult like me (i am, despite the fact that i never use caps) you may just want to borrow it from the library

My daughter liked it
My daughter read this for a book club and really enjoyed this.

I like Philip Pullman, but...
A bit shallow for Pullman. Not as interesting as I'd hoped.

Perfectly crafted
A perfectly crafted children's story, a lovely balance and the characters were delightful. Some of the wit reminded me of Terry Pratchet but alot more subtle.

The Firework-Maker's Daughter
I am reviewing The Firework Maker's Daughter by Philip Pullman.I would give this book 5 stars because it is very descriptive.This story is about a girl name Lila who wanted to be a firework maker.She asked her friend Chulak to ask her father how to be a firework-maker.Chulak told her she needed to go to Mount Merapi. The only thing she didn't know was that she needed the water from the goddess of the lake. ... Read more

Book Description
Dreamweaver(r) and Fireworks(r) Bible brings you the most compelling content from each of the best-selling Dreamweaver 4 Bible and Fireworks 4 Bible in a single volume! You get the best of what web developers need to know to use these powerful tools quickly and easily. Plus, this Bible includes coverage of using Dreamweaver and Fireworks together. ... Read more

Book Description
Fireworks is a collection of wild, hilarious, shocking and always meaningful tales from the remarkable life of an American firearms legend. Mount up and ride along with Cooper as he fights the Japanese in the Pacific, hunts giant Cape buffalo in Africa, recounts the exploits of such fighting men as Wild Bill Hickock and Medal of Honor winner Col. Herman Henry Hanneken and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Classic Cooper at his best.
Fireworks is Cooper at his best; with tales ranging from battles and hunts to tequila making and returning home from war.Cooper knows how to tell a story right; leaving in the details that breath life into every sentence. Whether making a carbine exciting or describing some of the best history ofthe twentieth century, Cooper draws the reader in with his masterful use ofthe English language.Originally purchased for my husband, now one of myfavorites! ... Read more

Book Description

Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004 enables you to design, optimize, and add basic interactivity to your graphics and is mainly used for designing and optimizing web graphics, then exporting them to website creation programs like Dreamweaver or Flash.

Customer Reviews (2)

This is a great resource
The authors do a great job introducing Fireworks MX 2004 to new users.They take readers on a thorough tour of the features and tools sets available in Fireworks.Experienced readers can also learn from this book as it talks about more advanced topics and even highlights the Fireworks Exchange by Macromedia which is one of the most powerful assets available to Fireworks users.If you want to learn Fireworks MX 2004, this is the book for you.

What a great resource to insert creative ideas to websites
This book really helped me out with learning how to implement creative thoughts/ideas into a working navigation system. When read, it sounds like the authors are right there walking you through each and every step you need to understand and master FireworksMX 2004. As you read through the book, you'll find a lot of helpful tips that are in each section. I almost liked reading the tips rather than focusing on the main sections. Be sure to work through the tutorials, I picked up a lot of tidbits that I didnt think were possible.

:)

Alan ... Read more

Book Description

Faster, more efficient, and with a raft of new features that encourage creativity and collaboration, Fireworks MX 2004 represents an essential upgrade to Macromedia's popular Web graphics program: If you don't already know Fireworks, now would be a good time to learn it, and if you do already know it, now would be a good time to relearn it—in the form of this latest (and greatest) upgrade! Either way, this Macromedia-authorized guide has the answers. Through 11 hands-on, project-based lessons and 16 to 20 hours of instruction, you'll tackle everything from editing bitmaps and creating interactive buttons to optimizing and exporting pages as HTML files. On the companion CD, you'll find a demo version of Fireworks MX 2004 as well as all the media files you need to complete the book's sophisticated, professional-level projects. You'll even find completed files that you can use to compare with your own results. It's time to start creating your own fireworks with Fireworks MX 2004!

Customer Reviews (10)

Great beginners book
Step-by-step, easy to follow instructios, with clear pictures and diagrams to indicate where to find the tools they want you to use. The projects in this book teach the basics in ways that users will be able to put to immediate use for their own projects. I found it especially useful since I have no training at all with any graphics programs, this book really helped me understand what tools were available and how to use them in effective ways.

I cannot stress enough, however, that this is a beginner's book. If you have experience with Fireworks (or probably any other similar program) this may not be the book for you.

A value for money purchase
This book starts from the very basics in a clear and well set out format making it one of the value for money books on my shelf.

Good Reference Book
I have been through this book and its companion book for Freehand MX and have the same comment for this one that I had for the Freehand MX version. Almost Great! Thorough enough to be used as a reference but the actual examples need some editing. There was a lack of consistency to simple things like "select both items" being sometimes written and sometimes left to the reader to figure out. Overall, a good book for a beginner who will refer to it often for a reference.

A Great Tutorial (but not as good as the one for DREAMWEAVER)
I was blown away by the "Training from the Source" tutorial for DREAMWEAVER. That is why I had to have this one for FIREWORKS. I have to admit to being a little disappointed but that is mostly do to the previous book setting the mark so high. This is still a great tutorial to learn the program, especially for someone like me who knows nothing about this subject. This book is designed as an intro, not an advanced course.

A few of the qualities that this series seem to share are clear instructions, easy to read print, illustrations and screen shots that are big enough to be useful and an approach that continues to build on what has been done before. This is especially true with the examples on the enclosed CD.

What disappoints me is that this book is primarily designed from the approach of using FIREWORKS as a stand alone program. There is material that covers the integration with DREAMWEAVER but this material is neither as copious nor as clear as I would have liked. Still, I know a lot more today than I did 2 days ago.

Pretty good for beginners
This book is really great if your an absolute beginner. The instructions are easy and the tutorials with the CD make the book a great way to learn fast and easy. Maybe this is not the book you want if you really want to go into Fireworks more. I felt like I needed to know more stuff than the book taught me. There's a lot you can do with Fireworks, but the book doesn't take you all the way. It's a really great way to get from absolute beginner to advanced intermediate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Terrific collection of short stories
This is a must for every Jim Thompson fan. Some of the stories are biographical, which will give the reader more insight into the man. Other stories are just terrific examples of crime noir.

This World and Then the Fireworks is included as kind of an unfinished novella, and it is really something. Very twisted, even for Jim Thompson. ... Read more

Book Description

The Learning series provides readers with a total-immersion, hands-on tutorial that walks them step-by-step, mouse-click by mouse-click, keystroke by keystroke through all the features of the software application. The well-illustrated, spiral-bound text contains easy-to-read, appealingly formatted procedural explanations and step-by-step exercises in a multi-part Lesson format.

Customer Reviews (6)

Finally, someone who made a book for use with a computer!
If nothing else, this book gets a high rating from me because someone FINALLY understands the imporantance of a book being able to stay open to work the lessons!

Easy to use lessons gets you up and running with Fireworks to get the most of the program.

Easy to learn but lean on content...
DDC's Macromedia Fireworks is great if you have a limited background in graphics.I teach High School Technology and use the DDC books for various subjects.My biggest complaint about this book is that the lessons are pretty lean.I have a hard time keeping my students busy for 48 minutes with the length of each lesson.I also think that the book could have been a little more creatively done.I wouldn't necessarily call the lessons boring, but they definitely aren't very enticing for the average high school student. Overall I'd say the book is a good resource for the average beginner to learn Macromedia Fireworks, but it could have been so much more!!

Comprehensive instruction in Fireworks
This book focuses on the Fireworks component of Macromedia's Studio 8.I started with no knowledge of Fireworks and feel very comfortable with the application after having finished this book.
The table of contents for this book is very detailed, which makes this book a great reference in addition to a tutorial.There are 9 lessons, and each lesson is divided into several exercises.I won't list all the exercises for each lesson here, but these are the lesson titles:

1) Get to Know Fireworks
2) Work with Bitmap Images
3) Create Vector Objects
4) Use Text
5) Use Layers and Masking
6) Create Buttons and Menus
7) Use Slices and Rollovers
8) Create Animations
9) Optimize anad Export Images

This book is in color with lots of pictures.It is also spiral bound, making it easy to work with.It comes with a CD to use with the exercises.Each exercise describes certain tasks and how to perform them, and then provides exercises that you can do to master each task.This book is very thorough, I can't imagine anyone needing any other book on Fireworks after they have this one.

Great Book for Beginner and Advanced
This book with CD has lessons and if you're new to Fireworks it gives a step-by-step explanation within the lessons, The CD is terrific that comes with the book.

It was shipped in a timely manner, and hope to purchase from them again.

Teach yourself Fireworks 8
I'm a web developer student; our college doesn't offer classes in Fireworks at this time.This text ranks up with the best I've used to date.

Learning Macromedia Fireworks 8 by Brian Underdahl explains how to create, edit, and publish images for the web.It clearly illustrates the user interface, gives an overview of what each exercise will teach you, with step-by-step instructions on specific procedures.Each exercise can be done in less than an hour.You can work the text beginning-to-end, or go directly to specific tasks, such as creating custom buttons, animations, and cascading style sheets.

Since buying this text, I haven't opened Photoshop once!Dreamweaver users, you've got to try Fireworks, which I find to be a much more intuitive and user-friendly program.This book will help you get comfortable with the software in short order. ... Read more

Book Description
Fully revised for changes to the Macromedia Studio MX 2004 software, this text teaches the students the introductory skills necessary to create Web pages, build Flash animations, and manipulate graphics for the Web. As the official provider of academic publications for Macromedia, Cengage Learning Course Technology provides you with the most accurate, comprehensive training tools. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Gets you started!
This book was our text in a Dreamweaver and Fireworks class I took.It offers a good introduction with hands-on experience.You can download files from the internet to do the exercises.The directions are quite clear and easy to follow.I found the dimensions a bit annoying - too wide to set by the computer on a small desk, but the content served it's purpose.Nice layouts too.Lots of eye candy!

Great book!
Great book for bigginers, takes you to the next level you'll be using Macromedia Suite in no time! did me a lot of good... ... Read more

Book Description

New to Dreamweaver and Fireworks 8? How to Use Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 and Fireworks 8 will quickly teach you the basics of the software so that you can get your websites up and running. More than 150 two-page, full- spreads will visually take you through the process of how to use each program to create everything from a simple personal website or a more involved e-business website. Illustrations and figures will lead you through each task with easy-to-follow directions and visual cues. You will learn how to:

• Work with text.
• Reuse information.
• Optimize images.
• Use behaviors and scripts.
• Create forms.
• Use external media.
• Create dynamic webpages.
• Work with CSS.

Customer Reviews (16)

Exactly what it says
I thought this book was great. It does exactly what it says. Sure, if you have ever used Dreamweaver and Fireworks before the first few chapters may be really basic but, there is a lot of information here.

The book starts out very basic but then, gets into CSS style sheets, layers, frames, and forms in Dreamweaver. The Fireworks section is a bit more basic (at least for me) but then, it explains 3D buttons, pop-up menus, image maps, slices, and even creating animated elements.

If you are a professional web designer, this book may be too basic for you. But for the hobbyist or beginner, this book is the perfect place to start.

Not helpful for creating buttons
I bought Fireworks MX to create buttons for use in navigation bars, and I bought this book to learn how to accomplish that, as Fireworks did not come with a manual. The book has 12 pages on buttons and nav bars, and at first glance it looks good, lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions. The only problem is that I did not get working buttons by following the instructions. I called Macromedia and found out that several important steps had been left out, steps that you would never guess on your own. With help from Macromedia I managed to make one set of working buttons, but when I tried to edit the buttons something went wrong and the buttons have been mangled. I am ordering more books from other authors in the hope one of them will give me complete instructions on how to make a button and edit it later.

Great help
I first bought Creating a Web Page in Dreamweaver 8. It sucked, bad. Probably the worst book I ever bouhght. Then, I found this book, really made a lot of sense. Great for beginners, and it is real in depth as well. I would recomend it, and might even buy a second copy for myself.

The author walks you through slowley, but informs you of all the details, so you can design a snazy site. Someone spent a lot of time reviewing the book before it went to print, because it doesn't skip a step, as other books can do in the design area.

The best thing I did was to buy the CNET CD on Dreamweaver/Flash/Fireworks. I paid about $80, but a class would have been thousands. The CD this book were all I needed.

Nice Pics .... but that's about it.
This book is severely lacking.The book uses a lot of pictures and poor descriptions in an attempt to teach you how to use dreamweaver functions.The result is that you get an idea of how to do certain functions but never get the feeling of how to effectively put them together.The book is in limbo between catering to beginners and being a mere reference book for someone trying to remember 'how to create an input form'.Had this book provided a simple web project that the readers could complete while teaching us the program; then everyone (readers and author) might have been able to stay on the 'same page'.

Not for Dreamweaver MX 2004
I am finding this book helpful, except I am using Dreamweaver MX 2004 and this book is apparently for the previous version.Enough has changed that it is frustrating trying to figure out where things have moved to.I have to pull up the help screen to compare how the book says to do it with how you actually do it in the updated version.Use caution when using this book for the 2004 software.Otherwise, I personally like the pictures--being a visual learner. ... Read more

Book Description
Hot sun. Soft white sand. Bejewled flip-flops. Crashing surf. That shirtless blond lifeguard...Summertime is the essence of sexiness, sass, and fun. In this juicy collection, four fabulous, bestselling teen authors each show us a different side of summer romance, from the first flush of a seaside crush to the sting of a breakup on a traveling teen tour. Get out your sunscreen, slip on your shades, and prepare to be dazzled by these sizzling stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
After the heartwarming compilation of four heartwarming stories in Mistletoe, Point Books once more brings together four authors to create another four sizzling stories that go perfectly with the summer heat. Pull up a towel and a big glass of lemonade, because the only place you will be going is inside the minds of four girls ready to accomplish what they have been wanting the most during summer.

Lauren Myracle brings us Megan, who is finally turning 18, in MISS INDEPENDENT!The only thing that seems to be on her mind is Pete, the boy she met at the preschool where she worked. Well, that and trying to keep up with her cousin, Porter Ann. The first moment Megan and Pete laid eyes on each other, there was a definite spark -- at least that's what Megan thought. Unfortunately, summer began, which means that her chance to finally talk or even go out with Pete is gone. But what Megan doesn't know is that her birthday will be full of surprises and a very special present from her cousin.

In Sarah Mlynowski's A NICE FLING IS HARD TO FIND, Lindsay is finally going to France with her best friend, Becca, and Becca's twin brother, Tommy. And the one thing Lindsay wants the most is to find a European hottie and finally have a fling. Could the lucky person be her tour guide, Pierre? Or maybe Vlad, the really cute Russian guy with the to-die-for accent? Or could it be the one person that is closer to her than any other -- the one she would never have thought of going out with?

Molly Walker just can't wait to leave her crazy family at home and go back to that one place where she can have a little peace, Camp Menominee. Molly can finally become a counselor and take care of her own cabin. And, most importantly, she will get to see River Ween, the camp owner's son, the boy who Molly has liked forever but can never seem to catch his eye. But this summer will be totally different, what with her younger sister, Dakota, tagging along with her after getting dumped by her boyfriend. What worries Molly the most is when Dakota finally meets River, and there seems to be a little flirting going on. Could disaster be spelled D-A-K-O-T-A for Molly this summer? Find out in Erin Haft's CABIN FEVER.

And last but certainly not least is Wynn Michaela O'Malley, in . Wynn hates being so pale and hates that summer brings fun in the sun at the beach, so she escapes the chance of looking antisocial once again and signs up for summer classes in Delaware, taking Creative Writing. Everything is all planned out, that is until Wynn finally gets into her dorm and sees that she has an ocean view room. Who knew that this college was on a beach!?But besides the beach, the dorm isn't all too bad, especially since it's co-ed and the first guy she meets, Caleb, is someone Wynn would definitely like to get to know.

Another great anthology filled with stories that will definitely make you smile -- and making you wish that one of these stories would happen to you!

Reviewed by:Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen ... Read more

Book Description
Fireworks 4 for Dummies provides a light-hearted but thorough reference for anyone who want to understand Macromedia's smash-hit graphics tool quickly and in plain English. The author covers each topic simply but in enough detail to make it useful. You'll be able to quickly find any topic you need and get back to work without delay. The book is divided into seven parts, each dealing with a different aspect of Fireworks: drawing, animation, automation including JavaScripting, linking, and exporting.

This book will be a great addition to the libraries of everybody working in Web development, whether for business or as a hobby. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

You gotta be dumb not to buy this book
This book is brilliantly written, regardless of the level of your expertise. Doug has a sense of humor and a gentle way of explaining things that makes the book perfectly appropriate to novices. On the other hand, all the material the experts need is there and Doug makes it fun to read about it. You could have more pretty pictures, but the book would sell for at least twice the price.

You gotta be dumb to buy this series
I'm sure there are some people who could learn something from this book. Unfortunately compared to what's out there, this book is a real waste of time and money.

My biggest gripe is the total lack of pictures compared to other books. Hey guys, we're talking about a GRAPHICS program. There are on the average, only one or two picts per page. Hardly enough to get the idea of what the program does.

Also, each of the picts are way too small and fuzzy to really see what's going on.

There are much better books out there with more pages for less money.

EASY TO READ-GREAT CONTENT
This book saved my life! I had a big freelance gig at a major interactive agency. I needed to learn Fireworks in 2 days. I picked this book up because it looked like it cut through all the irrelevant issues I didn't need to know about. I was right thank God. Thanks to this book I helped creat a major website in Fireworks. Great program too!

Like Having a Personal Tutor
Macromedia's Fireworks 4 is a truly ambitious program and that means it has a steep learning curve, particularly if you're a rookie at image creation, like I am. But I'm convinced that having Doug Sahlin's "Dummies" book got me through some of the thorniest issues, and in a non-intimidating fashion. It's loaded with step-by-step examples, illustrations, and humor. (Actually, it's probably the book Macromedia should've included instead of the mind-boggling manual that it did. )

Really, having Mr. Sahlin's book at your side is about as close as anyone could reasonably get to having a personal tutor. For me, that cut down on a lot of the frustration I was experiencing before I bought the book. That alone was well worth the small investment. Go for it! ... Read more

Book Description
This new title offers step-by-step instructions and in-depth explanations of the features of Macromedia Fireworks 8. Students will easily master the software as they work through end-of-chapter learning projects and step-by-step tutorials. The full-color interior and user-friendly design create the ideal book for learning the latest features of this popular application. ... Read more

Book Description
Fireworks MX 2004 Essential Training with Abigail Rudner is a movie-based tutorial designed for novice and intermediate Fireworks users who want to design and export static as well as interactive web graphics. Solid, clear, creative, and easy-to-follow instructions cover both the design and the interactive code development features offered by Fireworks MX 2004. This tutorial begins with an overview of the Fireworks MX 2004 interface and quickly advances to cover topics such as working with and creating vector and bitmap image content, animation, optimization, interactivity and exporting methods, as well as Dreamweaver integration. Exercise files accompany the training, allowing you to follow along and learn at your own pace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great way to learn Fireworks!
I really enjoyed this cd set (there are two). Like one of the other people who reviewed this item, I was sad to get to the end of the tutorials. This cd training set is a great way to supplement book materials on Fireworks MX 2004. This isn't necessarily a set for the "advanced" Fireworks user. If you're like me and want to get a good start learning Fireworks, this set is the way to go! Although a little pricey, the product is well worth the cost. This is not an interactive training course necessarily, but you can follow along using your copy of Fireworks with the excercise files that are included. If you have two monitors set side-by-side, you're in even better shape to take advantage of this great learning tool (view tutorial on one side, follow along with Fireworks on the other). ... Read more

Book Description
For expert, Macromedia-certified training on how to use Macromedia Fireworks MX to create Web pages, you'll want to head straight to the source. Macromedia Fireworks MX: Training from the Source includes 12 lessons and 16 hours of instruction designed to show you, step-by-step, how to create a Web site in Macromedia Fireworks MX. Over the course of the book, you'll build several pages and then export them as HTML files that you can open and edit in Dreamweaver MX. Along the way, you'll learn how to use the bitmap tools in Fireworks to edit an image, create buttons with rollovers and use effects for realistic-looking buttons, optimize and export images, use masking techniques for isolating portions of an image, add pop-up menus, and use Dreamweaver MX to add text to your exported HTML pages. The book also comes with a CD-ROM that includes all of the media files necessary for you to create sophisticated, professional-level projects, plus completed files for you to compare with your own results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent Tutorial
This is an excellent book for learning how to use Fireworks...it has very good projects and it even has things to do on your own when you are finished the lesson.I have learned alot about Fireworks MX from this book and I highly recommend it.

Very good at what it says it will do
I am amazed by the number of individuals who purchase computer books expecting one thing when the author clearly states the purpose is for something else. The classic case is when an author writes a book with the express purpose of learning a program and a reviewer states they are disappointed because the book not in depth, is sequential in nature, or is difficult to jump around in.

That said, I thought this book was a very good introduction to Freehand. I do not recommend it as a reference tool or if you want to learn only one or two things quickly -- the steps and lessons are sequential.

Although this book can be kept in your library as a very decent reference, my recommendation is that if you want to learn Fireworks from scratch, then get this book and buy another if you want something around to continually reference.

A beginner's book made as cryptic as possible.
Macromedia's Fireworks MX is a terrific tool to do graphics and much more for the Web. But to find a book that helps you learn this great tool is a difficult job if you are a BEGINNER.

For an intermediate to advanced user who has already used other Graphics tools from Adobe or used previous versions of Macromedia's Fireworks, this book may suffice in getting started and creating some nice graphics. I am giving the book the benefit of doubt as I am NOT an advanced user and can't strike the book down without positive proof.

So why is this book so difficult to learn from (for a beginner)? I found two main reasons -

The first is that the book seems to seriously omit some important steps that a beginner is definitely not going to know about. You can imagine the disastrous results that follow - frustration to name one.

The second is that the writing style is very difficult to follow. One has to really concentrate in trying to figure out what the author is saying and even then there are no guarantees.

My basic experiences with this book in a nutshell - I was cropping some images and picked up the book to see if I can read a few chapters to learn how to use the Cropping tool and the Lasso tool. I easily succeeded in using the Cropping tool after reading the page a second time, but I had a difficult time using the Lasso tool by just following the instructions. I eventually got it right but these are some of the simplest actions a User performs in a Graphics package like Fireworks MX and it shouldn't have been that difficult for a book to explain.

What choices does one have? Unfortunately, not many. I am continuing my search for a better book and I will write a review on it when I find one. In the meanwhile, I feel stuck having to rely on this difficult book.

One last piece of advice, do read a general book on designing web graphics before learning a specific Graphics package. A great example is 'Designing Web Graphics' by Lynda Weinman. It is an excellent book to read before learning how to use a Graphics tool like Fireworks MX. There is a tremendous amount of wisdom in this book that beginners can't ignore. It is a book I see myself referring for a long time to come. Good luck!

A Helpful But Flawed Starting Point
This book is as good an introductory straight-on tutorial as you're likely to find on Macromedia's web graphics tool.Macromedia is to the web what Adobe is to traditional publishing, and Fireworks is the application to start with in making the transition.Most of the tools, and even the keyboard shortcuts, are similar to what the seasoned desktop publisher would be familiar with; it's sort of a basic hybrid of Illustrator and Photoshop.What distinguishes Fireworks is its almost exclusive use of the .png format, which offers high quality full-page graphics in modest file sizes.

This offering in the Training From The Source series covers the basics any user would need to get started using Fireworks MX.But there are problems; in some of the exercises, not all necessary steps are covered.For example: in the chapter on creating a template based on a home page, the user is instructed to delete layer elements down to the basic header design, to add other elements and keep the look consistent .... but the authors neglected to mention deleting the slices, which would cause a problem when new slices needed to be created.There were also problems with the tutorial files in the final chapter;When prompted to export the files to Dreamweaver, Fireworks MX experienced an unexpected quit ..... this happened on two different Macs.One gets the impression that not all materials in these publications get preflighted extensively.

These complaints aside, this title will provide an adequately comprehensive introduction to the realm of Macromedia ..... though possibly a frustrating one at times for the newbie.Hopefully Macromedia will see fit to make corrected materials available so the lessons can be completed without too much confusion.

You can do it & This book can help!
I can't believe all they squeezed into this small book of 300 pages. 11 lessons will have you up & running Fireworks in a week! The format is like all Training from the Source books, hands-on step-by-step (enjoyable) lessons with enough pictures to let you know if you went off track somewhere along way.

I looked at soooo many Fireworks books - this book is by far the best place to start. Unlike other books I've searched through- it contains a good balance of pictures to guide you and text to train you.

Since I didn't have this info until I received the book, I thought posting it may be helpful:

Lesson 1 - Bitmap Editing
Lesson 2 - Using Vector Tools
Lesson 3 - Working with Layers
Lesson 4 - Adding Text
Lesson 5 - Advanced Techniques (Combining, duplicating, gradients, opacity, intersect, crop, transformations)
Lesson 6 - Creatig Buttons
Lesson 7 - Creating Slices & Hotspots
Lesson 8 - Optimizing & Exporting
Lesson 9 - Creating GIF Animations
Lesson 10 - Masking & Pop-Up Menus
Lesson 11 - Integrating with Dreamweaver (extensive, but basic) ... Read more

Book Description
In Macromedia Fireworks MX for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide, you'll learn how to use Macromedia's design software as more than just a drawing and effects tool. Even if you've never used Fireworks before, with the fourth update to this popular Visual QuickStart Guide, you'll soon be using Macromedia Fireworks MX to generate buttons, image maps, and simple animations, as well as their underlying code. This task-based reference uses step-by-step instructions and ample illustrations to explain all of Macromedia Fireworks MX's newest vector and bitmap features, as well as its existing ones, in a language and tone that you can understand. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

short task descriptions
The book follows in the footsteps of the other QuickStart books. Fireworks is a nice graphics drawing package. This functionality lends itself easily to a QuickStart approach. The inherent visual nature of Fireworks means that every page can have graphics demonstrating some aspect. (Don't try this with an algorithms book.)

The pages are also usually in a 2 column format, instead of the default single column for books. Presumably, it is meant to be easier to read. Shorter attention span needed and all that. The general tenor is of snappy task descriptions. Maybe for the harried reader who just wants an answer and not an essay on the theory of drawing.

The book seems to be random access. Use the contents and index to find and apply a solution. The two together seem to trace out well the abilities of Fireworks.

Wonderful Book
Dear Amazon,

I purchased this book a month ago...

I have been a Computer Graphic Designer for 2 yrs. But have worked in the field for 8 yrs...

I wished I had this book when I was first learning.

I learned more from this book, than just Fireworks, It has also helped me with my Web designing...I carry it with me...

I plan to buy more of Sandee's books. I can't get enof now.

Thank You,

Great book if you already know what you're doing
If you have already been using software to produce graphics then this book is for you.It would be a very useful reference to someone who knows what they want to do, but just doesn't know how to do it in Fireworks.

As someone who has no background in graphics I did find some of the introductory material helpful.There is a solid explanation of vectors, bitmaps, gif, jpeg, etc.

The problem is when you pick up the book and actually go to do something, there are large gaps in the basic information provided.To draw an analogy, its like finding out (in detail) how to hammer, saw, plane, sand and drill... and discovering that you still don't know how to build a bird house.

The TIPS are really handy.I have the feeling I'll appreciate this book more when I have more training and can use it as a reference.I just wouldn't start out with it.

Using it for all my Fireworks classes
I am an instructor of Web graphics at a small community/vocational school.

This book is perfect for all my classes.

Not only does it teach Fireworks, but it has lots of background on the Web in general.

I can't think of a better book to buy! ... Read more

Product Description

This is the same workbook we use in the 2-day intensive class we give in New York City. We have a practical approach to teaching:you learn tools and features by using them in projects such as posters, books, magazines, and more. That way youlearn a lot about Fireworks in ashort amount of time.

You Will Learn

• Optimize Web Graphics as JPEG or GIF
• Slice Images
• Create Rollover Graphics
• Create Animated GIFs
• Quickly Create Rollover Graphics/Buttons
• Quickly Mockup an Entire Website Design
• Image Maps
• Pixel-based & Vector-based Editing
• Integration with Flash & Dreamweaver
• Create Pop-Up Menus
• And More...

Customer Reviews (2)

Clear Concise Instruction
I'd heard that Fireworks could do web graphics much better than Photoshop so gave this book a try based on my previous good experience with a Noble Desktop book. It completely met my expectations and now I am amazed at how easy it is to mock up and prepare graphics for my websites. As for the comments of the gentleman who wanted more explanation of why you do things -- it's true, this book is nuts and bolts on how to get things done. But I'd have to disagree that you need the "why." I already know what I want to do -- this book tells me how to do it, in the most concise and efficient way possible.

Don't throw your money away on this
Yeah, it's a "workbook" format -- as advertised -- BUT: there's absolutely no explanation of what you're doing or why. It's 63 pages of "click this icon; save that file; click 'Done' ".

With some context, these might be useful exercises. Without any, they're pretty much what you'd do to figure out how any new app works - only it costs $75.00!I just got ripped; don't YOU do the same. ... Read more