Author Description

Amazon.com Review The Visual QuickStart series is terrific, and Director 8 for Macintosh & Windows is a worthy member of the group. Sporting a clear layout, easy-to-read type, and a tear-out keyboard shortcut guide that's printed on card stock, this book should be the one you reach for if you are learning or about to learn Macromedia Director. Like the other books in the series, pages are divided into two columns: outer columns for step-by-step tutorials and explanations, and inner columns for screen shots. Each picture is annotated, and many of them have elements within the picture identified, too. Visual QuickStart Guides don't come with a companion CD-ROM, but that's one way that Peachpit Press keeps costs down. With the wealth of material that's available on Macromedia's site and on the Director installation CD-ROMs, there is little need for more. There is, however, a need for clearly explained examples and tutorials, which this book recognizes. Its 18 chapters progress deeper and deeper into the program, and wind their way through the basics of using the program, animation, painting, addition of external elements like QuickTime movies and sound files, exporting for the Web, using Director Behaviors, and using scripts and Lingo. Lingo is Director's scripting language, and worthy of a book all its own (of which there are several); but, if you've never used it before, the chapter in this book will be more than enough to get your feet wet. In light of the cost of the book, and the concise and descriptive step-by-step text, Visual QuickStart Guide: Director 8 for Macintosh & Windows is one of the best books for any new user of Macromedia Director. --Mike Caputo Product Description These task-based, visual reference guides feature step-by-step instructions and plenty of screen shots to guide students and teachers through the most important tasks. Visual QuickStart Guides are the ideal way to get students up and running quickly, and are used for intermediate and advanced students as a quick reference. From the Back Cover Get up and running quickly with Macromedia's leading program in multimedia authoring. An easy, visual approach to teaching Director. Uses screenshots to guide you through the software. Set up to be used like a reference book: Look up just what you need to know to get right to work. Step-by-step instructions show you how. The book will be updated to include better graphics and have an expanded Web coverage. New Director 8 material will be covered. About the Author Andre Persidsky wrote three previous editions of the Director QuickStart Guide, and co-authored Ray Dream Studio 5: Visual QuickStart Guide for Windows and Macintosh. A writer and product designer, he contributes articles to several computer magazines.