Computer Media

By Rachel Singer Gordon -- Library Journal, 12/14/2007 9:30:00 AM

Get LJ's Computer Media Reviews and Computer Book Prepub Alert RSS Feed

ActionScript

ActionScript, the Adobe Flash programming language, allows developers to build Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). Version 3.0 radically updates earlier versions and has become a true object-oriented programming (OOP) language, so larger libraries should carry current guides.

Moock, Colin. Essential ActionScript 3.0. O’Reilly. 2007. c.911p. ISBN 978-0-596-52694-8. pap. $54.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Both an instruction guide for beginning users and a handy reference for more advanced programmers, this covers ActionScript’s common uses from core concepts through distributing a class library. While the book does begin with an overview of object-oriented programming and of ActionScript for nonprogrammers, beginners might be better off with the hand-holding directions in Hands-On Training (below). Click here for the companion site. For large libraries.

Perkins, Todd. ActionScript 3.0 for Adobe Flash CS3 Professional: Hands-On Training. lynda.com: Peachpit. 2007. c.363p. ISBN 978-0-321-29390-9. pap. $49.99 with CD-ROM. COMPUTER BOOKS

This full-color guide to ActionScript 3.0 basics will be useful both to new users and to those already familiar with earlier versions. Step-by-step, screenshot-heavy exercises walk readers through common tasks and build on earlier exercises, while introductions and notes help them understand what they’re doing—and why. The CD contains exercise files and video tutorials, one of the many strengths of this clear and thorough guide. Highly recommended for medium and larger libraries.

Sanders, William & Chandina Cumaranatunge. ActionScript 3.0 Design Patterns. O’Reilly. 2007. c.509p. ISBN 978-0-596-52846-1. pap. $44.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This is aimed at intermediate to advanced developers wanting to create working applications by using more sophisticated programming techniques, specifically, by tapping the power of reusable design patterns in OOP. After an introduction to OOP, each chapter describes a specific type of design pattern and provides key concepts and examples. The companion site contains code samples. Clear and well organized, this guide is a good choice for larger libraries already owning introductions to ActionScript 3.0.

Adobe InDesign

InDesign—Adobe’s desktop publishing and page layout component to its Creative Suite package—now offers new features like better integration with other CS3 applications, new effects, and better transparency control.

Burke, Pariah S. Mastering InDesign CS3 for Print Design and Production. Sybex. 2007. c.492p. ISBN 978-0-470-11456-8. pap. $49.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This full-color guide to InDesign for graphic designers and press operators targets intermediate users and upgraders with an eye to balancing creativity and efficiency. Independent learners will appreciate "Master It" exercises (answers provided in an appendix); working professionals will appreciate real-world examples and advice on when to use each technique. Click here for online sample files and resources. Appropriate for larger libraries.

Cohen, Sandee. InDesign CS3: Visual QuickStart Guide. Peachpit. 2007. c.579p. ISBN 978-0-321-50306-0. pap. $29.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For beginning to intermediate users, this book offers a screenshot-heavy, step-by-step approach to learning InDesign’s most common features. Each topic is covered clearly and succinctly, from a "Getting Started" introduction to panels and menus through customizing the program to match your own workflow and requirements; sidebars provide brief suggestions and information where necessary. A useful purchase for medium and larger libraries.

Kvern, Olav Martin & David Blatner. Real World Adobe InDesign CS3: Industrial Strength Page-Layout Techniques. Peachpit. 2007. c.900p. ISBN 978-0-321-49170-1. pap. $49.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This reference and self-study guide for beginning through advanced users moves from the basics of the InDesign workspace and page layout to advanced features like interactive PDF and XML. Especially useful are tips for users switching from PageMaker or QuarkXPress and advice on best practices. A laid-back, surprisingly readable style and in-depth coverage make this a highly recommended resource for medium and larger libraries.

Mac OS X Leopard

Apple released this latest version of Mac OS X at the end of October; be sure to update your guides as your patrons get new Macs for the holidays and into the new year.

Langer, Maria. Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: Visual Quickstart Guide. Peachpit. 2007. c.680p. ISBN 978-0-321-49600-3. pap. $24.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For beginning to intermediate users, this book introduces the OS via the usual, abundant screenshots and step-by-step directions. Upgraders will appreciate coverage of new features like Stacks, Time Machine, and Spaces, while new users will welcome coverage of everything from mouse basics to getting help. Click here for the companion blog, which provides new and additional content. A thorough introduction to Leopard and a good choice for all libraries.

Toporek, Chuck. Mac OS X Leopard: Pocket Guide. O’Reilly. 2007. c.211p. ISBN 978-0-596-52981-9. pap. $14.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This tiny tips-and-tricks guide will be especially useful to upgraders owing to its quick reference coverage of new features in OS X Leopard (such as the new Finder, Spaces, Time Machine, Stacks, Quick Look, Parental Controls, and Spotlight). Users already somewhat familiar with Mac OS will appreciate succinct how-to coverage without extraneous background information or explanations. Purchase as an optional supplement to more basic beginner’s guides and more thorough references.

Microsoft SharePoint Server

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS 2007), Microsoft’s collaboration and Intranet server (see Computer Media, LJ 6/15/07), enables document sharing, collaboration, and content organization

Leon, Wyme & others. Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 Bible. Wiley. 2007. c.765p. ISBN 978-0-470-00861-4. pap. $44.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Here we have an incredibly comprehensive reference for beginners through advanced SharePoint administrators. It covers topics from installation through customization. Beyond the SharePoint how-tos, the examples of various scenarios under which SharePoint can be used in an organization are especially useful, as is the discussion of the integration between Office 2007 and MOSS 2007 and its comparisons between MOSS and other seemingly similar Microsoft offerings. Recommended for larger libraries.

Pyles, James & others. SharePoint 2007: The Definitive Guide. O’Reilly. 2007. c.794p. ISBN 978-0-596-52958-1. pap. $49.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Useful both for administrators new to SharePoint and those upgrading from SharePoint Portal Server 2003, this thorough guide covers everything from the basics (introduction, changes, installation, configuration) through using Web Services, search, the object model, and web content management. Step-by-step instructions on setting up a SharePoint site from start to finish, plus extensive background information, make this a valuable reference and instruction manual. Click here for the companion site. For all larger libraries.

Microsoft Windows Vista

Vista (see Computer Media, LJ 5/15/07), Microsoft’s latest version of Windows, is steadily gaining traction; continue to invest in current guides.

Culp, Brian. Windows Vista Administration: The Definitive Guide. O’Reilly. 2007. c.780p. ISBN 978-0-596-52959-8. pap. $49.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For Vista network administrators and power users, this book covers everything from a tour of new features, through deploying Vista, to security, group policies, and troubleshooting. Although it is most useful to upgraders with experience administering previous Windows versions, the instruction amounts to a useful reference and how-to guide for all administrators. Best practices are highlighted throughout. Click here for a companion site, which offers an author Q&A. For medium and larger libraries.

Gookin, Dan. Find Gold in Windows Vista. Wiley. 2007. c.494p. ISBN 978-0-470-04692-0. pap. $29.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This alphabetical Vista reference for beginning to intermediate users takes a lighthearted yet down-to-earth approach to making the OS both understandable and usable. Helpful step-by-step instructions include where to find an item, what to do with it, tips for when things go wrong, cautions about staying on track, and "Digging Elsewhere" see also references. A useful, unintimidating reference; recommended for all libraries.

Konopka, Dave. Microsoft Windows Vista Sidebar. Wiley. 2007. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-470-04394-3. pap. $29.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

One of Vista’s new features, Windows Sidebar, contains mini applications, or "gadgets," which like web pages are created from HTML and JavaScript. This guide covers downloading, using, creating, and deploying your own such Sidebar gadgets (with a final chapter on Windows Live gadgets). Each easily digestible topic is made up of a two-page layout with background information, step-by-step instructions, labeled screenshots, and "Apply It" or "Extra" sidebars. Click here for the companion web site, which contains chapter files and a sample gadget. The content is clear and concise and offers advanced users useful ways to extend Vista’s functionality; large libraries should consider.

QuarkXPress

The new version of this venerable page-layout software boasts new features like improved transparency, color management changes, composition zones enabling better collaboration, and OpenType support.

Real-World QuarkXPress 7. Peachpit. 2007. c.870p. ed. by David Blatner. ISBN 978-0-321-35030-5. pap. $54.99. COMPUTER BOOKSA

For beginners through advanced users, this detailed guide updates older editions with coverage of new features and workflow. Registered users can download project files, color figures, and a bonus appendix here. The book moves from QuarkXPress basics and working with items through printing, PDF, and going online—and everything in between. Appendixes cover XTensions, scripting, and XML tools. A useful and comprehensive guide for all larger libraries.

Silverlight

Silverlight, Microsoft’s new cross-browser, cross-platform development platform and browser plug-in, competes directly with Microsoft Flash—the current standard for many RIAs and media. Developers can use Microsoft development environments like Visual Studio and Expression Blend to create Silverlight applications.

Nathan, Adam. Silverlight 1.0 Unleashed. SAMS. 2007. c.258p. ISBN 978-0-672-33007-0. pap. $39.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Assuming no previous knowledge of either XAML (Silverlight’s XML-based markup language) or JavaScript, this full-color guide addresses designers and developers wanting to implement Silverlight. The text progresses from the fundamentals through static content and "making your content come to life." Highlights include succinct FAQs addressing common questions like "What are the differences between Silverlight and Adobe Flash?" and plentiful sidebars with information on digging deeper, tips, warnings, and upcoming functionality. Code listings are colorized similarly to their appearance in Visual Studio, and a companion site contains source code. Highly recommended.

Silverlight 1.0. Wrox. 2007. c.288p. ed. by Devin Rader. ISBN 978-0-470-22840-1. pap. $39.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For professional developers with some knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, AJAX, and ASP.NET, this full-color text moves quickly from an introduction to Silverlight to discuss building applications with XAML, Expression Blend, JavaScript, and ASP.NET. The title then covers the CLR and provides a video player case example; appendixes contain a Silverlight object reference, XAML reference, and online resources. Extensive screenshots and useful chapter summaries aid in understanding. Click here for source code and a bonus chapter. A useful and straightforward introduction; a good choice for larger libraries.