The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing - Issue 11.5 September / October 2006

• Dynamic Import, which enables the user to rename batches of files, apply multiple annotations, and more, as files are imported from a camera, disc, or volume.
• Pro Light Table, which supports the display of 1 to 4 images side-by-side for viewing and labeling in full-screen mode. The same point on multiple images can be enlarged for comparison.
• Notepad Feedback Tool, which lets creative professionals and their clients engage in two-way communication. The MediaPro user drags and drops catalog items onto the Notepad palette, adds comments, and then e-mails the file to their client for viewing and feedback.
• XML (XSLT) Import and Export, which supports the exportation of a catalog and its metadata in XML format for use in another application.
• Advanced Web Gallery Options, which now supports CSS, includes direct uploading of exported galleries using the built-in FTP capability.

$199

Contact: iView Multimedia Ltd., 30-40 Elcho St., Battersea Park, London, SW11 4AU, UK, +44 20 7223 8691, http://www.iview-multimedia.com, e-mail: info@iview-multimedia.com.

Intaglio 2.9.1 (MAC)
Intaglio is an inexpensive yet capable drawing program that offers digital publishers an array of useful capabilities for producing vector-based graphics. A complete array of drawing tools can be used to create complex graphics, logos, and typographic treatments. Of particular interest will be the wide range of text effects that can be generated, quickly, and easily, and with ample room for manipulation and experimentation. Users can convert type to paths and use all of the effects that can be applied to graphic objects, as well as edit the glyph outlines. Text can be composed in blocks, rotated, scaled, sheared, and flipped and still remain editable.

The program takes advantage of the rich set of CoreImage filters, Apple Type Services, ColorSync, and the Quartz 2D graphics environment that are built into the Apple OS. These features, along with support for AppleScript, provide the user with exceptional flexibility and imaging potential.

Intaglio brings ClarisDraw into the twenty-first century, providing conversion of ClarisDraw files, and most graphic components, and a user interface that will be familiar. Those who consider Adobe Illustrator CS2 as overkill for their needs should look seriously at Intaglio.

A major benefit to digital publishers is Intaglio's capability to import a PDF and edit it. Users first open a PDF and then convert it for editing, after which they can move and manipulate various graphic element components, including type. Although this is not a complete editing solution, this capability alone can justify the purchase.

A gallery of examples, showing many more of the program's impressive features can be seen at http://www.purgatorydesign.com/Intaglio/gallery.html. A demo version can be downloaded at http://www.purgatorydesign.com/Intaglio/download.html. $89

Contact: Purgatory Design, P.O. Box 2483, Durango, CO 81302, http://www.purgatorydesign.com.

OmniGraffle 4 Professional (MAC)
OmniGraffle Professional is a fantastic diagramming design application that is an enchanting visual playground for graphic designers. There is a real sense of discovery, realizing that what one can imagine, one can create. Users can produce professional diagrams of all kinds, including charts, instruction sheets, building layouts, etc., as well as create multipage publications incorporating master pages and layers. Although the program is specifically aimed at the creation of diagrams, it can be used to design very sophisticated page layouts, easily, and with a great number of easy-to-use tools, and a library of useful graphic objects.

The objects are provided in categorized groups, such as business and science, and are dragged and dropped onto the program canvas. The objects are positioned on an optional user-defined grid, aligned, resized, grouped, rotated and otherwise manipulated. The user has control over the stroke, fill, color, shadow, etc. providing a significant range of appearance options. Powerful tabbed Inspectors provide direct control over their specifications. Objects can be connected using a variety of lines that remain connected even when moved, unlike most drawing programs.

Users have the option of brainstorming diagrammatic relationships using the Outline view in which topics can be input rapidly and are displayed immediately on the canvas. As items in the outline are rearranged, their corresponding objects are reordered on the canvas, and vice versa. The appearance of the objects can be radically changed by selecting an alternate Diagram Style.

The program is a wonderful accessory to a professional page layout program such as InDesign or QuarkXPress, or an office application, such as MS Word or PowerPoint, since it can export its contents in a wide variety of file formats, including PDF, TIFF, PNG, JPEG, EPS, HTML, SVG, PICT, Photoshop, BMP and more. A trial license is available at http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnigraffle/download/. $149.95

Contact: Omni Development, Inc., 2707 NE Blakeley St., Seattle, WA 98105-3318, 800 315-OMNI, 206 523-4152, http://www.omnigroup.com, e-mail: info@omnigroup.com, fax: 206 523-5896.

Keynote Quartet '06 (MAC)
Keynote Quartet '06 is a collection of four products that greatly enhance the usefulness, effectiveness, and attractiveness of Apple Keynote presentations.

The first is Keynote Themes 5.0, which is a set of 30 professionally-designed themes, with up to 24 different slide layout masters per theme. A theme is a particular design idea that is carried through on a variety of templates that serve various purposes in a presentation, such as the opening slide, an informational slide, a photo slide, a credits slide, etc. The themes are named after their main design concept, such as Old Paper, Wood, Network, and Business Pro. The theme literally sets the stage for how the overall presentation will look. Jumsoft's themes are attractive and provide a wide variety of options for the user. In addition, the use of these themes is a welcome alternative to using the 20 themes that Apple provides with their software, and which other users are sure to use. Samples of the themes can be seen at http://www.jumsoft.com/themes/. $45

The use of visual motion in a presentation can be an effective method of attracting and holding the attention of an audience. Keynote Animations 4.0 consists of 150 animated objects provided on transparent backgrounds. The animations can be positioned anywhere on a slide. They can be mixed, overlaid, underlaid, and otherwise manipulated at will. All of the animations can be seen in motion at http://www.jumsoft.com/animations/samples/. The animations can also be used with Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express, and Motion. $45

Just as themes work to set a mood subliminally, Keynote Stills 3.0 provide a library of 200 still images, with transparent backgrounds, that provide literal meanings through the use of visual objects. Keys, dice, a light bulb, a bow tie, a mouse, a tire, a wire cutter, a saw, a power drill, a wrapped candy, a battery, and a tea kettle, are al examples of everyday items that help not only to convey a message but to get attention. A display of all of the images can be seen at http://www.jumsoft.com/stills/samples/. The images can be used with Apple Pages as well as Microsoft PowerPoint 2004. Purchase of Keynote Stills 3.0 includes a free copy of Keynote Jam 1.1 which consists of 60 photo objects. These images can be seen at http://www.jumsoft.com/jam/samples/. $39

Although themes provide backgrounds for Keynote slides, users may want to enhance their presentations with photographs to emphasize a key thought, idea, or concept, or to add interest and eye appeal. Keynote Photos 2.0 is a gallery of more than 200 images that can be used in any application where photos are needed. The images, provided in 1024x768 ppi resolution, are very colorful and detailed, and represent a wide variety of textures and object close-ups that are captivating and visually interesting. A display of the photos can be seen at http://www.jumsoft.com/photos/samples/. $39

The quartet of all four Jumsoft Keynote packages can be purchased for a special price of $99, a $65 savings over the individual package prices.

Internet Reviews

MotionArtist 3.0_ (WIN )
MotionArtist 3.0_ is a Flash_ design application created for the non-programmer, supporting the generation of sophisticated animations and interactive Web page components without the need to learn coding or scripting. Through the use of templates, wizards and ready-to-use objects, users can design professional-looking presentations and Web pages with point-and-click simplicity. For example, complicated animation processes, such as defining a motion path, is accomplished by simply drawing the object path movement using the mouse.

The program includes an extensive library of more than 800 objects that can be dragged and dropped onto the project edit window and animated. The content consists of animations, backgrounds, banners, buttons, flowers, special effects, and more.

The output is 100% standard SWF (Flash) file compliant, compatible with popular Web editors such as Dreamweaver. $49.99

Shutterbug v2 (MAC)
Shutterbug v2 is a Web site creation tool that simplifies and automates the generation of on-line photo albums up to complete Web sites. The program cleverly separates content from form, providing an easy-to-use interface for entering text and images, and built-in themes and templates for quickly wrapping the content in an attractive presentation.

The program provides three tabbed views: Content, Preview, and Layout. In the Content view the user inputs their photos, dragging and dropping them into an image window, and adding text. Each photo can have its own caption, and tools are provided to customize the pictures with such things as cartoon balloons and watermarks. Additional pages can be added and navigation links established. Clicking on the Preview tab presents the page or pages in a default layout. In this view the user can see how the content will appear when published to the Web. In the Layout view the user can apply any of 45 attractive themes, and then select templates within a theme to suit their requirements.

The process is quick to learn, fast to use, and the results are professional...all without any coding nor knowledge of HTML. Completed pages are exported to a .Mac account, WebDAV, or folder (for FTPing to a site). $49.95

Contact: XtraLean Software Inc., 100 Queen Street North, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2H 2H6, http://www.xtralean.com, e-mail: sales@xtralean.com.

OmniWeb 5.5 (MAC)
OmniWeb 5.5 extends the functionality of this Web browser to new levels (see our previous review at http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/old/7.6.html#OmniWeb%204%20(MAC)). The browser is highly compatible with Web sites, and is actually able to be identified (spoofed) as another browser that a particular site might favor.

The browser's long list of features puts it ahead of every available browser, and justifies its price. Users benefit from a tabbed interface, unlimited navigation Workspaces, Ad Blocking, savable browser sessions, manageable bookmark collections, RSS news feeds, defined style sheets for sites on a global or site-specific level, savable search shortcuts, forms auto-fill, password management, page marking, cookie management, spellchecking, HTML source editing, zoomed text editor, and more. $29.95

Contact: Omni Development, Inc., 2707 NE Blakeley St., Seattle, WA 98105-3318, 800 315-OMNI, 206 523-4152, http://www.omnigroup.com, e-mail: info@omnigroup.com, fax: 206 523-5896.

File Transfer/Processing Reviews

Solid Converter PDF to Word (WIN )
Solid Converter PDF to Word provides the user with the capability to process a PDF into a Microsoft Word document that can be edited, and conversely to convert a Word document into a PDF. After the PDF has been processed the user can edit the text and reuse the images. The user has the option of preserving the page layout and formatting including columns, tables, and text flow. $9.95

Contact: VoyagerSoft LLC, 2509 152nd Avenue NE, Suite A, Redmond, WA 98052, 800 880-2654, http://www.soliddocuments.com, fax: 435 671-0157.

ID2Q7 (MAC/WIN)
ID2Q7 is a file conversion program that enables users to convert Adobe InDesign version 1.5 through version 4.x files into QuarkXPress 6 or 7 documents. It is a great time-saver,and is one of the only ways of automating this tedious process. With a single click most of the page elements in an InDesign file are faithfully translated into their QuarkXPress equivalents.

Although the program can not provide 100% translation (see http://www.markzware.com/ID2Q/documentation/ID2Q%20Limitations.pdf), because InDesign and QuarkXPress do not possess the same feature sets, it is nonetheless, an essential tool in digital workflows that involve working with both of these popular applications. $199

Contact: Markzware, 1805 E. Dyer Road, Suite #101, Santa Ana, CA 92705, 949 756-5100, 800-300-3532, http://www.markzware.com, email: info@markzware.com, fax: 949 756-5108.

Fonts/Font Management

P22 Summer 2006 Releases (MAC/WIN)
The P22 Type Foundry occupies a unique place in the typographic community. Its collections are accurate reproductions of classic typeface designs that are critically important to the continuation of our rich typographic legacy. Their latest releases are important contributions to a heritage of craftsmanship, art, and the highest expression of the printed word.

P22 Fonts The FLLW Midway Set is an interpretation of the handwriting used by Frank Lloyd Wright on the Chicago Midway Garden drawings in 1913. It is his own distinctive style of architectural lettering, considerably less formal that the traditional style found on most blueprints. Midway One and Two are quite similar, although Midway Two is slightly more condensed. The two compliment each other and can be used together. The Midway ornaments font contains more than 100 decorative elements that can be used to create borders, boxes, and other design expressions. The set of three fonts is $29.95; individual fonts are $19.95 each.

The Gauguin Set w/ Pro consists of three fonts, two of which, Regular and Brush, are based on the handwriting style of artist Paul Gauguin. The characters are based on notebooks in which he recorded details of his adventures to Tahiti and the South Seas. The Regular and Brush styles are very similar, and differ in that the Brush style is slightly bolder. The Extras font consists of miniature interpretations of his sketches, painting imagery, and woodcuts. The Gauguin Set with Pro is $49.95 and the Gauguin Pro Opentype is $39.95. The Pro series includes more than 350 additional characters, alternate characters for the lower case and upper case alphabet, Central European and Cyrillic character sets, ligatures, swatch characters, and other OpenType features. The TrueType and PostScript versions are $19.95 each or $29.95 for the three font set.

The P22 Declaration Pro Set provides a faithful reproduction of the handwriting used on the Declaration of Independence. The Script and Blackletter fonts closely resemble the penmanship of the 18th century with all of its imprecision and the artifacts of the interaction between ink quill pen and vellum or parchment. The Signers font consists of the signatures of the Declaration. The Pro set also contains OpenType features including a set of Alternate characters and Sorts. $49.95

IHOF Fonts Allyson, a flowing fineline script typeface reminiscent of classic penmanship, is suitable for formal invitations and ornate certificates. It is a revival by designer Paul Hunt of a metal font named "Hazel Script," issued by Barnhart Brothers & Spindler, a Chicago typefoundry opened in 1868. The Pro version, issued in OpenType, contains more than 900 glyphs, providing every imaginable character and symbol, including Central European and Cryillic characters. The regular font is $19.95, the Pro font is $39.95.

Zaner One Pro is part of a family of Zaner fonts based on the hand of Charles Paxton Zaner, considered one of the most important figures in American penmanship. The Zanerian Art College, which he founded in 1888, taught his method of ornamental writing, which is personified in this font. The Zaner Pro Xtras, a part of the Zaner Pro package, adds flourishes, swashes, and illustrations produced by Zaner and his contemporaries. These distinctive and unique designs provide the digital publisher with an entirely new set of design options. The Zaner Super Pro font library, which is comprised of more than 3000 characters, a veritable treasure chest of typographic expression, is priced at only $99.95. Single faces are $19.95, and Pro versions are $39.95.

The Peanut OT Set consists of two fonts, Peanut Regular and Peanut Salted. Peanut is based on the Roman minuscule, with the added features of a somewhat rough-cut outline, and characters that seem to float above the baseline. The Salted version includes several alternate characters, providing the typographer with added design flexibility. The Pro version includes both fonts, and being OpenType, includes contextual ligature substitution. Regular, $19.95; Salted, $19.95; Pro, $29.95.

LTC Fonts The Broadway Set consists of two styles, a regular design and an engraved style. The design was created by Morris Fuller Benton in 1927 for the American Type Foundry, and has since been hailed as a "best in class" example of Art Deco type. The original design consisted only of caps, and a lower case was introduced by Sol Hess in 1929. Hess also designed the engraved variation in 1928 for Lanston Monotype. The two font set is $29.95, and the individual fonts sell separately for $19.95 each.

Creepy Ornaments represents a gathering of historical ornaments and dingbats selected on the basis of their unusual or humorous design. The elements in this collection have little in common, and include a smoking frog, a court jester, a moose head, a bottom denture, a santa with sack, six images of the moon shown in various states and expressing various emotions, and many others. $19.95

The Pabst Italic Set is composed of two designs, Past Oldstyle Italic, and Pabst Oldstyle Swash ($29.95), and is part of a larger family which includes Pabst Oldstyle Regular ($19.95). The design was created by Frederic Goudy in 1902, was named after Col. Fred Pabst, and used for the promotional material of the Pabst Brewing Company. It was later issued by ATF and the Lanston Type Library. The characters have a rough-hewn, hand-carved appearance, and are reminiscent of early America.

The Tourist Gothic Set is a geometric sans serif design interpretation of Modern Condensed Gothic issued by Lanston Monotype. The Alternate style, which features rounded characters was designed by Sol Hess in 1928. The designs retain a clean, modern appearance and incorporate OpenType capabilities and the complete Central European character set. The two style set is $29.95; individual styles are $19.95 each.

The Glamour Set consists of eight styles that reside in a single extended family. The original design upon which the set is based was issued in 1948 by Lanston Monotype, and was named Corvinus by designer Imre Reiner. Reiner designed Corvinus in 1934-35 for the Bauer Type Foundry. This new collection by Colin Kahn has taken the design in a variety of directions, yet all of the variations share a family resemblance (although not always close), and work together typographically. The set provides the typographer with considerable latitude in mixing the faces yet maintaining a consistent feel. The complete set of eight styles is $69.95; a set of four light styles is $39.95; and individual styles are $19.95 each.

Bodoni 175 Pro is the digital remastered version by Paul Hunt based on Sol Hess's design for Lanston Monotype. Bodoni is the classic "Oldstyle" typeface, with distinctive contrast between its thin and thick strokes. Nearly every significant foundry, analog and digital, has produced one or more Bodoni designs. This cut captures all of the feeling and geometric artistry of Giambasttista Bodoni's original design of 1790 and consists of a regular face, small caps, italic, and italic small caps. This pro version features optional long descenders, small caps, ligatures, a Central European character set, lining and oldstyle figures, and "French Oldstyle" figures. The Bodoni 175 Set consists of four styles for $59.95. Individual styles are priced from $19.95 to $39.95.

The Goudy Sans Set is composed of six styles based on Goudy Sans Light and Bold designed by Frederic Goudy between 1922 and 1931. They were digitized and extended in 2006 by designer Colin Kahn who added both a regular and a hairline weight. Despite the variety of stylistic interpretations, the fonts are easily recognized as belonging to the same family. The designs have a simple elegance, and the characters are very cleanly constructed. The italic styles are oblique versions of the roman and have significant embellishment suggesting a cursive style. The designs have withstood the passage of time and maintained their utility. The complete set of six styles is $69.95; each individual style is $19.95.

Squareface Set is classified as an Egyptian or slab serif. It has a geometric design believed to be based on Stymie Extrabold, but with square rather than round corners. It was designed by Sol Hess (1896-1953) in 1940 and used primarily for display purposes. Hess served as the manager of the Lanston Library in the first half of the 20th century, and commissioned many significant typeface designs from Frederic Goudy. It is available as a two style set (Regular and Small Caps) for $29.95, or separately for $19.95 for each style.

Jenson Pro is a set of five type styles inspired by the designs of Nicholas Jenson, who designed type in Venice from 1470-1480. His type designs are classifed as "Venetian," are considered the first true romans, and are highly representative of the Renaissance. His designs are most usually identified by the slanted cross stroke of the lowercase "e." The Lanston Jenson was designed in 1893 by J. W. Phinney, based on the William Morris "Golden Type" which he designed for his Kelmscott Press private editions. These new digitized versions feature a true italic, as opposed to an oblique, and a new heavyface, based on Phinney's 1899 design. The Pro set of five styles is $59.95; the Regular Pro and the Italic Pro are $29.95 each; and other individual styles are $19.95 each.

Kaatskill Pro is based on a design that Frederic Goudy created in 1929 for an edition of Rip Van Winkle that was published by the Limited Editions Club. Jim Rimmer designed the italic version based on Goudy Deepdene Italic. It is a classic book design that Goudy himself said was "_as truly an American type as anything so hidebound by tradition as type can be." The Kaatskill Set consists of two styles at $39.95; the Regular Pro single style is $29.95; and the Regular, Small Caps, and Italic individual styles are $19.95 each.

Ornamental Initials are classically designed single character embellishments typically used at the start of book chapters, or for personal stationery. This set, about which little is known, consists of a negative and a fill version of each character so as to produce two color caps. That process is described by P22 at http://www.p22.com/tip/tipmar03.html. $19.95

Contact: P22 type foundry, POB 770, Buffalo, NY 14213, 716 885-4490, http://www.p22.com, e-mail: http://www.p22.com, fax: 716 885-4482.

Font Showcase 5 (MAC)
Font Showcase 5 provides a simple, uncomplicated font viewing window that can display installed fonts, or let the user select uninstalled fonts, either singly or by the folder-full. Fonts can be printed in single line specimens, and groups of fonts can be organized in Font Books. A slider on the right side of the screen quickly and responsively resizes the selected font from 9 to 128 points. $24.95

Contact: MacCoding, http://www.maccoding.com.

Charmas (MAC)
Charmas consists of two font utilities that are helpful in selecting fonts and producing professional-quality specimen sheets.

The first utility, FontFinder, is a window consisting of four parts. The first is a search field at the top that can be used to locate specific fonts, or fonts containing a specific word, such as "gothic." All of the fonts that meet that criteria appear below the search field, in the upper left part of the window, with the available font styles (regular, italic, bold, etc.) appearing to the right. A specimen of the selected font appears in the lower half of the window in sample text that can be set by the user. In the lower right corner of the window are controls for setting the font size (9 points to 288 points) and general view size (100-300%) of the specimen.

The second utility, FontBook, provides the choice of four specimen sheet layouts. When opened, the installed fonts appear in a list at the top of the window. The first font is displayed in the main window in the default view which consigns the entire page to a display of a single font. Other views can show up to two fonts per page. The user can use the two arrows at the top of the window to move through the font list, or use the drop down to select a particular font. Users can output pages as PDF or TIFF files or print a single page or an entire catalog. Approx. $24 U.S.

DTP Reviews

MLayout 2 (MAC)
MLayout 2 (see our review of the original version at http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/old/v9n3.html#MLayout%20(MAC)) is a full-featured publishing environment that offers a transition path to QuarkXPress users by providing a native import capability that interprets QuarkXPress 3.3 files. This is especially important in PDF workflows, since the application can output high resolution PDF documents for print or the Web. The program is also useful in that it is Unicode-based, meaning that its composition engine can deal with many different languages. The modular design of the program supports specialized capabilities such as mathematical equations and tables. $399

Contact: SoftMagic, 5F, Han ChungAng B/D, Yoksam-dong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-080, Korea, 82.2.558.0222, http://www.softmagic.com, e-mail: info@softmagic.com, fax: 82.2.569.2103.

BookAssembler (MAC)
BookAssembler is a PDF-based application that centralizes the page assembly process for composing books and other publications for print and Web output. The program supports a workflow that assigns jobs to a variety of workers based on the particular plan devised in the software. PDFs produced by the various parties are imposed in the BookAssembler environment. The program provides an innovative origami-like animation to show how each job will fold and to check visually for the proper placement of all pages.

The program also supports the generation of eBooks and WEbzines for online reading. It can generate automatically, a table of contents, and supports hyperlinks, multimedia links, automatic page turning, Web skin authoring, and more. $1000

Contact: SoftMagic, 5F, Han ChungAng B/D, Yoksam-dong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-080, Korea, 82.2.558.0222, http://www.softmagic.com, e-mail: info@softmagic.com, fax: 82.2.569.2103.

Animation Reviews

CrazyTalk Media Studio (WIN )
CrazyTalk Media Studio is a wonder of the computer age...software that can add animation and voice to a static facial image, essentially bringing it to life. The process is relatively easy to accomplish, and the results are quite startling...approaching the animation of the dead!

The user loads an image, preferably one that clearly shows the subject's face. The subject can be a real person, a pet, or a comic illustration. The user makes a few settings over the face, indicating, for example, where the corners of the mouth and eyes are. Pre-recorded wav files are imported, or the user can use their own voice to record directly in the program. After these steps the user can run the animation and bring the face to life. Numerous adjustments can be made in the timeline editor which translates the voice into facial expressions, lip shapes, eye, head and shoulder movements, etc. Since the original photo may show the user with their mouth closed, the user can add teeth and a throat color for when the mouth is open while speaking. After tweaking the settings the finished animation can be output as MPEG-4, Targa, WMV, AVI, RM, BMP images sequences, and more. $149.95

Contact: Reallusion, 2033 Gateway Place, Fifth Floor, San Jose, CA 95110, 408 573-6107, http://www.reallusion.com.

Digital Audio

MP3 Maker 11 deluxe (WIN )
MP3 Maker 11 deluxe (see our review of the previous version at http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/current.html#MP3%20Maker%2010%20deLuxe%20%28WIN%20%29) adds several advanced features to this low-cost package. New is the MAGIX Headphone Surround sound capability that enhances listening even on inexpensive speakers. Other significant features are MAGIX AudioID, which automatically fills in incomplete ID3 song identification tags; Universal Plug & Play to use the application as a music server or network client; MAGIX Music Editor 2.0, to professionally edit music in real-time; and many more.

The program has the well-earned distinction of being the "most successful music management software in the world" based on U.S. and European sales in the category of "Music Software." New users will appreciate both the video and online tutorials. $29.99

Additions/Extensions Reviews

Blow Up (MAC/WIN)
Blow Up is a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements that supports the upsizing of images without the pixelation and jaggies that would normally result from extreme upward resizing. The software utilizes a proprietary image scaling algorithm that maintains images smoothness, sharp edges and lines, up to six times (3600%) without objectionable artifacts.

The software defies the commonly held belief that digital images can not be magnified significantly without sacrificing image quality. Blow Up does an excellent job of resizing CMYK, RGB, Lab, grayscale, and duotone images, including 16- and 32-bit files.

The Blow Up interface supports control over sharpening with a slider ranging from 0 to 100, and a slider for adding grain also ranging from 0 to 100. The sharpening control acts on the loss of contrast along sharp edges, while the grain control adds simulated film grain to produce more realistic results.

Although there are competitive products on the market Alien Skin can proudly state that this plug-in produces "the highest quality image resizing available." In addition, the software does not require the user to save files in a proprietary file format. With the growing popularity of large format printing, this software is an invaluable tool, and an excellent investment. $199

Contact: Alien Skin Software, LLC, 1111 Haynes St., Ste Zero, Raleigh, NC 27604, 919 832-4124, http://www.alienskin.com, e-mail: alien-skinfo@alienskin.com, fax: 919 832-4065.

RSSReplay (MAC/WIN)
RSSReplay is an Adobe Dreamweaver (MX, MX2004, and version 8) plug-in that enables Web site designers and administrators to add RSS feeds easily. The user need not know any RSS/XML coding, nor does he or she have to copy and paste postings from the RSS feed source(s).

RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a method of publishing whereby site publishers can distribute their postings, blogs, etc., to readers (subscribers) who will receive them automatically, and view them through a Web browser or RSS reader. This system should be of interest to digital publishers since it enables site publishers to reach a large audience at the moment new information is posted, and enables subscribers to aggregate content from a large number of sites in one place. This is a powerful concept and its implementation is becoming increasingly popular.

RSSReplay, gives a Web site developer the capability to republish an RSS feed on their site that emanates from any source. Any content used in this way should be used with proper attribution, and any necessary permissions should be secured.

The RSSReplay plug-in is installed by double-clicking it. The Dreamweaver application takes care of placing it in the proper location. From inside Dreamweaver the user places the RSSReplay icon within a page layout, and uses its associated Property Inspector to ascribe where the feed will come from by inserting the source URL, how the feed will appear, i.e. headlines only, headlines with stories, etc., and how it will look, stylewise. The process is very straight forward, and the user can preview the feeds immediately from within Dreamweaver.

A complete tutorial is available at http://www.rnsoft.com/en/products/rssreplay/content/tutorial/index.php. The single Web site edition is $29, the five Web site edition is $39, and unlimited Web site edition is $59.

Mechanical Cubed (MAC)
Mechanical Cubed are a set of integrated tools that can work with either Adobe InDesign or Adobe Illustrator, CS or CS2. The tools help to maintain essential job information and specifications that must be communicated accurately throughout the job workflow.

The Slug Cubed element can display over sixty different metadata elements relating to a given document, including such details as the job number, file name, key personnel, fonts used, placed graphics, inks, and much more. The slug appears on-screen and is maintained in the file as it progresses through the workflow. The slug can be tied to an external data source, such as a spreadsheet which contains job metadata that can be imported to populate the various slug fields eliminating the need for re-keyboarding and removing the possibility of introducing errors in the process.

The Crop Cubed element enables the user to input crop and fold marks and maintain the settings with an accurate depiction on screen, and subsequently in print. The position of the marks help to ensure that the job will be cut and folded correctly and within the job specifications.

Establishing common settings for repeat work can significantly reduce production time by eliminating those repetitive settings that every job must have. By saving and reusing Mechanical Cubed files, workers not only save time, but remove the possibility of errors that might occur when setting up a new job.

A free demo can be downloaded at http://www.tripletriangle.com/mechanical, or by e-mailing demos@tripletriangle.com. $326

Contact: Triple Triangle, Suite 112, 396 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02481, http://www.tripletriangle.com.

Imposer Pro (MAC/WIN)
Imposer Pro is an Acrobat plug-in that enables users to create a new PDF from a multipage PDF with its pages imposed into printer flats, either 2-up, 4-up, or 8-up, and in one of five imposition types, Standard, Work & Turn, Work & Tumble, Split Web, and Sheet Wise. The program allows the user to select which pages to impose and how many signatures to generate thereby making it possible to use the same original PDF to output several different impositions.

The plug-in automatically calculates what are sometimes difficult measurements, such as creep, page gaps, spread gaps, bleed, crossover trapping, and plate margins. The newly created imposed PDF includes printer's marks and information about each flat. The imposition is affected by the type of binding selected. There is support for Saddle Stitch, Perfect Bound, Stacked (for 3-hole punch, spiral bound, or comb bound), and None.

After pages have been imposed, they can be previewed. The preview shows the page numbers, page head directions, and signatures. Clicking on a page will display the corresponding PDF page.

Impositions that will be used repeatedly can be saved as "imposition styles," retaining all of the settings for reuse. Styles can be updated and resaved as necessary. $399.99

Contact: alap, inc., (A Lowly Apprentice Production), Inc., a division of Quark, Inc., 1800 Grant St., #800, Denver, CO 80203, 303 894-8888, http://www.alap.com.

sciPROOF Workstation Edition (WIN )
sciPROOF Workstation Edition is an add-on for Microsoft Office that enables a scientific proofreading workflow that checks for both spelling and formatting. The program's powerful database engine, composed of over 250,000 scientific, medical, and chemical terms, is accessible directly from within Microsoft Office, eliminating the need for copying and pasting or switching between applications. The program, which is accessible from Microsoft Word, Outlook, Outlook Express, PowerPoint, FrontPage, Excel, Access, Visio, Publisher, One Note, and Microsoft Project, supports all of the foreign languages that are configured during installation.

Among the features are: • A Spell Checker, which works with the native host application, using the primary program's spell checker for the initial checking, and sending unrecognized words to the sciPROOF spell checker. • A Style Checker, which checks for proper use of font styles (italics, bold, underline, etc.), sub- and superscripting, and ALL CAPS. • A Greek Symbol Checker, which verifies the proper use of Greek symbols and inserts them appropriately. • Internet Searching of PubMed can be performed from within a Word document. • A Scientific Glossary of over 30,000 terms is accessible by the user.

A free demo version is available at http://www.sciproof.com/demo/. $129 on sale for $79.

Smart Styles version 4.0.2 (MAC/WIN)
Smart Styles version 4.0.2 is a plug-in for Adobe InDesign CS2 that combines object, table, and smart text styles into a single powerful palette. See our previous reviews at http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/old/v5n5.html#Smart%20Styles%20for%20InDesign%201.5%20(MAC/WIN), and http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/old/v9n1.html#Smart%20Styles%20CS%20(MAC/WIN). Users are able to design quite complex typographic and object formatted text blocks and tables and store their attributes in the Smart Styles library palette. They can then easily assign those attributes by dropping the saved style onto the target area. The target instantly takes on the appearance attributes of the source. This capability is a major time-saver and can endow a less than experienced InDesign user with extraordinary design expertise. The Smart Styles libraries can also be shared among members of a workgroup.

The program goes far beyond the innate styles capability of InDesign. Digital publishers will marvel at the intelligence that the plug-in displays in mimicking the layout of a given text frame. In a publication environment devoted to newsletters, for example, the user need only compose a sample text frame with a bold 36 point headline, a 22 point bold italic subhead, a 14 point italic by-line, and 12 point body text, drag it into the Smart Styles palette, and have it available to apply at any time in the future to a lead story. A smart style can also contain page item style properties, such as drop shadows, running headers and footers, stroke, fill, transparency, corner effects, multiple columns, text wrap settings, InDesign nested styles, inset, and more.

Smart styles are created by dragging and dropping a styled page item onto the Smart Styles library wherein the software analyzes the formatting structure and retains it for re-use. The styles are given names and users can edit the styles, turning off any properties that they do not want to propagate. A QuickTime tutorial is available at http://www.woodwing.com/smartstyles/WWSmartStyles_example.mov. $239

Contact: WoodWing Software, Smitsven 18, 1504 AM Zaandam, The Netherlands, +31 75 61 43 400, http://www.woodwing.com, e-mail: support@woodwing.com, fax: +31 75 61 43 399. In U.S.: 888 563-3427, e-mail: info@woodwing.com; Woodwing USA, The Ford Building, 615 Griswold #531, Detroit, MI 48226, 313 962-0542, e-mail: usa@woodwing.com, fax: 313 962-9644 .

AKVIS Enhancer (MAC/WIN)
AKVIS Enhancer is a plug-in for Photoshop compatible applications that can restore or reveal detail to underexposed, overexposed, and midtone areas of a digital image without manipulating the overall exposure. It can produce rather amazing results in photos that appear to lack detail. Unlike the controls that are native in Photoshop, such as Levels, Enhancer can show details in highlight and overshadowed areas without degrading the parts of the image that are satisfactory. The program works by increasing the difference between adjacent pixels and reveals details in the shadow, midtone, and overexposed areas.

The plug-in working area provides sliders for adjusting the Level of Detail, Highlight/Shadow priority, and Intensity. Results are in real-time, enabling the user to make slight adjustments and immediately see the results. The user can also toggle between the Before and After views. The results can be quite stunning, and the speed by which significant improvements can be made is quite amazing. The demo version, available at http://akvis.com/en/enhancer/download-photo-enhancement.php can be used for ten days. $69

Contact: AKVIS, Pacific Business Centre, P.O. Box 34069 #381, Seattle, WA 98124-1069, 206 309-0821, http://www.akvis.com, e-mail: info@akvis.com; fax: 206 984-3919.

AKVIS Retoucher (MAC/WIN)
AKVIS Retoucher is a plug-in that is works with Photoshop compatible applications, such as Corel Photo-Paint for Windows. It enables the rapid removal of scratches, flakes, stains, dust, and other imperfections in damaged photographs. It works by having the user first select the unwanted artifacts and then using the Retoucher filter to smooth the imperfections and produce a usable image. The filter interface provides navigation tools, as well as control over the Search Radius, Compare Radius, and Variance, which influence how the imperfections will be removed.

In addition to removing imperfections from old photographs, the filter can be used to remove date stamps and unwanted areas from contemporary photos. A demo version can be used for ten days. Several examples of the dramatic effects that can be achieved with this filter can be seen at http://akvis.com/en/retoucher/examples-image-restoration.php. $87

Contact: AKVIS, Pacific Business Centre, P.O. Box 34069 #381, Seattle, WA 98124-1069, 206 309-0821, http://www.akvis.com, e-mail: info@akvis.com; fax: 206 984-3919.

AKVIS Chameleon (MAC/WIN)
AKVIS Chameleon is a plug-in for Photoshop compatible applications that simplifies the process of creating photo montages by automating the adjustment of inserted objects onto a background image. It works by smoothing the object's border, blending it with its background. By using the filter, a user can quickly select a target object and add it to a host image. It helps to solve the problem of objects that do not look like they belong in the photo due to differences in luminosity and color. A series of impressive examples can be seen at http://akvis.com/en/chameleon/examples-image-combination.php. $69

Contact: AKVIS, Pacific Business Centre, P.O. Box 34069 #381, Seattle, WA 98124-1069, 206 309-0821, http://www.akvis.com, e-mail: info@akvis.com; fax: 206 984-3919.

UPLOADit (MAC/WIN)
UPLOADit is a FileMaker plug-in that enables a FileMaker database developer to add functionality that will allow a FileMaker database user to upload any file from their computer to the developer's FileMaker computer using only a Web browser. This functionality overcomes a limitation of FileMaker in that users can not upload images to a FileMaker database by using the Web interface. It also enables FileMaker users to upload other sorts of files such as resumes, research papers, or other kinds of files that may be solicited by employers, teachers, or others. $75

Contact: Comm-Unity Networking Systems, 6560 Lake Worth Blvd. Ste. 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76135, 817 238-1688, http://www.cnsplug-ins.com, e-mail: info@cnsplug-ins.com, fax: 817-238-9688.

MMEmail (MAC/WIN)
MMEmail is a FileMaker plug-in that enables a FileMaker user to compose and send an e-mail message from within a FileMaker database record. The MMEmail window provides fields for To:, Subject:, and message body, as well as the capability to add attachments. The Subject and Body fields can contain Merge Fields to enclose information from the current record in the message. $35

Contact: Comm-Unity Networking Systems, 6560 Lake Worth Blvd. Ste. 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76135, 817 238-1688, http://www.cnsplug-ins.com, e-mail: info@cnsplug-ins.com, fax: 817-238-9688.

AKVIS Noise Buster v2.2 (MAC/WIN)
AKVIS Noise Buster v2.2 helps to reduce digital noise, which appears as a graininess that shows up on the entire surface of an image. This imperfection is especially noticeable in images that show subjects' skin. This noise can be composed of either chroma noise, which is apparent as random red and blue pixels, or luminance noise, which affects the overall smoothness of a photo. This Photoshop compatible filter provides control over both of these problems providing an easy-to-use interface that can be used easily by novices. Impressive examples of what the filter can do can be seen at http://akvis.com/en/noise-buster-tutorial/index.php. $49

Contact: AKVIS, Pacific Business Centre, P.O. Box 34069 #381, Seattle, WA 98124-1069, 206 309-0821, http://www.akvis.com, e-mail: info@akvis.com; fax: 206 984-3919.

Quite Imposing Plus 2.0 (MAC/WIN)
Quite Imposing Plus 2.0 is an Adobe Acrobat plug-in that enables users to impose PDF files from within the Acrobat application. The program supports a range of publication types, from simple booklet layouts to sophisticated long documents. It deals with all of the intricacies of the imposition process: bleeds, creep, trim and shift, step and repeat, ganging pages, page numbers, and more. The imposed pages are output as a new, self-contained PDF. $963.37

Contact: Quite Software Ltd., Carraig Thura, Lochawe, Argyll, PA33 1AF, United Kingdom, http://www.quite.com.

Productivity Reviews

Smart Alarms (MAC/WIN)
Smart Alarms is the best way that we have found to keep track of reminders and the myriad of details that are a constant part of the digital publishing process. Users enter the reminder text and set an alarm for future notification. The notification can occur at any time or interval, and be accompanied by an alert sound. When the reminder appears the user can cancel it, archive it, or have it reappear again at some defined time, minutes to years later. $69

Contact: JAM Software Pty Ltd, ABN 92 003 002 346, P.O. Box 539 Summer Hill NSW 2130 Australia, (61) 2 97991888, http://www.jamsoft.com.au, fax: (61) 2 97994042.

OmniOutliner 3 Professional (MAC)
OmniOutliner 3 Professional may be the most feature-filled outliner available for the Macintosh. It provides just about every possible way to construct and organize an outline and express its contents to others.

The outline listings can be manipulated in virtually every conceivable way, moving and reorganizing entries, hiding and displaying them, and applying a full complement of styles and appearance options. The user can get an overview of the outline's complexity in the Sections drawer, which shows the overall framework, and provides a quick means of navigating. Speaking of framework, outlines can contain multiple columns that, in addition to text, can contain checkboxes, dates, durations, pop-up lists, and more. And speaking of navigation, the user can execute Batch Finds, providing a listing of all occurrences of the search term in context.

Although text has traditionally been the stuff of outlines, OmniOutliner 3 Professional enables the user to insert a range of multimedia elements, including images, sounds, directly recorded audio, movies, Web links, and links to files and other applications on the user's computer.

The user can save and apply style attributes that enhance the appearance of the outline contents and provide visual clues as to structure and meaning. Any part of an outline can take on the appearance of any style.

Once complete, an outline can be shared in a variety of ways. Outlines can be exported as HTML, plain text, rich text, OPML, and as a presentation in Apple Keynote format. When published on the Web the outline will show the applied styles and the user can expand and collapse items directly in a browser. $69.95

Contact: Omni Development, Inc., 2707 NE Blakeley St., Seattle, WA 98105-3318, 800 315-OMNI, 206 523-4152, http://www.omnigroup.com, e-mail: info@omnigroup.com, fax: 206 523-5896.

Virtual ][ v 5.4 (MAC)
Virtual ][ v 5.4 is an emulator for the Apple Macintosh which provides a virtual Apple ][, ][+, and //e. The program is useful for digital publishers who may have data stored on Apple II media, or digital assets created using Apple II applications. Once users are able to transfer the data from Apple II media to their Macintosh they will be able to view and manipulate it within the Virtual ][ environment. Users who still have a working Apple II computer will be able to convert their diskettes to run in the Macintosh environment even if the diskettes are "copy protected." Others who have old diskettes can user third party conversion services such as Pivar's (http://www.pivar.com/index.htm).

Virtual ][ does an extraordinary job of emulating an Apple II. It also emulates peripheral cards, floppy drives, a hard disk, a mouse, a matrix printer, cassette tape, and even a Z80A processor for running CP/M.

The user has a complete Apple II environment running in a window. Diskette images are simply dragged and dropped over one of the disk drive images, and the boot button is clicked to read the diskette. The matrix printer emulation enables the user to save the output as a PDF file. The state of a running virtual machine can be saved for continuation at a later time.

In addition to whatever Apple II software and data files that a user may have, the Internet is replete with sources of vintage Apple II software that is generally available at no cost. Former Apple II users will enjoy a nostalgic look back at this popular personal computer platform.

An evaluation copy of Virtual ][ is available for free at http://www.xs4all.nl/~gp/VirtualII/. A limited version of the software can be purchased for $19. The full version costs $49 and includes all future program improvements.

Storage Device & Media Reviews

Verbatim LightScribe media (MAC/WIN/LINUX)
Verbatim LightScribe media, available in CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R formats, enables users with LightScribe capable disc burners to create high-resolution labels directly on the surface of the disc, using the same device that was used to image the data. This capability not only produces a professional-looking disc label, but eliminates the need to print the disc on an inkjet printer (using a printable disc), or to print a paper label separately and apply it, or worse yet, to use a marker. An impressive collection of LightScribe designs, available at no cost, can be seen at http://lightscribe.com/ideas/labelgallery.aspx. Verbatim LightScribe discs are available from most retailers.

Contact: Verbatim Corporation, 1200 West W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262, 800 421-4188, 704 547-6500, http://www.verbatim.com, fax: 704 547-6609.

Communication Reviews

MailSteward (MAC)
MailSteward provides a valuable way of maintaining an archive of e-mail content. Users can store a virtually unlimited amount of e-mail data in a single repository that offers security and accessibility. Most e-mail programs are not designed to manage thousands of messages. MailSteward enables a user to cull messages from more than one source and manage them uniformly. This can be of special importance for archiving business correspondence, legal proceedings, or highly personal messages.

The program works with most Macintosh e-mail clients, importing e-mail, attachments, HTML, and other content into a relational database file. The original files remain undisturbed and continue to be a available from within the source application. During the import process the user has considerable flexibility in determining what will be gathered and how. Users can also tag e-mail with Category, Keywords, Notes, and Priority. Once in the archive users can easily locate specific messages on the basis of a range of dates, or keywords in the message fields or content body. Data from MailSteward can be exported in tab-delimited file format, for use in a separate database. $49.95

Contact: Pubblog, http://www.pubblog.com.

Utility Reviews

PDF Shrink 4.0 (MAC)
PDF Shrink 4.0 is a useful application for reducing the size of various PDF files by as much as 90%. The program was designed for ease of use, and has two modes: basic and advanced. In the basic mode most of the settings are hidden from the user, simplifying the operation of the program, and shielding the user from selecting technical settings that might confuse them. The advanced mode provides control over several aspects of the PDF file that influence its size, such as image compression and font usage.

The program comes with three default settings, one for producing output for e-mail, one for print, and one for the Web. For many users these three options will be sufficient. More experienced users can either edit the default settings or compose their own settings, naming them appropriately and either listing within the application window, or producing them as droplets onto which files can be dropped for processing. In normal use, files are opened, or dragged and dropped onto the application window, although users can implement AppleScript. End users advance through a wizard, in which they can also apply encryption by adding a password, and limit access to document changes, content extraction, and printing. $35

Contact: Apago, Inc., 4080 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 601, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770 619-1884, http://www.apago.com, e-mail: sales@apago.com, fax: 770 619-1885.

PDFKey Pro 2.0 (MAC)
PDFKey Pro 2.0 is a useful application that enables the owner of a PDF that does not allow printing or copying to access both functions. The PDF itself must be unlocked, or the user must have a password to open it. A single PDF, or a folder-full, can be dropped onto the application window and the program produces totally unlocked versions. This functionality can save many hours of frustration and retyping. The program is distributed as shareware. $16.75

Contact: Acutus Trading Ltd., 519 630-8882, 190 Bruce Street, London ON N6C 1H1, Canada, http://www.acutustrading.com.

Word Wrapper (MAC)
Word Wrapper eliminates the problem of manually removing "hard" carriage returns (or carriage return/line feed) from blocks of text. It replaces them with a space so that text can reflow to fill out a new line measure. The program can work in tandem with a word processor or any other program in which text needs to be reformatted, simply by copying text to the Clipboard, clicking on the program's Wrap the Clipboard button, and then pasting the processed text into an open file window. The program can also open any file and process it directly.

The program respects carriage returns at the end of paragraphs so that paragraphs remain intact. The program Preferences enable the user to execute several other text processing options such as replacing multiple spaces with tabs. $15

Contact: Pubblog, http://www.pubblog.com.

GuideLiner 1.03 (MAC)
GuideLiner 1.03 enables the user to generate horizontal and vertical rulers and guideliness that are useful for ensuring the precise size and location of elements on the screen. The rulers can be set to a transparency level from 50-100%. The units are measured in pixels and the user can set the screen size to delineate the dimensions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768. The rulers can be moved anywhere, shortened or lengthened, rotated 90 degrees, and deleted. An unlimited number of rulers and guidelines can be applied. Guidelines can be saved in sets, and loaded as needed. A very handy utility that can be applied to any application. Approx. $19 U.S.

Contact: Dunkel Software Distribution, Inh. Ulf Dunkel, Bergkamm 2, D-49624 Loeningen, ++49 54 32 9 20 73, http://www.dsd.net, fax: ++49 54 32 9 20 74.

Clone X 2 (MAC)
Clone X 2 is the latest version of this program previously reviewed (http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/old/v7n4.html#Clone'X%20(MAC). The program provides the invaluable capability to produce an exact, bootable copy of a Macintosh user's start-up drive, or an exact copy of any installed volume. This means that in the event of a catastrophic computer breakdown the user can take their drive with the Clone X 2 data to another Macintosh and start-up and work just as if they were using their original computer, provided that the OS used on both the drive and computer are compatible. The program also enables the user to generate a bootable Mac OS X CD.

The program can be used to keep an external drive up-to-date as a true mirror of the start-up drive. Once the external drive has been imaged, it can be updated at any time, only copying those files that have been changed or added. In addition the program can be used to compare the contents of two volumes.

Users can restore individual files as well as the entire disc contents by using the Finder or a back-up application, such as Tri-Edre's Tri-BACKUP. $49

Contact: TRI-EDRE, 22 Place de L'Eglise, BP111, 83510 Lorgues, France, 33 04 98 10 10 50, http://www.tri-edre.com, fax: 33 04 98 10 10 55.

Text Cleaner 3.0.1 (MAC)
Text Cleaner 3.0.1 is the latest version of this incredibly useful utility (see our previous reviews at http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/old/v3n6.html#Text%20Cleaner%201.5%20(MAC), http://www.printerport.com/kdp/issues/old/v6n6.html#Text%20Cleaner%202.0%20(MAC)) for handling text requirements in a professional digital publishing environment. This program was written by practitioners who understand the rules of typographic structure and formatting, and can save hours of fiddling with the finer details of properly composed text.

Version 3 adds direct cleaning of InDesign CS and QuarkXPress 6.5 files while retaining styles, colors, style sheets and formatting. Users can set up to ten cleaning operations at one time and can remove HTML tags in copied text or text files. A 30-day trial version is available at http://www.textcleaner.com. $89

Contact: MacLab, 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 710, Takoma Park, MD 20912, 301 270-8445, http://www.textcleaner.com, e-mail: info@studio405.com, fax: 301 270-8446.

Apimac Secret Folder 3.7 (MAC)
Apimac Secret Folder 3.7 enables users to hide multiple folders and their content so that they can not be seen, modified nor erased by others. Folders can be protected in this way by either dragging and dropping them onto the application dialog box or by adding them using a single click. The software itself can be protected with a password. $19.95

Contact: Apimac, http://www.apimac.com, e-mail: support@apimac.com.

RecoverSoft Data Rescue PC 2.0 (WIN )
RecoverSoft Data Rescue PC 2.0 is a potential solution to one of the most devastating problems plaguing digital publishers: data loss. There is almost nothing as painful, demoralizing, and upsetting as losing data that is needed in a live production situation. As Benjamin Franklin, the patron saint of American printers, wrote in Poor Richard's 1733 Almanack, "Distrust and caution are the parents of security." Digital publishers must be proactive and remain vigilant. Having a copy of Data Rescue PC 2.0 close-by is smart insurance against disaster. The software need not be installed prior to use since the boot disk contains an OS.

Data Rescue PC 2.0 works to recover all types of files rather than to repair a crashed or virus-corrupted hard drive. The software is provided on a bootable CD, eliminating the need to start up the computer with the problem hard drive. The workflow consists of following the on-screen prompts using the graphical user interface (for novices, or advanced options for advanced users), choosing the files that need to be recovered, previewing them (if needed), and then restoring them to an external FireWire or USB drive, secondary internal hard drive, or a network drive.

The software can not only recover corrupt files, but also those that have been deleted, have been erased on an accidentally formatted drive, or have been infected by a virus attack. An entire failing hard drive can be cloned and its contents recovered on a new drive, even to a network drive. $129

Contact: Prosoft Engineering Inc., 303 Ray Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566, 877-4PROSOFT, 866 428-3282, http://www.prosofteng.com.

DVD Copy 5 Platinum (WIN )
DVD Copy 5 Platinum provides the ultimate DVD and video copying and conversion utilities available. The simple-to-use interface enables the user to copy DVDs, merge content from multiple DVDs, aggregate multiple files to DVD, copy videos-to-go for playback on an Apple iPod or PSP, and much more.

The process of copying content is reduced to a three-step operation in which the user selects the source, selects the target, selects the format, and then executes the copy. The program provides support for 3GP, 3G2ASF, AVI, DAT, DIVX, DVR-MS, M2V, MOV, MP4, MPG, MPEG, QT, and WMV formats. Other significant features include scheduled copies (CopyLater), watched folders (Intelligent Folder Monitoring), support for video-capable mobile phones, fit to disc (8.5 GB double -layer to 4.7 GB conversion), and much more. The package also includes bonus software for disc labeling, DVD playback, and mounting up to 22 virtual drives. $79.95

Contact: InterVideo, Inc., 47350 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538, 510 651-0888, http://www.intervideo.com, e-mail: sales@intervideo.com, fax: 510 651-8808.

TechTool Pro Version 4.5.1 (MAC)
TechTool Pro Version 4.5.1 is a comprehensive collection of diagnostic tests that can detect Macintosh system problems and help to correct them. Maintaining computer equipment is much more than wiping the dust off of the monitor screen. The dust can be seen, and removing it can be done by anyone. What's happening inside the computer is much more complex, and the tools to monitor and maintain its operation are highly sophisticated, and of critical importance to every business that depends upon reliable and uninterrupted performance. Over time computer hardware can change, degrade, and fail. Responsible digital publishers are proactive, and exhibit good housekeeping and maintenance behaviors that will help them avoid unexpected breakdowns and delays.

The suite of TechTool Pro 4 tests are grouped into three categories: Basic Tests, which cover major hardware elements; Intermediate Tests, which cover the basics as well as file and volume structures; and Advanced Tests, which performs the previous two test suites as well as a surface scan check of the hard drives. The suites can be run unattended, and individual tests can be run independently on the Hardware, Drives, Volumes, and Files. Running one of the suites on a regular basis is recommended for preventative maintenance.

The user interface is clean and well-organized, and the user receives visual feedback as each test is executed.

The eDrive feature enables the user to create a bootable Mac OS X emergency partition on their start-up hard drive. The partition does not require reformatting the drive, and eliminates the need to boot the system off of the TechTool Pro CD-ROM. The partition consists of a small copy of the system files as well as the TechTool Pro software. It can be used to boot the computer if the start-up volume develops problems.

Among the key features of the test suite are the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) test, which can detect hard drive problems before they occur; Data Recovery, which can search a damaged drive and recover intact files to a secondary location; Optimization, which defragments drives for faster reading and writing; and Safety, which creates automatic back-ups of drive directory data and can alert the user to problems through on-screen and e-mail alerts.

A subset of this package, TechTool Deluxe (ttp://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=51), is provided to those who purchase Apple's AppleCare Protection Plan as a first line of defense against system crashes and freezes. Apple's endorsement of the software is justified. TechTool Pro, a more sophisticated test suite, is the most complete protection available for Macintosh computers. In addition to its on-screen performance results, it provides a detailed report summarizing the tests that were performed, and listing any abnormalities that were uncovered so that they can be dealt with promptly. $98

Contact: Micromat, 1055 W. College Ave., #333, Santa Rosa, CA 95401-6504, 707 566-3831, http://www.micromat.com, fax: 707 566-3871.

Digital Imaging Reviews

Comic Life (MAC)
Comic Life is a fascinating and fun application that enables the user to use their photos in a comic strip. The user has control over all of the elements that compose comic strips: panels, speech balloons, captions, borders, templates, comic style fonts, and more. The results can be quite professional-looking, and can be exported for use in other applications in TIFF, GIF, JPEG, PNG, HTML, iPhoto, and QuickTime formats. In addition, users have found many other page composition applications for the program, using it to compose how-to sheets, magazine covers, family trees, and other creative uses. Digital publishers should take a look. A free 30-day trial version is available. $24.95

Contact: Plasq, http://www.plasq.com.

Artistry Backdrops for Photographs (MAC/WIN)
Artistry Backdrops for Photographs is a collection of four volumes on CD-ROM created by Laurence Gartel and Karen Sperling. The collections consist of backgrounds that are appropriate backdrops for digital portraits. The discs, which contain 24 8" x 10" 300 dpi tif files, can be enlarged up to 30" x 40" and beyond. The user can also modify and combine them producing a virtually limitless number of variations.

The discs are themed, with Volumes 1 and 2 devoted to abstract designs, and Volumes 3 and 4 covering textures and landscapes. These beautiful backdrops go far beyond the backgrounds found in many portrait studios, and ensure that they will remain in pristine digital splendor regardless of how many babies and crying children "sit" in front of them. The backdrops are also appropriate for product shots, posters, and other forms of printed material.

Backdrop specimens can be seen with sample portraits at http://www.artistrymag.com/docs/backdrops.html. A single disc is $99 plus postage, and tax for CA residents. Discounts may apply when purchasing multiple discs.

J2SEditor 2.0 (MAC)
J2SEditor 2.0 is the most direct way to edit IPTC metadata in digital images, either individually or in batch mode. The user can copy and paste IPTC descriptions from one file to another, and can save either in the native IPTC envelope or in XML files.

The interface provides the means to navigate to folders of images and display, rotate, and enlarge/reduce them. In addition to its main function of handling IPTC metadata the program can be used to Autorename files automatically based on the IPTC information that they contain. Several other file management features are provided. Approx. $317 based on the euro exchange.

File Management Reviews

Workstrip 3 (MAC)
Workstrip 3 redefines the field of file management, providing a very rich set of file manipulation features. Unlike the Macintosh Dock, Workstrip can keep track of files associated with particular applications, and of special interest to digital publishers, can create workspaces that can be associated with particular projects and jobs, keeping all related files together in one place. The files that are a part of a workspace can be previewed without the need to open an application, making it faster to identify files and use them effectively. The user can see, for example, an instant preview of Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, iTunes, QuickTime, Flash, KeyNote, and several other application files.

Workstrip provides all of the functionality of the Dock with significantly greater depth and usefulness. The wide variety of preference settings enables the user to determine how the workstrip will appear, and where. The user can create as many workspaces as they need, organizing project-related items together (but not duplicating them), regardless of where they may actually exist on the computer. Workspaces can be customized, for easy reference, with their own icon and desktop picture. Workspaces can also be used to hold folders and Web sites.

Users who rely on keyboard shortcuts to quickly accomplish tasks that would otherwise require multiple menu selections will appreciate the keyboard navigation options in Workstrip 3. Another nice feature of the program is the WorkStrip Trash can that can be positioned anywhere on the screen. It shows the number of items in the trash and the space that they take up. $22.95

Contact: Softchaos Limited, 14/18 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT, +44 (0)20 7434 0775, http://www.softchaos.com, e-mail: info@softchaos.com, fax: +44 (0)20 7434 0776.

Tidy Up! (MAC)
Tidy Up! is a highly competent duplicate finder that works to keep discs free of unnecessary files, folders, and packages. It can search on almost any combination of criteria (owner application, creator, extension, date created, etc.) or data attributes (such as the duration and bit rate of MP3 files).

The program provides a list of common tasks which are predefined searches. These include such things as finding duplicate folders, finding duplicate iTunes files (Hyperbolic also has a standalone program which does this), finding duplicate text files, and more. The user can also create their own. Found items are contained in a "basket" from which their disposition can be executed. The user has the choice of deleting, moving, burning to disc, or exporting as HTML files the found items.

The program's workflow consists essentially of four operations. First the user determines the locations to be searched (although they can conversely indicate which locations to exclude). Second the user sets the search criteria. Third the search is executed. Finally the user makes a decision regarding the disposition of the duplicate files. $30

Contact: Hyperbolic Software, http://www.hyperbolicsoftware.com, e-mail: info@hyperbolicsoftware.com.

Tri-CATALOG 6.0 (MAC)
Tri-CATALOG 6.0 is an application that can help to manage the plethora of digital media that is generated in high-productivity environments such as digital publishing workflows. The program can analyze and catalog an unlimited number of digital media storage sources, such as internal and external hard drives, removable media, remote disks, CDs, DVDs, and folders. It recreates a sophisticated database, replete with file names, sizes, creation dates, Exif and IPTC data, etc. The user can add keywords to their files and photos, and can organize, rename, and classify groups of images. The program enables the user to have one master database which lists all of their digital assets, and to locate specific assets easily. Such an application is invaluable. $99

Contact: TRI-EDRE, 22 Place de L'Eglise, BP111, 83510 Lorgues, France, 33 04 98 10 10 50, http://www.tri-edre.com, fax: 33 04 98 10 10 55.

Hardware Reviews

MiniView USB KVM Switch (MAC/WIN/UNIX)
MiniView USB KVM Switch (GCS634U) is a compact, elegantly designed, plug-and-play device that allows PC, Macintosh, and Sun computer users to drive up to four USB computers from a single USB keyboard, monitor and mouse. The unit is self-powered, requiring no external source, and requires no software. It provides a set of hot keys that enable a PC keyboard to emulate dedicated keys found on Macintosh and Sun keyboards. The device also supports audio, allowing the use of a single powered sound system to support multiple computers.

The unit supports system selection through the use of hot keys on the connected keyboard, and the front of the unit has LEDs which show which system is presently in use.

The compact console supports video resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. Two six foot cables are molded into the unit, and two six foot cables are detachable, providing significant flexibility in attaching computer systems. $129.95

Contact: ATEN Technology, Inc., IOGEAR, 23 Hubble Dr., Irvine, CA 92618, 866-9-IOGEAR (866-946-4327), 949-453-8782, http://www.iogear.com, fax: 949-453-8785.

Unibind PhotoBook Creator (MAC/WIN)
Unibind PhotoBook Creator is a desktop binding system that enables a user to produce a hard-cover 8.5" x 11" photo album or book in a few seconds. This inexpensive device is the missing piece in the desktop publishing production cycle. For years desktop publishers have been able to produce professional-looking output and have had no inexpensive way to bind it attractively.

The Unibind steel-bind spine cover includes a heat-activated adhesive which is melted when the cover touches the base of the binding machine. The binding machine turns on automatically when the spine makes contact, and turns off automatically as well. Users simply place their printed pages into a Unibind cover, place the cover spine in contact with the binding machine surface, and wait a matter of seconds for the indicator light to change from red to green. Users can also reheat the spine to add or remove pages.

The binder covers have a capacity of up to 110 pages, and are available in a variety of colors and finishes. The binding package includes a sample book cover, page layout software (ArcSoft Collage Creator, Windows only), and the binding machine. Although the package includes Windows-only software, the binding machine can be used with output from any computer. Refill covers which include one book with a window cut front and two end sheets are $17.99. The binder package with sample cover, software, and binding machine is $99.99

Contact: Unibind - North America, 11820 Wills Road, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 800-UNIBIND, http://www.unibind.com, e-mail: infokit@unibindna.com, fax: 770 674-6007.

Digital Asset Management

MediaboardONE Client (MAC)
MediaboardONE Client is a digital asset management application developed for freelance photographers and their staffs to present photos and movies (all file types supported by Apple QuickTime) to their customers. The software incorporates an integrated database server which works transparently in the background and is capable of processing tens of thousands of files quickly.

File types include RAW formats for most popular digital cameras as well as their metadata, including EXIF, IPTC, CC, and others. The user has the option of naming batches of files automatically as they are imported, copied, or cataloged.

The Light Table view enables the user to select, sort, and review images, grouping them as needed, and outputting them to CD/DVD, e-mail, etc. As images are exported they can be rescaled, watermarked, and otherwise manipulated. Images can also be changed using image presets, with control over exposure, gamma, brightness, contrast, saturation, temperature, tint, sepia, sharpness, etc. $39.95

Contact: InterServices New Media, Hallerstrasse 42, 20146 Hamburg, Germany, +49 40 728 128 58, http://www.mediaboardone.com, fax: +49 40 728 128 59.

Networking Reviews

PC-Mac-Net FileShare Professional (MAC/WIN/LINUX)
PC-Mac-Net FileShare Professional is a full-featured application that enables the cross-platform sharing of files for a wide range of purposes. Digital publishers who have a mix of Windows, Macintosh, and Linux computers will appreciate the ease by which this software makes it possible to share and use files on foreign platforms.

The software works over LANS, and the Internet, and supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. File transfers are very robust, and not only can be stopped and resumed at any time, but can even be executed by using dial-up modems. Despite connection speeds, the software allows the transfer of huge files, all of which are protected by 896-bit encryption.

The software supports long file names and automatically renames files to maintain file name compatibility. Transfers are conducted using a simple file transfer panel which should be familiar to any computer user. A free Lite Edition, which supports workgroups up to three users and file size limits of 10mb, can be downloaded from http://www.lavasoftware.com. $39.95

Contact: Lava Software, GPO Box 215, Adelaide, Australia, 5001, http://www.lavasoftware.com, e-mail: service@lavasoftware.com, fax: +61-8-8127-8020.

Instruction/Learning Reviews

ProfCast 2.0 (MAC)
ProfCast 2.0 is an innovative application that enables a content presenter, such as a business person, instructor, or trainer, to produce enhanced podcasts from their PowerPoint or Keynote presentations. Users simply drag and drop their prepared presentations onto the application window, and press the Record button. Their presentation then opens in its source application, and the user records narration as he or she advances each slide. A podcast can consist of multiple episodes, and can be enriched in the Podcast Manager, saved, produced as an enhanced Podcast, sent to GarageBand for further production, or sent to iWeb for publishing. The program is easy to use and simplifies the process of producing sophisticated podcast programs. $29.95

Contact: Humble Daisy, Inc., 1342 Arella Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, 734 864-1232, http://www.profcast.com, e-mail: humbledaisy@humbledaisy.com.

Complete Training for Final Cut Pro 5 (MAC)
Complete Training for Final Cut Pro 5 is a two-DVD set consisting of 20 in-depth lessons covering all of the major tasks associated with using the application. The package also includes two discs containing the project files that are used in the training sessions. The instruction is provided by Tom Wolsky, an accomplished Final Cut Pro author, and instructor for the Digital Media Academy courses delivered at Stanford University.

As readers can see from the samples provided on the publisher's website, (such as this one on Compositing, http://www.classondemand.net/ClassOnDemand/FCP_prev1.html), the screen display, in which the viewer watches the demonstrations is somewhat dim and fuzzy. This is most obvious in comparing the sharpness of the live action footage of Mr. Wolsky, and the Final Cut Pro screen view. The presenter's narration is somewhat uninspired, although he obviously knows his stuff. Although he does do a good job of explaining various menus and functions, he doesn't always explain why a particular menu choice is made, or why a particular option is selected, which would be beneficial, especially for a new user. For example, when starting a project an output format must be selected, and although he shows how to select one, he doesn't explain what purpose each one serves. That being said, the basic training content is valuable, and accomplishes the objective of providing a comprehensive introduction to what can be an intimidating and somewhat overwhelming challenge to users who need to become productive with this sophisticated software right out of the box.

The projects that Mr. Wolsky provides are excellent fits for the tasks at hand, and enable the user to follow along and gain hands-on experience as they view the demonstrations. The format of the media not only lets the user replay sections for better comprehension, but let's them skip around to learn particular skills, or to review specific content. Even experienced Final Cut Pro users are likely to learn something new. $99.95

Contact: Class On Demand, a Christie Entertainment, Inc. Company, 2200 N. Stonington Ave., Suite 100, Hoffman Estates, IL 60195, 847 843-9939, http://www.classondemand.net, fax: 847 843-9929.

Specialized Output Reviews

Manga Studio 3.0 EX (MAC/WIN)
Manga Studio 3.0 EX is the single best solution for the creation of Manga, Japanese-style comics. Sold as Comic Studio outside the U.S., the program provides professional comic artists as well as anyone with the desire to produce such illustrations, with a complete repertoire of tools and resources.

The program supports the importation of hand-drawn pen and paper sketches via any TWAIN scanner, as well as files in the following formats: JPG, BMP, PNG, TGA, PSD (including layered PSDs), PICT (Mac only), TIFF (Mac only), TXT, LWO, OBJ, DXF, LWS, and STC. Illustrations can also be created directly using a mouse or pressure-sensitive drawing tablet. In either case the user has a selection of brushes, pencils, pens, and selection tools that can be used to draw characters, objects, and backgrounds, and apply tones, effect lines, and word balloons.

The workflow consists of the following steps:

• Drawing the frames • Digitally inking the frame contents • Adding shading • Applying tones • Adding speed lines • Adding text and word balloons • Exporting and publishing

Although some of the tools have Japanese names (Maru Pen (round pen), Kabura Pen (turnip pen)), the operation of the pens and brushes should be familiar to most users. Many of the tools can be customized and saved for repeated use. Specialized pens draw a variety of line types: thin, thick, variations between thick and thin, fine, calligraphic, shaded, and more. Other familiar tools include the Eraser, Magic Marker, Airbrush, Shape Tools (circles, curves, polygons, lines, etc.), and a Gradation Tool to create gradation patterns.

The artist has considerable flexibility in determining the page layout, ranging from a single page, to multiple pages, with over 80 page templates provided, as well as the capability to create custom page sizes.

Lettering capabilities support the use of any OS font, appearing as black on white or a transparent background, or transparent on a black or white background.

Manga comics are black and white, and color, texture, shading, and depth are created using screen tones. The program includes more than 3000 screen tones, as well as Computones which specifically prevent moiré effects. Screen tones can be modified by the user to allow for a virtually unlimited number of variations.

Action sequences are often expressed using Effect Lines and special filters. These line effects can portray emotion or movement, and utilize Super High Density Technology to eliminate jaggies and other artifacts and imperfections.

The Layers palette supports hundreds of layers, giving the artist considerable control over character development and the conversion of rough sketches into finished illustrations. Each layer's opacity and display color can be controlled individually, and the user can specify if the layer is a "Sketch," which is a work layer, or a "Finish," which will be printed or published online. When output the user can specify the output resolution, from 72 to 1200 dpi, depending on whether the comic will be printed or published to the Web.

Several tutorials are available at http://www.e-frontier.com/go/mangastudio/tutorials. There are also additional resources available at http://www.contentparadise.com/manga including forums, a gallery, additional content, etc. The program package includes a Beginner's Guide (PDF), a User's Guide (PDF), and a Materials Catalog (PDF).

The Manga Studio 3.0 EX package sells for $299.99 and includes two bonus CDs containing additional screen tones and art created with the program. A more limited version of the software, sold as Manga Studio 3.0 Debut, sells for $49.99.

Contact: e frontier, Inc., 5615 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite 210, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, http://www.e-frontier.com, fax: 831 480-2010.

Street Atlas USA® 2007 Plus (WIN )
Street Atlas USA® 2007 Plus provides maps and aerial images both for desktop and handheld devices such as iPods (static maps), PDAs, phones, and portable media players. Handheld devices can support mapping, routing, and GPS navigation using the Palm OS or Windows Mobile OS, without the need for separate software. The DVD provides detailed coverage of the United States and Canada, with voice navigation (when using a GPS receiver), and with over four million places of interest. The user can route and GPS track on DeLorme aerial images, adding labels using the program's draw tools. This capability is not possible using on-line imagery.

The purchase price includes a download of nearly 100 square miles of aerial images, a $40 value at no additional charge. The user can download them on an "as needed" basis.

Users can import, edit, and geo-locate an unlimited number of entries from their database, as well as access 120 million residential and business phone numbers for the U.S. and Canada. Users have unlimited searching by place name, address, street, or intersection. Favorite locations can be saved in an address book, and can be marked with symbols and notes. Distances and areas can be measured accurately, and maps, routes, and directions can be printed.

Users can also link photos, documents, and URLs to on-screen maps, and print large-format maps on plotters. $59.95

Contact: DeLorme, Two DeLorme Drive, POB 298, Yarmouth, ME 04096, 800 452-5931, 207 846-7000, http://www.delorme.com, e-mail: info@delorme.com, fax back: 207 865-7083, fax: 800 575-2244.

Crossword Forge 4.6.6 (MAC/WIN)
Crossword Forge 4.6.6 is a cross-platform application for generating what we consider to be professional quality crossword and word search puzzles and answer keys for print, Web, and PDF. The user can arrange the layout of the puzzle using their choice of a solid color or picture background, (BMP, GIF, JPEG, MacPaint, PDF, PICT, PNG, QT format, RGB Planar, SGI, Targa, and TIFF (formats vary based on platform)), title and up to three lines of subtitles, puzzle grids of any size, typographic controls (font, size, style, and justification), and more.

Puzzle makers can import puzzles from other puzzle editing applications and in various text formats. The built-in spell checker ensures accurate puzzles, and the Restricted Words feature helps to keep inappropriate words from being used. There is also extensive support for the use of the special symbols and formatting used in foreign languages, such as right-to-left scripts, ligatures, and ideographic characters.

In addition to producing the puzzles for print, the puzzle designer can output the puzzles for publication on the Web. The Web-based puzzles include a user interface that can provide clues, answer verification, and animations. These so-called Crossword Forge Live puzzles provide interactivity and offer the user with the option of solving the puzzles using either the keyboard or the mouse (using on-screen character selection).

A free demo version is available at http://www.solrobots.com/crosswordforge/download.html. $49.95

Contact: Sol Robots, 512 853-9645, http://www.solrobots.com, e-mail: sales@solrobots.com, fax: 815 550-1744.

Image Collection Reviews

The Old Time Clip Art CD (MAC/WIN)
The Old Time Clip Art CD is a collection of more than 1600 royalty-free images, scanned at resolutions from 72 dpi to 300 dpi, and with various levels of quality. Minor image artifacts can be cleaned up easily with any bitmap editor. This inexpensive disc contains images sorted in the following categories: architecture, arts, biology, borders, children, clothing, family, female, leisure, male, mechanical, occupations, odds and ends, romance, seasonal, and transportation. The disc contains an image catalog that can be viewed in a Web browser. Several sample images are available for download on the publisher's site. $10.90 postpaid

Contact: Wayne Winterton, 4728 West Alice Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302, http://www.oldtimeclipart.com.

Telecommunications Reviews

Keyspan Cordless VoIP Phone (MAC/WIN)

The Keyspan Cordless VoIP Phone is a light-weight, compact, full-featured telephone that is compatible with the worldwide Skype Voice over IP system. The rechargeable handset has a backlit screen that displays detailed information about the status of the phone, a listing of Skype contacts, signal strength, battery level, and more. The rechargeable Ni-MH batteries which provide up to 1200 hours of standby time, and 15 hours of talk time, are recharged using a supplied USB cable. The phone's range extends to up to 300 feet outdoors, and 100 feet indoors. Users can take advantage of calling from their desktop computers at home or at their business, or from their laptops when they travel.

The phone provides a telecommunications experience similar to using a cordless landline phone, except that it uses Voice over IP through a user's Internet-connected Macintosh or Windows computer. Most VoIP phones do not have displays, and must be tethered to the host PC by a USB cable. Digital publishers will appreciate the fact that this phone will allow them to move around their environment, and enable them to always keep the pocket-sized phone with them.

When making a call, the user can dial directly, simply preceding the phone number with "00" or "+". Contacts that are stored in the user's Skype contact list appear on the phone's display, and can be scrolled and selected. Receiving an incoming call is accomplished by pressing the dial/answer key. The user has all of the functionality of Skype available directly on the phone.

The phone is easy to set-up. First it is charged by connecting the USB cable. The wireless connection with the computer is through the use of a USB dongle that plugs into an available USB port. When the dongle is installed the computer senses its presence and installs the drivers, which the user has already copied to the computer from a supplied CD-ROM. The phone and the dongle need to be paired, so that communication can take place. This needs to be done only once. This operation consists of pressing the connect button on the dongle, which results in the connect LED being lit, placing the phone 10 cm from the dongle until the connect LED blinks, and waiting five seconds for the phone's display to show a phone-to-PC connection. The phone can now be used to make free calls to another Skype user PC-to-PC, or low-cost calls to any phone, anywhere. $79

Contact: Keyspan, a division of InnoSys, Inc., 3095 Richmond Parkway, Suite 207, Richmond, CA 94806, 510 222-0131, http://www.keyspan.com, e-mail: info@keyspan.com, fax: 510 222-0323.

Digital Video Reviews

TOKI Shot 1.2.2 (MAC/WIN)
TOKI Shot 1.2.2 is an innovative solution for generating shot lists that can be used by picture and sound editors, music editors, musicians, and others. It takes as input a cut digital film, automatically identifying scenes, and listing start and stop time codes, shot length, and a user-added name, identifier or scene description. The program can reduce significantly the time-consuming process of breaking down a movie, TV film, documentary, or other cinematic form so that it can be scored.

The program interface includes a movie player with controls including a shuttle dial. Thumbnails provide visual clues to scene changes, which can be rearranged or deleted. The shot list shows the first and last frame of each shot, which along with the user's annotations, makes navigation fairly foolproof.

Projects begin by opening a movie. The main window should be familiar and comfortable for anyone who has used a nonlinear digital editor (which this is not). The user runs the movie through Analysis and Detection operations which, according to the sensitivity settings determined by the user, will determine where the various shots begin and end, and what should be the minimum shot duration (in frames). The program applies a color to indicate the relevance of the detection process: green indicates a high relevance, i.e. probably a cut; orange means medium relevance; and red indicates low relevance, "probably a fade-out, a fast camera traveling or something crossing fast [in the] camera field." It also applies sequential numbers to them, and the user can reorder them as well as provide names for the scenes and shots. Shots that are not identified automatically can be added manually.

The output of TOKI Shot can be read by music and NLE software as well as a database an word processor. Several export options are provided as well as the option to print. $129

Contact: Digital Salade, 40, rue Blanche, 75009 Paris, France, 33 1 40 23 90 90, http://www.digital-salade.com, e-mail: contact@digital-salade.com, fax: 33 1 40 23 91 91.

Road Trip Effect Pro 2.1.6 (MAC/WIN)
Road Trip Effect Pro 2.1.6 enables a video producer to generate an animation depicting the travel of a car, plane, train, or other vehicle or object, on a user-defined trajectory over a map or user-provided background. This effect is commonly used in theatrically released motion pictures to show the movement of characters from one location in the world to another, and thus effect a major scene change. With the use of this software, users can add this effect to their own digital movie productions.

Users can use a timeline to control the movement of multiple trajectories, either concurrent or sequential, with settings for the timing of the movement, the width and transparency of the path, and the number and names of points along the path. In this way a long and complex trip comprised of multiple legs can be displayed. The user can review the motion as many times as necessary and then output it to a QuickTime movie that can be edited into a vacation movie or other production. A demo version can be downloaded at http://www.solrobots.com/roadtrip/download.html. $24.95

Contact: Sol Robots, 512 853-9645, http://www.solrobots.com, e-mail: sales@solrobots.com, fax: 815 550-1744.

Boinx iStopMotion DV (MAC)
Boinx iStopMotion DV enables users to produce stop motion animation and time lapse recording. By photographing action using fixed duration fixed frames and playing it back at normal framerates, users can see action that would normally not be visible, or would be difficult to perceive. The program uses a video input source, such as the Apple iSight, most FireWire DV cameras, and some USB cameras, essentially working with any source that works with QuickTime. The application records at a movie resolution of 720 x 576 (PAL and NTSC). $39.95

Contact: Boinx Software, GeBE Computer & Peripherie GmbH, Mozartstrasse 14a, 82110 Germering, Germany, 49 89 84 005 333, http://www.boinx.com, fax: +49 89 89 43 99 11 fax US: 1-866-GOBOINX, (toll free).

iVideoToGo Platinum (WIN )
iVideoToGo Platinum provides a simple three-step method to convert DVD video content, or video from any source, to file formats that are compatible with Apple Video iPod or PlayStation Portable (PSP). It handily processes all sorts of popular video formats, producing high-compression output. Users select a source, select a target, select a format, and initiate the copy process. Fast and easy. The CopyLater Intelligent Monitoring feature enables the user to schedule time-consuming sessions for times when the user is away from their computer. $29.95

Contact: InterVideo, Inc., 47350 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538, 510 651-0888, http://www.intervideo.com, e-mail: sales@intervideo.com, fax: 510 651-8808.

Book Reviews

Adobe InDesign CS2 one-on-one
McClelland, Deke

A book/media package that delivers personal training via a full-color, step-by-step guide supported by a two hour DVD-ROM produced by Total Training, and presented by the author, publishing expert Deke McClelland.

The text is arranged in a course fashion, and presented as if the author were teaching the reader in a formal training environment. This is an excellent way to get guided hands-on instruction. The book is beautifully designed and a joy to read or skim. Any Adobe InDesign CS2 user would find something new and interesting in this well-done volume.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596100973

0596100973 493 pp. $44.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Adobe Photoshop CS2 on Demand
Anderson, Andy; Steve Johnson

A book chock full of one-to-two page visual tutorials showing how to accomplish various tasks using Adobe Photoshop CS2. The full-color guide lists the step-by-step instructions for each task; shows what to do in screen captures, photographs, etc.; provides references to other tasks in the book; and lists relevant tips and techniques.

The book meets the objectives of the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Program and prepares the reader to take the ACE qualification exam. Information about the program can be found at http://www.adobe.com/support/certification/ace.html.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0789733900

0789733900 524 pp. $34.99

Contact: Que Corporation, 11711 North College Ave., Carmel, IN 46032, http://www.quecorp.com.

Adobe® Acrobat® 7 in the Office
Baker, Donna L.

A guide to using Adobe Acrobat 7 for those in business and office environments. The author shows, through case studies, how to apply Acrobat to fulfill many business-based communication and transaction tasks. Many Acrobat-based activities are described in step-by-step detail supported with illustrations.

The author maintains a companion Web site with files from the book as well as additional content. It is located at http://www.donnabaker.ca/downloads.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321321820

0321321820 404 pp. $35

Contact: Adobe Press, Prentice Hall, 113 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Adobe® Illustrator® CS2 Gone Wild
Karlins, David; Bruce K. Hopkins

The authors show, step-by-step, in exacting detail, and in full-color, with large, clear illustrations, how to produce extraordinary vector graphic effects. They have established a companion Web site at http://www.wiley.com/go/illustratorgonewild.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0764598597

0764598597 272 pp. $34.99

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 For Digital Photographers Only
Milburn, Ken; Doug Sahlin

Two experienced digital photographers present a complete digital imaging workflow process. The authors divide the book into five sections: Shooting and Improving Photos; Non-Destructive Editing; Final Stages of the Image Editing Workflow; Prepare Images for Final Output; and Automating Workflow. The numerous full-color images provide clear illustrations of how to accomplish technical operations. The text is full of useful tips and time-saving operations.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0471746894

0471746894 326 pp. $39.95

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 in 24 Hours
Rose, Carla

A text-based course consisting of 24 one-hour step-by-step lessons covering the fundamental skills necessary to achieve basic proficiency with Adobe Photoshop CS2. Lessons cover skills such as compositing, masking, transformations, color adjusting, special effects, and more.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0672327554

0672327554 514 pp. $29.99

Contact: Sams, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

AppleScript for Dummies, 2nd Edition
Trinko, Tom

The direct route to learning how to master and apply AppleScript for automating tasks within the Mac OS environment. Readers can learn how to control applications such as FileMaker Pro, Word, Excel, and others, and how to script the Finder.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0764574949

0764574949 386 pp. $24.99

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

Art of SQL,The
Faroult, Stephane; Peter Robson

The authors cleverly and effectively compare the application of SQL to the waging of war, providing examples of SQL "in the trenches," or, in other words, in the real world. They follow the outline of Sun Tzu, emphasizing strategy over specfics, and lay out a battle plan that unfolds from Chapter 1, Laying Plans, to Chapter 12, Employment of Spies.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596008945

0596008945 367 pp. $44.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Beginning REALbasic: From Novice to Professional
Ford Jr., Jerry Lee

This book presents the basic elements of constructing a REALbasic application from the viewpoint of someone who is totally unfamiliar with the software. It is first and foremost written for the novice, but has information that can get an experienced programmer up and running very quickly in order to orient them to a new programming environment.

The author clearly explains the benefits of REALbasic and the potential that it has for creating commercial applications. He shows all of the major programming components, and provides realistic examples of how to build working applications.

The accompanying CD-ROM helps the reader acquire hands-on experience, which is essential for learning to program. The disc contains the code that is presented in various chapters and shows the versatility of the language. Some of the projects are a desktop clock, a movie player, a word processor, a book database, an MP3 player, and a network connection checker.

An e-book version of the text is available to owners of the book for an additional $10.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D159059634X

159059634X 372 pp. $39.99

Contact: Apress, Inc., 2560 Ninth St., Ste. 219, Berkeley, CA 94710, 510 549-5930, http://www.apress.com, fax: 510 549-5939.

Communicating Design: Developing Web Site Documentation for Design and Planning
Brown, Dan M.

This book clearly defines the various ways in which information architects can communicate effectively with their clients. The author identifies ten kinds of deliverables that he classifies into three types: those that describe what Web site users need; those that show what they will see; and those that describe how the objectives will be met. The book provides an excellent framework for planning, executing, and maintaining Web sites.

The author maintains a book-related blog at http://www.communicatingdesign.com/.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321392353

0321392353 352 pp. $39.99

Contact: New Riders Publishing, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

Complete Book of Mac OS X Shortcuts: Desktop Reference Guide, The
Pirera, Dean

All experienced digital publishers know that keeping their hands on their keyboard is the most efficient way to work. Every time that a user reaches for his or her mouse they lose valuable production time. Now comes an essential guide to over 1500 Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts for such invaluable applications as Photoshop CS, Microsoft Word, and the Macintosh OS. The book is a wonderful reference source. $25

0646463519 154 pp. $25

Contact: AppleCore Solutions, P.O. Box 767, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Australia, 02 6687 0653, http://www.applecoresolutions.com.au.

Create Your Own Digital Movies
Strayer, Pam

The author provides five simple video production projects that aid the reader in producing their own digital movies. The accompanying CD-ROM contains all of the Windows software necessary to begin the process.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0672328348

0672328348 167 pp. $19.99

Contact: Sams, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

Creating a Web Site with Flash: Visual QuickProject
Morris, David

A short, concise, full-color, step-by-step guide to implementing Flash technology on a Web site. The directions are clear and easily applied.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321321251

0321321251 140 pp. $12.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

CSS: The Missing Manual
McFarland, David Sawyer

The author provides dozens of hands-on tutorials and real-world exercises that can lead the reader to an understanding of how to apply Cascading Style Sheets to their Web sites. The techniques can not only provide more sophisticated page layout and structure, but can produce code that loads faster and is easier to maintain and update.

The author gets the reader involved immediately with more than 100 pages of hands-on page-building tutorials. HTML, within the context of CSS, is introduced for those who are unfamiliar with the language. Experienced Web page designers will see HTML in a new context, and benefit from the review.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596526873

0596526873 476 pp. $34.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Designer's Guide to Mac OS X Tiger
Gamet, Jeff

A nicely designed, full-color guide to using Mac OS X Tiger in a prepress environment. The author addresses many potential problems that designers are likely to encounter in areas such as fonts, printing, PDF, color management, networking, maintenance, security, and more.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D032141246X

032141246X 280 pp. $29.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Designing with Web Standards, Second Edition
Zeldman, Jeffrey

This is the definitive source on applying standards for Web implementation across a variety of browsers. The full-color book covers topics such as site obsolescence; standards problems; findability, syndication, blogs, and podcasts; modern mark-up; XHML restructuring the Web; structure and meta-structure; CSS basics; working with browsers; typography; accessibility basics; working with DOM-based scripts; and more.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321385551

0321385551 410 pp. $44.99

Contact: New Riders Publishing, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

Don't Make Me Think, Second Edition
Krug, Steve

The author, a Web usability expert, has written a short guide that is sure to have a positive impact on Web site designers, regardless of their talent or experience. He shows, in clear examples, how to make Web site design obvious to the point where the user need not think about how they will navigate and gain some benefit from their site visit.

This second edition adds three new chapters dealing with why people leave Web sites, how to make sites usable and accessible, and how to survive executive design whims.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321344758

0321344758 201 pp. $35

Contact: New Riders Publishing, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

Enemy at the Water Cooler
Contos, Brian T.

The greatest threat to the security of an enterprise can come from within. Company insiders have the knowledge to sabotage the networks, computers, and applications, often without detection. Such attacks can severely cripple a business and bring it to a halt. The author exposes where these risks reside, and tells what steps can be taken to prevent such assaults on company information and resources. Awareness of the possibility of the threats is the first step in preventing them. By recounting a series of real-life case studies, the author describes the insider, the type of organization, the nature of the attack, and how the organization responded. This kind of information can be of vital importance to those who are charged with the security of an enterprise.

Purchase of the book entitles the buyer to register for a free Solutions Membership at http://www.syngress.com and access four free e-booklets.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D1597491292

1597491292 262 pp. $49.95

Contact: Syngress Publishing, Inc., 800 Hingham St., Rockland, MA 02370, http://www.syngress.com. Distributed by O'Reilly Media, Inc. in the United States and Canada.

Excel for Starters, The Missing Manual
MacDonald, Matthew

A clearly written and illustrated guide to Microsoft Excel 2002 and 2003. The author provides information on all aspects of the program with many tips and notes that provide insight into getting the most from the application.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596101546

0596101546 380 pp. $19.95

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Final Cut Express HD: Digital Video Editing for Everyone
Weynand, Diana

This is the Apple-certified method of learning how to use Final Cut Express HD 3.5. The book is a learn-as-you-go course, with each chapter consisting of hands-on projects, leading ultimately to basic skill building. Each chapter includes lesson review questions and answers. The companion DVD-ROM contains all of the project files, and a companion Web site is available at http://www.peachpit.com/apt.fceHD.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321335333

0321335333 483 pp. $44.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Google Hacks: Tips & Tools for Finding and Using the World's Information, Third Edition
Dornfest, Rael; Paul Bausch, Tara Claishain

The latest tips and techniques to master, manipulate, and manage the wealth of services and information that is available through Google. Readers learn how to become power searchers, exploring all of Google's applications and services. Among the things that the authors explain (that you probably didn't know) are: how to convert a Google query into an RSS feed that can be monitored in any newsreader; how to use Gmail as an external hard drive for Linus, Mac, or Windows; how to build a customized Google Map and add it to your Web site; and more.

A number of sample hacks are available on-line at no-cost at http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/googlehks3/chapter/index.html.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596527063

0596527063 510 pp. $24.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Hillman Curtis on Creating Short Films for the Web
Curtis, Hillman

The author is a recognized award-winning Web site designer who has produced work for some of the biggest names in the digital world: Adobe, Intel, Yahoo!, and others. In this book he gives his personal insights into the production of nine projects that he has produced. Each project uses a short video (from 60 seconds to ten minutes) to communicate the heart of his subject matter. This insider's book is an eye-opening view of how the creative process works.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321278917

0321278917 228 pp. $34.99

Contact: New Riders Publishing, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

How to Do Everything with Dreamweaver 8
Meadhra, Michael

A book that serves either as a reference or a tutorial. New users can follow the chapters to become skilled at using every aspect of the Dreamweaver program. Dreamweaver users can use the extensive index and tabbed chapter indicators to quickly locate just the information that they require.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0072262389

0072262389 460 pp. $24.99

Contact: Osborne McGraw-Hill, 2100 Powell St., 10th Floor, Emeryville, CA 94608, 510 549-6600, http://www.osborne.com, fax: 510 549-6603.

How to do Everything with Mac OS X Tiger
McElhearn, Kirk

Readers who are new to the Apple Macintosh OS X Tiger operating system will find this book useful as a guide to the features inherent in this OS. The author introduces capabilities that relate both to the host computer and to connecting with the outside world, including synching to the iPod.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0072261587

0072261587 489 pp. $24.99

Contact: Osborne McGraw-Hill, 2100 Powell St., 10th Floor, Emeryville, CA 94608, 510 549-6600, http://www.osborne.com, fax: 510 549-6603.

How to Do Everything with Photoshop CS2
Smith, Colin

This attractive full-color book covers the complete range of topics that new Adobe Photoshop CS 2 users need to know. The author includes all of the tools, menus, palettes, and other interface details that are crucial for mastery. Advanced topics include channels, retouching, special effects, preparation for the Web, and more. The Behind the Scenes section details various techniques developed by Photoshop professionals.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0072261609

0072261609 420 pp. $29.99

Contact: Osborne McGraw-Hill, 2100 Powell St., 10th Floor, Emeryville, CA 94608, 510 549-6600, http://www.osborne.com, fax: 510 549-6603.

HTML Utopica: Designing without Tables Using CSS
Andrew, Rachel; Dan Shafer

An important book for Web masters who generally rely on tables for establishing their page designs. Through the use of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), Web page designers can layout pages that load faster and are considerably easier to maintain and update. CSS separates the page content from its layout. By so doing the page author can control the typestyles, fonts, colors, margins, spacing, position, etc. without affecting the content. By using 1-, 2-, and 3-column CSS layouts readers can leave their dependence on table-based design and become more efficient and productive.

The first four chapters of the book are available, free of charge, at the book's Web site: http://www.sitepoint.com/books/css2/.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0975240277

0975240277 497 pp. $39.95

Contact: SitePoint Pty. Ltd., 424 Smith Street Collingwood, VIC Australia 3066, http://www.sitepoint.com, e-mail: business@sitepoint.com.

Illustrator CS2 for Windows & Macintosh Visual QuickStart Guide
Weinmann, Elaine; Peter Lourekas

The most comprehensive Adobe Illustrator CS2 "how to" that we have seen. Virtually every Illustrator capability is demonstrated in this hefty book. Each feature is explained clearly and its execution is listed step-by-step along with clear figures. The book can serve as a text or a reference. A full-color insert shows stunningly beautiful and sophisticated drawing work produced by illustration professionals.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321336569

0321336569 583 pp. $24.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Inside/Outside: From the Basics to the Practice of Design, Second Edition
Grear, Malcolm

A monumental work exhibiting the design world of Malcolm Grear, who has been a working artist, lecturer, teacher, and author. The book, which is itself an exemplar of fine design, is a fascinating insight into the creative environment of a master designer, illuminating the process of defining problems and creating design solutions. Select pages from the book can be seen at Mr. Grear's Web site: http://www.mgrear.com.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321440676

0321440676 351 pp. $45

Contact: New Riders Publishing, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

Internet Forensics
Jones, Robert

An interesting and useful guide to using forensic techniques to investigate fraud and scams on the Internet. Using methods described in the book, users can determine the source of spam and other online irritants and deceptions.

A sample chapter entitled "Obfuscation," is available online at http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/internetforensics/chapter/index.html.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D059610006X

059610006X 223 pp. $39.95

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Learning PHP & MySQL
Davis, Michele E.; Jon A. Phillips

The use of PHP and MySQL can move a static Web site to a contemporary interactive site. The authors cover the use of Apache, PHP, and MySQL and introduce programming concepts that are necessary for understanding how to implement the technologies.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596101104

0596101104 359 pp. $29.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Learning SQL
Beaulieu, Alan

The author has written a comprehensive yet approachable introduction to the use of SQL as an interface to access relational databases. The prevalence of relational databases makes an understanding of SQL more important than ever.

In order to use SQL the user must have access to a database. The author uses MySQL, a widely used relational database application, to present the process of building a database and demonstrating how to use SQL to access it.

Free access to Chapter 3, "Query Primer," is available at: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/learningsql/chapter/index.html.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596007272

0596007272 289 pp. $34.95

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Mac Annoyances
Rizzo, John

The author identifies a large collection of annoyances that tend to plague many Macintosh users, and provides solutions, tips, suggestions, tricks, and workarounds. A sample chapter, "iPod Annoyances," is available online at http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/macannoy/chapter/index.html.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D059600723X

059600723X 156 pp. $24.95

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
Williams, Robin

A learn-along series of lessons aimed at bringing the reader up-to-speed quickly on the major features of Apple Macintosh OS X 10.4 Tiger. This book, by Mac cult favorite Robin Williams, shows, in full-color illustrations, and tells, through easy to read text, how to perform the tasks that are at the heart of the operating system.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321330226

0321330226 432 pp. $29.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

.Mac with iWeb Visual QuickStart Guide, Second Edition
Reynolds, David

Everything that a .Mac user needs to know about publishing their content using Apple iWeb. Using numerous screen captures and step-by-step instructions, the reader is shown how to accomplish all .Mac capabilities, such as Apple Mail, iDisk, HomePage, .Mac Groups, .Mac Sync, and .Mac Bookmarks, as well as using .Mac with other Apple applications, such as iPhoto, Backup, and, of course, iWeb.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321442288

0321442288 320 pp. $21.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 Visual Encyclopedia
Cavanaugh, Kim; Sheri German

This is an exceptional complement to the Dreamweaver 8 software application, provided in two parts. Part I provides a full-color encyclopedic reference to every Dreamweaver tool, with a complete, illustrated explanation of how to use it. Part II consists of step-by-step instructions for accomplishing more than 140 program-related tasks and techniques. The alphabetical listings, along with the complete index, and tabbed, color-coded pages, makes the book a handy and useful reference.

Dreamweaver 8 users are likely to find the book a fascinating exposé of how the program works, and how the user can apply its functionality and power.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0471751766

0471751766 468 pp. $39.99

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

Macromedia Studio 8: Training from the Source
Bardzell, Shaowen; Jeffrey Bardzell

The authors provide approximately 20 hours of self-guided tutorials that cover most of the Macromedia Studio suite. Major sections include: Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Flash, Dreamweaver and Flash, Dreamweaver and ColdFusion, and Flash and ColdFusion.

The accompanying cross-platform Mac and Windows CD includes all of the project files described in the text.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321336208

0321336208 543 pp. $44.99

Contact: Adobe Press, Prentice Hall, 113 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Master Visually® Macromedia® Dreamweaver® 8 and Flash® 8
Etheridge, Denise; Janet Valade

This visually-based book consists of eight parts: Dreamweaver Basics, Adding Design Elements, Advanced Dreamweaver Features, Creating a Dynamic Site, Mastering Flash Basics, Building Your Flash Movie, Adding Finishing Touches, and Building Interactive Elements with ActionScript. Each one- to two-page spread addresses a specific task, such as Publishing a Dreamweaver Site or Install the PHP Application Server. The tasks generally begin with an introduction or explanation, followed by a numbered set of instructions which are supported with screen captures showing the reader how their screen should look. The tasks often include a "Master It" section which contains more advanced information.

The accompanying cross-platform CD-ROM contains trial versions of Dreamweaver 8, Flash Professional 8, and Fireworks 8, as well as all of the sample files shown in the book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0471776181

0471776181 650 pp. $34.99

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

MySpace Unraveled: A Parent's Guide to Teen Social Networking
Magid, Larry; Anne Collier

An essential guide for parents whose children are active in the on-line community of MySpace.com. The authors provide an insider look at how the social networking community works, how it can be dangerous, and what to do to help protect children. Readers are provided with detailed instructions for establishing their own MySpaces account and learning first-hand what the on-line experience is like.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D032148018X

032148018X 184 pp. $14.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Non-Designer's Type Book, The; Second Edition
Williams, Robin

The author provides guidelines, insights, and techniques that will likely help the reader become a more competent designer and user of type. Each chapter provides a brief introduction to a typographic principle or technique, illustrated with numerous examples.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321303369

0321303369 240 pp. $24.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Official Adobe Print Publishing Guide, The; Second Edition
Lawler, Brian P.

Few books have dealt with the process of contemporary commercial print production, and none have done it as well as this. The entire printing production workflow is clearly explained and colorfully illustrated, without intimidating the reader nor talking down to him or her. The book is concise yet comprehensive and worthy of the name "Adobe."

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321304667

0321304667 191 pp. $45

Contact: Adobe Press, Prentice Hall, 113 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Photoshop Anthology, The
Haffly, Corrie

This full-color book provides something of an apprenticeship for Photoshop users who want to learn some of the insider techniques and methods for using Photoshop effectively in creating Web interfaces, manipulating images, and executing related tasks. The author presents 101 step-by-step procedures accompanied by clear illustrations, that are useful to Web site developers.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0975841920

0975841920 278 pp. $39.95

Contact: SitePoint Pty. Ltd., 424 Smith Street Collingwood, VIC Australia 3066, http://www.sitepoint.com, e-mail: business@sitepoint.com.

Photoshop CS2 Gone Wild
London, Sherry

This full-color, heavily illustrated book, contains 50 wild and crazy effects that can be accomplished using Adobe Photoshop CS2. The author shows in detail how to apply advanced Photoshop tools and commands to produce amazing visual effects. The accompanying CD-ROM has all of the files shown in the book so that the reader can practice on their own.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0764598139

0764598139 400 pp. $34.99

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

Photoshop CS2 Killer Tips
Kelby, Scott; Felix Nelson

This full-color book is chock full of helpful insider tips that are certain to help Photoshop users become more efficient and productive. The authors include tips for using Adobe Bridge.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321330633

0321330633 261 pp. $29.99

Contact: New Riders Publishing, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.

Photoshop Elements 5: The Missing Manual
Brundage, Barbara

This hefty full-color volume provides an impressive number of insider tips and tricks, along with instructions for accomplishing many tasks related to improving digital images. The author explains all of the tools and menu options. Much of the content is of use to any Photoshop Elements 5 user, although the hobbyist and scrapbooker will find information of special interest.

A podcast with the author can be heard at http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2006/09/12/barbara-brundage-interview-ps-elements5.html.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596527284

0596527284 574 pp. $39.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Photoshop® CS2 Speed Clinic, The
Kloskowski, Matt

A collection of slick tricks used by Photoshop pros as compiled by Matt Kloskowski, Education and Curriculum Developer for the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. The author shows how to automate an imaging workflow using the Adobe Bridge, actions, batch processing, smart objects, scripting, and more.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321441656

0321441656 238 pp. $34.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

PHP Cookbook, Second Edition
Trachtenberg, Adam; David Sklar

PHP is among the most popular Web scripting language available today. It is estimated that it is used on more than twenty million sites, providing interactivity via its capability to converse with several different database applications. The authors provide more than 250 PHP recipes covering a wide variety of topics that are of interest to PHP programmers. This handy reference will likely save programmers hours of work since the recipes can often be used with little modification.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596101015

0596101015 810 pp. $44.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Process Improvement Essentials
Persse, James R.

The author provides insight into the three leading process improvement programs: ISO 9001:2000 Quality Standard from the International Standards Organizatin (ISO), Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) from the Software Engineering Institute, and Six Sigma. He leads the reader to a determination of which one, or combination, of these programs may be the right one for their company. The book is a valuable aid for managers in need of controlling the predictability of their operation. Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596102178

0596102178 334 pp. $44.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Programming Atlas
Wenz, Christian

Atlas is the shortened name for Microsoft's ASP.NET Atlas, a set of technologies that provides .NET developers with many of the same benefits for Ajax technologies that ASP.NET provides for server side development.

The author examines how Ajax technologies work, and shows how those technologies work. He continues with methodologies for the reader to apply the technologies, and provides many examples demonstrating the essential aspects of the Atlas framework.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596526725

0596526725 382 pp. $34.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Programming Python, Third Edition
Lutz, Mark

This massive volume covers the language syntax and programming techniques for the Python 2.5 language. Written for the experienced Python programmer, the book provides insight into applying Python for tasks related to GUIs, databases, parallel processing, networked applications, and the Internet.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596009259

0596009259 1551 pp. $59.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Real World Adobe InDesign CS2 Industrial-Strength Page-Layout Techniques
Kvern, Olav Martin; David Blatner

This is the book for practicing professionals who rely on Adobe InDesign CS2 for Macintosh and Windows in a production environment. The authors address virtually all of the technical aspects of using the page layout application for print and cross-media publishing work. Readers will benefit from the many tips, tricks, and insights that the authors provide.

The comprehensive index provides access to thousands of listings that can lead a reader to a particular procedure or information about a specific task. In this way the book serves as an excellent bookshelf reference.

A full-color insert illustrates important concepts such as trapping, overprints and knockouts, and special imaging effects.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321322029

0321322029 867 pp. $49.99

Contact: Adobe Press, Prentice Hall, 113 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Real World Adobe® Creative Suite 2 Industrial-Strength Production Techniques
Cohen, Sandee; Steve Werner

Two seasoned graphic arts professionals lead the reader through the complexities of the Adobe Creative Suite 2, showing how to leverage the strengths of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, and GoLive. Rather than concentrate on teaching how to use each of the applications, the authors demonstrate how to use the programs synergistically, moving between them, and automating repetitive operations and tasks.

Digital publishers who only want to buy one CS2 book should seriously consider this one.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321334124

0321334124 694 pp. $49.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

RealWorld Mac OS X Fonts: Industrial-Strength Techniques
Aker, Sharon Zardetto

This book deals with every aspect of font use and management. It is highly useful for digital publishers who depend on reliable font performance in a Macintosh production environment. The author shows how to deal with font problems and apply methods and procedures to ensure trouble-free operation. Readers will also learn how to deal with cross-platform font issues, how to access special characters, how to utilize legacy fonts, and much more.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321474015

0321474015 328 pp. $39.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Relational Database Dictionary, The
Date, C. J.

Written by a renown pioneer in the field of relational database technology, this handy pocket-sized reference contains complete and authoritative definitions of more than 600 terms.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596527985

0596527985 113 pp. $14.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Ruby Cookbook
Carlson, Lucas; Leonard Richardson

Here is the definitive book on implementing Ruby, covering such important topics as strings and numbers, arrays and hashes, databases, graphics, and multitasking. The authors have put together an incredible collection of ready-to-use solutions, clearly documented, with all necessary code. Programmers can get a head start by simply dropping code from the book into their work.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596523696

0596523696 873 pp. $49.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Sandy Berger's Great Age Guide to Gadgets & Gizmos
Berger, Sandy

This guide is chock full of interesting, fun, labor-saving, and useful items for entertainment, communication, travel, work, and health. Although several may be familiar to the technically aware, many are likely to be new and and worth reading about.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0789734419

0789734419 242 pp. $19.99

Contact: Que Corporation, 11711 North College Ave., Carmel, IN 46032, http://www.quecorp.com.

Secrets of Podcasting, Second Edition
Farkas, Bart G.

The entire podcasting process, from planning and executing a podcast, to recording and listening to published podcasts, is contained in this comprehensive, full-color book. The author covers all of the software, hardware, and Web resources available, giving his recommendations and insights. He includes personal interviews with podcasting celebrities and innovators. Both Macintosh and Windows users are likely to gain confidence in publishing and distributing their podcasts by reading this book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321438434

0321438434 300 pp. $24.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography
Johnson, Stephen

A master of the image-making process, Stephen Johnson shows the reader how to develop an "eye" for composing masterful images. Johnson leads the reader through the basics of the digital photography technology and shows how to reproduce images in the highest level of quality.

The many photographs, reproduced in both full color and black-and-white, have been printed on high quality glossy paper, making the book an exemplar of the quality that can be achieved using digital tools. This is both a course on the art of image-making and a beautiful coffee table book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D059652370x

059652370x 320 pp. $39.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Tiger Edition
Pogue, David; Adam Goldstein

The authors introduce the Apple Macintosh OS to Windows users and show how to make the transition painlessly. The reader is shown how doing things on the Mac relate to how they were done in Windows; how to replicate Windows applications on the Mac; how to move data and resources from Windows to the Mac; and more.

A sample chapter, "Five Ways to Transfer Your Files," is available at no cost at http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/switchmacmm2/chapter/index.html.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596006608

0596006608 520 pp. $24.95

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Teach Yourself Visually: Macromedia Dreamweaver 8
Warner, Janine

This book is perfect for the visual learner who wants to learn the fundamental operation of Macromedia Dreamweaver 8. The author provides more than 120 two-page spreads, each with colorful screen shots and step-by-step instructions. The reader is led through the process of performing the essential tasks that can result in mastery of the software.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0764599984

0764599984 304 pp. $24.99

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

Ted Landau's Mac OS X Help Line, Tiger Edition
Landau, Ted; Dan Frakes

The Macintosh is known for its ease of use, but when something doesn't work right, the user may be on their own to solve it. This book is an incredibly useful, even essential, desktop reference for everything related to the Macintosh OS X Tiger Edition. It is the first line of defense for troubleshooting Macintosh problems, and for learning the correct way to install and maintain networks, routers, wireless connections, and to perform other technical tasks.

The authors do a great job of showing readers how to deal with the underlying Unix system, and how to execute common commands.

The author maintains a Web site (http://www.macosxhelpline.com/) which has updates and a listing of the utilities mentioned in the book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321334299

0321334299 1176 pp. $49.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

The Internet: The Missing Manual
Biersdorfer, J.D.; David Pogue

A wonderfully helpful book revealing all that the Internet offers. It is a valuable resource for experienced Web surfers as well as those new to the on-line environment. The authors clearly and skillfully tell and show the wide range of resources that await on-line. Every reader is sure to learn something new.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D059652742X

059652742X 460 pp. $24.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Harrington, Richard

A complete, full-color, guided course by a Photoshop expert who uses interesting examples to show the power and versatility of the program. The chapters cover an array of essential topics, and the accompanying cross platform DVD includes the image files printed in the book, exercises, Flash-based quizzes, and more than 4.5 hours of video training, and more.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321368983

0321368983 394 pp. $44.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Unix for Mac OS X Tiger 10.4 Visual QuickPro Guide
Enzer, Matisse

This is the best introductory guide we've seen for learning the basics of Unix. Macintosh users will benefit from the visually oriented layout and numerous examples and code listings.

The companion Web site at http://www.peachpit.com/vqp/umox includes the Table of Contents and Introduction (136K PDF), Chapter 1 (176K PDF), Chapter 2 (228K PDF), Chapter 15 (1.1MB PDF), Appendix A (92K PDF, Appendix B (56K PDF), Code Samples (16K Download), and more.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0321246683

0321246683 530 pp. $29.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 1249 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 800 283-9444, http://www.peachpit.com, fax: 510 524-2221.

Unofficial Guide to Photoshop® CS2, The
Spence, Alanna

A comprehensive guide to the use of the major capabilities of Adobe Photoshop CS2. The author show how to accomplish fundamental activities, providing insightful tips, suggestions, and cautions. The lengthy index is quite helpful in locating specific information.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0471763225

0471763225 686 pp. $18.99

Contact: John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158-0012

Visual Basic 2005 Cookbook
Patrick, Tim; John Clark Craig

The authors provide coding recipes for accomplishing many common tasks that can save programmers many hours of work. There are more than 300 recipes that Visual Basic programmers may encounter on a regular basis. Reusable code snippets can be downloaded so that readers can apply the examples that are described in detail in the book. Solutions cover a variety of programming topics, from string and number manipulations to animations, cryptography, and matrix transformations.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596101775

0596101775 713 pp. $49.99

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

Windows XP for Starters The Missing Manual
Pogue, David

An important guide for new users of the Windows XP operating system. It contains an entertaining and informative look at all of the critical aspects of the software, with easy to understand explanations and plenty of illustrations. The author, a respected authority on all computer related topics, has put together the perfect book for those in need of a quick education on Windows XP.

The accompanying Web site features access to the shareware software mentioned in the book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0596101554

0596101554 385 pp. $19.95

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.

XML DeMystified: A Self-Teaching Guide
Keogh, Jim; Ken Davidson

A concise and non-intimidating guide to learning and applying the XML programming language. The authors have distilled the basics of XML, eliminating unnecessary technical jargon. Step-by-step instructions and numerous examples are provided. Each chapter includes a proficiency quiz, and a final exam at the end of the book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0072262109

0072262109 221 pp. $19.95

Contact: Osborne McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 510 549-6600, fax: 510 549-6603.

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