FAST Image Transfer. FAST is a proprietary lossy image compression format technology that provides four to six times the compression performance of JPEG, with equal or better image quality.

FAST was developed by FAST Search & Transfer ASA. The FAST Image Transfer technology is based on research conducted primarily at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, and Washington State University, Pullman, WA.

FAST provides several unique imaging features which distinguish it from other file formats, and which make it an attractive alternative. First, is the progressive, multi-resolution image display of Web images. Unlike other file formats, which either display slowly from top to bottom, or through interlacing the entire image, FAST appears as an entire image, at reduced size. As more of the image information is received, the size of the complete image increases, until the entire image, at full-size, is displayed. This method lets the user decide early in the download process if the image being received is the one that he or she wants. So, not only is the image received faster, since the image is smaller due to the sophistication of the FAST compressor, but the image is recognizable faster, eliminating the time wasted by waiting until the image can be verified as the correct target image.

Second, the FAST file format embeds a thumbnail image as a standard component of the file. This capability eliminates the need to create a separate thumbnail image for Web applications, as is the case for JPEG. The thumbnail information is typically one-tenth the size of the file.

Third, FAST Image Transfer decompresses and displays images within a Web browser without the need to download and install a browser plug-in. This capability ensures that virtually every Web user can view FAST format images. It should be noted that although the file size for FAST is significantly smaller than for JPEG, the decoding time, the time it takes for the image to appear, is slightly longer.

FAST images are encoded using the FAST plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. With the FAST plug-in installed, FAST images can be opened and/or saved in the FAST file format. Images may be in either RGB or CMYK (soon to be implemented) mode. FAST images are decoded and displayed in a browser application through the use of a Java decoder applet. The Java decoder applet is usually downloaded to the client during the initial visit to a page referring to the applet. Thereafter, the applet is usually stored in the browser cache.

LivePix SOHO is a simple-to-use template-centered application for producing a wide range of home and office materials for print and Web publishing. The program is picture-centric, supporting the use and application of digital photos and scanned images for each project. Elementary tools are provided for image manipulation, tonal adjustment, and color correction. The range of templates includes brochures, flyers, labels, letterheads, business cards, and postcards. $49.95

Enfish (ENter-FInd-SHare) Tracker Pro is presented as the world's first information tracker. It provides an interface for automatically organizing, finding, and keeping track of almost any kind of information, from any source: a local hard drive, a network, an e-mail archive, of the Internet.

The program "reads" and organizes all target information according to user-selected topics and projects, and provides instant access according to key word searches (or a number or phrase). It makes use of "Trackers" that monitor for new information that matches pre-set interest profiles. The Trackers create pointers to the information...they never physically move it. In practice, about half of the Enfish users use the program as their main information gateway, using it on a daily basis; the other half use it only when they are in search of specific information.

Enfish uses its patented DEX (TM) technology search and organize engine to monitor, cross-reference, and link information from all sources into a logical matrix that can be accessed from a single place. $79.95

Kai's Power Tools 5 (KPT 5) is the latest version of the legendary set of plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop (and 100% plug-in compatible applications). KPT has a well-deserved reputation for providing extensions to the Photoshop environment that considerably extend the creative limits of the program. With this set of ten new plug-ins (the originals from KPT 3 are included (there was no KPT 4)), the professional designer and illustrator, digital artist or photographer, will find the tools for creating attractive and eye-catching effects, Web and multimedia buttons, banners, backgrounds, and more.

The tool set is divided into three parts: real-time 3D tools, particle growth effects, and professional blurs. The user now has extended control, with both real-time interactive previews and specification by precise numerical values.

New to KPT are the ShapeShifter which creates shapes and objects with refracting glass edges; KPT Orb-IT, which explodes a shape into thousands of spheres; KPT FiberOptix, which creates fiber growth from a selected object; KPT Blurrrr, which contains nine filters to zoom, spin and otherwise distort; KPT RadWarp, which distorts the edges of an image to produce a "barrel distortion"; KPT FraxFlame, which adds real-looking flame effects; and more.

The KPT Smoothie plug-in was originally created as a way of cleaning up a "dirty" fax or scan. It uses inner and outer edge controls to smooth edges and refine lines. A very useful utility to be sure. The SRP is $199; upgrades to registered users are $99.

Design Elements 2.0 is a grand collection of stylish, tasteful, and professionally executed EPS format images, all sharing the same sense of graceful, yet precise, design. This is the design library that belongs in every digital publishers personal arsenal of layout and design devices and elements. Each design has a contemporary look, and razor-sharp edges. They are logically grouped into eight sets consisting of Stars, Moons, Suns and Zodiac; Flourishes, Accents and Typographic Devices; Borders and Rules; Motifs, Shapes, and Design Devices; Printers' Ornaments, Dingbats and Designs; Pointers and Arrows; Circular Designs; and Shapes, Designs, and Geometrics.

The selection of design elements in this collection is appropriate for almost every project, making it the essential set of graphic images for every shop, studio and office. The 3,064 images are royalty free, and are held on a single cross-platform CD-ROM. Each image is fully editable in EPS and WMF formats. The user can easily access the images using either a 132-page printed catalog, or an indexed on-screen PDF catalog. Users can simply click on an image in the PDF catalog to have it open automatically in Adobe Illustrator, ready for use as is, or for editing.

The collection has a history dating back to 1981-1984 when four hardcover design reference books, introducing the symbols, from worldwide sources, were published to critical acclaim. Computer users are now fortunate to have the collection available for their own use.

VTC Training CDs are among the best personal training tools available for learning popular computer applications and technologies. Titles which we have recently reviewed include Macromedia Director 5 Lingo ($49.95), Macromedia Director 5 ($49.95), WebMaster (HTML) ($49.95), Adobe FrameMaker 5.5 ($99.95), Adobe Premiere 4.2 ($99.95), Claris FileMaker Pro 3 ($49.95), and Photoshop 4 Techniques ($49.95). Each cross-platform CD contains an entire self-contained course.

All VTC titles include an easy-to-use interface, composed of dozens of lessons, and totalling 6 to 12 hours of QuickTime movies. The movies show the actual application or technology in use, while the narrator clearly explains each operation. The user can start or stop a movie at any point, and can review sections as many times as necessary. Of particular value is the fact that the user can keep the actual software application open while viewing the training lessons. This provides the option of viewing a lesson and then trying it; or when encountering a problem while using an application, then going to the training CD to see how to solve it.

VTC also has one of the most user-friendly upgrade policies in the industry. If the user needs to upgrade to a newer version of their training CD, they may do so for one-half the current retail price, provided that they have registered their original product.

The format of the training CDs makes them a valuable resource for employee training, since they can be accessed for short periods by anyone who has the need. They can be used for learning or reviewing any of the major functions of the applications or technologies which they support. In addition, VTC has started the The Virtual Training Company Online University, wherein Web site visitors can view their choice of training lessons directly from the Web for $25 for 25 hours per month. At $1 per hour, this option is among the most cost-effective available. The Intranet rate, based on a yearly rental, is $500 per application course for up to 500 people (with an additional $1 per seat beyond 500).

A number of demos are available online at no cost.

Every digital publisher should become aware of the training options offered by VTC.

Around the Web in 80 Minutes is a CD-ROM-based instructional program that claims to be the only computer-based training program that interacts with the user in the same way that a real instructor would...that is, by customizing the instruction to the student. The program uses Criterion Referenced Instruction and monitors the student's progress, evaluates what they have learned, and provides the appropriate additional instruction.

The program covers more than 30 different topics, including Internet basics, browsing and searching, e-mail, discussion groups, troubleshooting, and more. $29.95

bFAX Pro 4.0 is the industry standard fax application for handheld computers running Windows CE 1.0 or 2.0. It supports the easy and efficient faxing of any file that can be printed. The cover page can be customized with a company logo and personalization information. The program has capabilities that are common to full-featured fax programs for desktop computers, including: full send and receive; integration with a contacts database; batch processing of multiple faxes to the same recipient; fax preview to ensure proper formatting and appearance; and the faxing of Pocket Word, text, bitmap and TIFF files. $69.95

WebSpice Animations is a collection of more than 35,000 original and royalty-free images provided on two cross-platform CD-ROMs. The images, which are animated words, objects, buttons, arrows, etc., are typically less than 10K in size, and are provided in a variety of colors, styles, and motions. MRP $149, ESP $99

PhotoFantasy 2.0 is a consumer product for combining digital photos with a wide variety of fantasy backgrounds. This new version supports the creation of the user's own backgrounds, using scanned images from magazine covers, ads, posters, calendars, and other sources. The package includes over 200 humorous backgrounds from a wide variety of sources. Users can insert their own faces, with controls over brightness, contrast and saturation. The completed images can be printed or e-mailed. $49.95

Starry Night Deluxe 2.1 is a sky simulation tool that can display an accurate recreation of the sky from any point on earth. Users can travel from 4713 BC to 9999 AD and see over 19 million stars, view constellations, trace orbits, and create star charts. Among its features are: view from anywhere in the solar system; Internet enabled; magnification up to 600,000 times; object information windows; QuickTime movie tool; and more. $89.95

Livingston, Brian; Davis Straub

A boxed set consisting of a 1200+ page book and four CD-ROMs covering virtually every aspect of the Windows 98 operating system with tips, hints, tricks and techniques for making efficient use of its capabilities. The CDs contain over 400 shareware and freeware programs, and the entire book contents are provided on a searchable electronic version.

********** If you use a Mac and you're on the Internet, give NetBots a try:

Copyright and Distribution Information

The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing is (c)opyright 1999, Graphic Dimensions, Pittsford, NY, all rights reserved. You may distribute the SoftLocked version of this document, unmodified and in its entirety. You may distribute portions of this document, up to 200 words in length, unmodified, provided that you also include this copyright notice and subscription information.