Issue 6.4 July / August 2001
This issue of KDP is sponsored by:
Productivity Reviews
askSam 4.0 (WIN )
askSam 4.0 is the latest version of this popular free-form database application incorporating over 100 new features and improvements. A strength of this program, which is used by over 300,000 users, is its capability to convert various types of information into searchable full-text databases as large as 16 terabytes. Among the types of data that are appropriate for askSam are email, resumes, legal texts, government regulations, research notes, correspondence, as well as any other structured form of information. This capability can be of use to digital publishers who are confronted with massive unstructured data.
As an example of askSam's finesse in the conversion process, it can divide a document into multiple pieces while it is being imported (using the File>Import menu). The user simply indicates a document delimiter which serves as the flag to divide the single document into multiple parts (records). For example, if the document contained hundreds of email messsages it could divided on the recognition of the word \"Date:\", if that happened to be the first word to appear in each message.
The process for creating a database is straightforward, and the user is led through the various steps using one of many Wizards. Anyone familiar with any database application will feel comfortable using askSam. The use of pre-defined templates, for common tasks such as taking notes or managing contacts, simplifies the process further.
In addition to its flexible features for formatting data into reports, the program can generate searchable Hypertext-linked files that can be accessed on-line. askSam 4.0 Standard is $149.95; askSam 4.0 Professional, with full-text indexing is $395.
Contact: askSam Systems, POB 1428, Perry, FL 32347, 850 584-6590, 800 800-1997, http://asksam.com, email: info@asksam.com, fax: 850 584-7481.
Workflow Automation with AppleScript Training CD (MAC)
Workflow Automation with AppleScript Training CD is a self-contained, self-paced, interactive training program covering the fundamental programming elements of Apple's powerful English-like scripting language. With the use of properly composed AppleScripts, a user can automate critical Macintosh operations, saving time and improving productivity. AppleScripting is used extensively by professional publishing houses, prepress facilities, commercial printers, and others.
This training program, led by TECSoft's highly capable John Thorsen Jr., contains over 12 hours of training material, consisting of 26 QuickTime movies, 13 hands-on exercises, and several insightful demonstrations which show the true power of AppleScript. A good investment at $149.
Contact: TECSoft, 136 Main St., POB 2220, Amagansett, NY 11930-2220, 631 267-0700, http://www.tecsoft.com, fax: 631 267-2386.
PitStop Server (MAC/WIN)
PitStop Server is a digital workflow utility that automates the preflighting and editing of groups of PDF files that are placed in a hot folder labeled as the \"Input Folder.\" The files are processed by PitStop Server using user-defined Profiles and Action Lists that specify the criteria required for the given workflow. The program supports workflows for four-color press, monochrome laser printer, Web publishing, press optimized, screen optimized, and black-and-white and two-color documents. Files which met all criteria are moved to the \"Success Folder,\" while those which do not are placed in the \"Fail Folder.\" Logs are maintained of all file activity, and are kept separately in the \"Log Success Folder,\" and \"Log Fail Folder.\" PDFs which fail are examined manually, corrected, and passed through the process again. $1199
Contact: Enfocus Software, Inc., 3 Waters Park Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403, 888 363-6287, 650 358-1210, http://www.enfocus.com, e-mail: info@enfocus.com, fax: 650 358-1211.
OnePlace (WIN )
OnePlace is a productivity enhancer that provides a customizable desktop workspace in which users can store and retrieve e-mail, documents, schedules, contacts, and Web sites. The program is based on technology developed by Enfish, and commercialized as Onespace. Franklin Covey's studies have shown that the typical knowledge worker spends 15-20 per workday searching for information on their computer. Significant productivity gains may be realized by using OnePlace, which incorporates powerful searching, indexing, and viewing features. OnePlace automatically indexes and cross-references everything (content, titles, subject lines, dates, contact names, etc.) on the user's hard drive and mounted network drives. It does not move or modify any files. The master index is used to locate anything in just seconds. Searches detect all references to the search topic, and OnePlace can preview the file or launch its associated application. $69.95
Contact: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd. #400, 800 762-2974, 650 653-7000, http://www.idgbooks.com.
Addition / Extension Reviews
PitStop Professional 4.6 (MAC/WIN)
PitStop Professional 4.6 is the industry standard for sophisticated editing of Adobe Acrobat PDF files. The program is unequaled in its scope of editing features, and precision graphic manipulation controls.
The program is provided as a plug-in which adds several tools and windows to Acrobat. The user gains control over virtually all of the PDF page real estate, with the capability to rotate, scale, shear, or recolor (fill and stroke) existing graphics, or create new ones. Text editing can be accomplished either line-by-line, or within a paragraph. Other editing features provide control over trim and bleed, global editing of objects having similar properties, and editing of OPI information.
PitStop adds preflight document checking, to compare the open PDF against user-defined job profiles, or defaults provided by Enfocus. The result is a detailed report, generated as a PDF, which shows any problems inherent in the job.
PitStop can be automated using lists of macros called Action Lists. The program ships with several, and more are provided on the Enfocus Web site. Action Lists are invaluable for applying global changes, such as re-mapping color spaces, adding a customer logo to every document page, renumbering the pages, or removing empty pages.
With the increased acceptance of PDF files as a standard component of digital workflows, PitStop Professional has become an essential program for virtually all digital publishers. $399
Contact: Enfocus Software, Inc., 3 Waters Park Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403, 888 363-6287, 650 358-1210, http://www.enfocus.com, e-mail: info@enfocus.com, fax: 650 358-1211
Enfocus Certify PDF 1.01 (MAC/WIN)
Enfocus Certify PDF 1.01 is an Acrobat plug-in that solves the practical problem of tracking and accounting for changes made to a PDF file during a digital workflow. One of the difficulties of working with PDF files is that it is impossible to trace what changes were made, by whom, and when. Enfocus Certify records all changes to a PDF file from the time that a service provider receives it, until it is output. A 30-day evaluation version is available at the Enfocus Web site. $249
Contact: Enfocus Software, Inc., 3 Waters Park Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403, 888 363-6287, 650 358-1210, http://www.enfocus.com, e-mail: info@enfocus.com, fax: 650 358-1211.
WebPerfect PDF (MAC/WIN)
WebPerfect PDF is a plug-in for Adobe Acrobat which helps to optimize PDF files for delivery on the Web. The wizard-based application leads the user through three screens in which document information is input and options are selected. The user can eliminate elements of the PDF structure, such as thumbnails and article threads, that are unnecessary for Web viewing; and down-sample all images to 72 dpi. The user can also implement security over document access, such as printing and editing. $99
Contact: Enfocus Software, Inc., 3 Waters Park Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403, 888 363-6287, 650 358-1210, http://www.enfocus.com, e-mail: info@enfocus.com, fax: 650 358-1211.
PowerUp PDF (MAC/WIN)
PowerUp PDF is a plug-in for Adobe Acrobat that provides extensive text and graphics editing...a much needed addition to PDF production workflow. Acrobat has only a limited set of built-in editing tools. With PowerUp PDF, users can edit text on a single line, reflow text in a paragraph, or add new lines of text. Graphic images can be moved, rotated, skewed, and layered. New colors can be applied, and RGB colors can be replaced with CMYK or spot colors. $99
Contact: Enfocus Software, Inc., 3 Waters Park Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403, 888 363-6287, 650 358-1210, http://www.enfocus.com, e-mail: info@enfocus.com, fax: 650 358-1211.
Printing Reviews
InfraReady Adapter (ALL)
The Bachmann InfraReady Adapter converts virtually any printer into an infrared accessible printer. The portable battery-powered adapter connects to a printer's parallel port and immediately provides it with the capability to accept IR beaming. The device is a great accessory for road warriors who have a need to print from their portable computing devices, such as PDAs. Bachmann also sells PrintBoy software which enables Palm OS PDAs to print to IR-equipped printers. $55.99
Contact: Bachmann Software, 270 Sparta Ave., Suite 104-318, Sparta, NJ 07871, 973 729-9427, http://www.bachmannsoftware.com, e-mail: info@bachmannsoftware.com, fax: 973 729-8553.
PrintBoy for Palm Powered Devices (PILOT)
PrintBoy for Palm Powered Devices is a utility program that enables printing from any Palm device (using Palm OS 3.0 or later) to the infrared port of any printer. The user simply points their handheld device's infrared port at the printer's infrared port, selects the item to print, and taps the print button. This capability is of high value for busy people who need to free information stored in their PDA so that they can easily annotate it, share it, fax it, copy it, or file it. $14.99. PrintBoy Deluxe, the advanced version of PrintBoy, adds PrintBoy Spreadsheets, PrintBoy Database, PrintBoy Documents, Text Notes and Scribble Notes (for printing electronic ink drawings). PrintBoy Deluxe is priced at US$34.99.
Contact: Bachmann Software, 270 Sparta Ave., Suite 104-318, Sparta, NJ 07871, 973 729-9427, http://www.bachmannsoftware.com, e-mail: info@bachmannsoftware.com, fax: 973 729-8553.
Internet Reviews
Quickie Photos to Web 1.2 (MAC/WIN)
Quickie Photos to Web 1.2 is, as its name implies, a quick method of organizing and displaying digital photos on the Internet. The interface is designed with a series of tabs that lead the user through the process of selecting and identifying images, and determining their order and layout.
There are, actually, only three required steps...everything else is provided for enhancing the picture site. The first step in producing a Web picture gallery is to select the folder which contains the images...an entire folder can be selected, and/or individual images. Second, the user must specify a folder where the processed Web pages will be stored. Third, the user selects \"Create,\" and the site is done. Adding the details to enhance the site's appearance, requires the use of the program's tabs.
The first tab, Order, shows a preview of each image, and provides navigation controls to change the order in which the images appear on the Web page. The user can add a text description for each image, which will appear as a caption. The second tab, Header/Footer, provides fields for specifying the text that will appear at the top and bottom of each page, as well as associated formatting for each.
The third tab, Page Properties, has buttons to select colors for the background and various link states. The user can also select a background image as well as input metadata and a description that will be used by search engines.
The Images tab provides control over the picture layout, specifying the number of pictures per row and the width of the picture border, and other page-related options. The Options tab provides a field that will appear as the title for all pages. It also lets the user opt to use a custom template that they have created, as well as select the location and type of navigation controls. Finally, the I/O tab lets the user control the import and export process. The site is built by clicking on the large Create button. $18
Contact: LAJ Design, 113 Berryhill Lane, Alabaster, AL, 35007-7205, http://www.joyenvironmental.com/lajdesign/home.html.
Internet Cleanup (WIN )
Internet Cleanup is a utility that automatically removes personal information files related to Internet activity. It removes such files as cookies, history files, ActiveX controls, plugins, and cache files. It can selectively keep Internet files such as certain cookies that the user elects to retain. Cleanup operations can be run at specific times, such as when the browser is shutdown, or when the system is started up. It is compatible with most popular browsers. $29.95
Contact: Ontrack Computer Systems, Inc., 6321 Bury Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55346, 800 752-1333, fax: 612 937-5815, BBS: 612 937-0860, WWW: http://www.ontrack.com.
Utility Reviews
Kick-off! (MAC)
Kick-off! is a combination hardware/software solution for monitoring a USB-enabled Macintosh to ensure that it is always on and available. It automatically detects crashes, as well as non-system crash failures, and recovers, rebooting the computer, even when unattended. The software, which is accessible as a control panel, allows the user to customize the settings to suit particular needs. The device is especially useful for users who run servers, or who leave their computers on for remote access through programs such as Timbuktu. $179
Contact: Sophisticated Circuits, Inc., PO Box 727, Bothell, WA 98041-0727, 800 769-3773, 425 485-7979, http://www.sophisticated.com, e-mail: info@sophisticated.com, fax: 425-485-7172.
Belkin FireWire 6-Port Hub (MAC/WIN)
The Belkin FireWire 6-Port Hub supports the connection of up to six additional FireWire devices to a single computer FireWire port. The unique design conceals the plugs and cables, and provides a sleek, compact, attractive unit. The device, available in silver or white, is self-standing, needing little space. The package includes a 6/6 FireWire cable, power supply, and installation manual. $99.95
Contact: Belkin Components, 501 West Walnut Street, Compton, CA 90220, 800 223-5546, http://www.belkin.com, fax: 310 898-1111.
PDA Pocket Keyboard (PILOT)
The Fellowes PDA Pocket Keyboard certainly must be among the smallest accessory keyboards ever made. Measuring approximately 2.75\" x 3.75\", the keyboard conveniently fits in virtually any pocket or carrying case compartment.
The keyboard eases the burden of keying in long passages of text, or filling in multi-field forms. It offers users an alternative to the less than perfect character recognition of Graffiti, and gets new Palm users up and running in record time.
The package includes adapters to accommodate all Pilot, Palm II, V, VII and M100 series PDAs, and a fold-out support arm to hold the PDA in position. The replaceable lithium batteries provide hours of continuous keyboarding, which is extended by the auto-off timeout feature.
The touch-sensitive surface uses the GlidePoint technology, which has been used sucessfully in other devices, and was developed by Fellowes partner, Cirque Corp. $47.99
Contact: Fellowes, 1789 Norwood Ave., Itasca, IL 60143-1095, 800 945-4545, 630 893-1630, http://www.fellowes.com.
Instant Power Chargers (ALL)
Instant Power Chargers are compact, pocket-sized chargers that refuel empty PDAs, cell phones, wireless modems, and pocket PCs. The chargers provide power to the connected device within one minute, and charge even while the device is in use. It can be a tremendously useful device when an electrical outlet is not available.
The 2\" x 2\" PowerCartridge is zinc-based, and is activated when exposed to air. Each Instant Power Charger package includes a SmartCord adapter to connect the universal cartridge to a particular device, and an air-tight storage pouch to store the cartridge between uses. Each cartridge can provide up to three charges, equating to hours of use. The charger kit is $19.95 and replacement cartridges are $9.95.
Contact: Electric Fuel Corporation, 632 Broadway, Ste. 301, New York, NY 10012, 212 529-9200, http://www.electric-fuel.com, fax: 212 529-5800.
EndNote 5 (MAC/WIN)
EndNote 5 provides its highest level of integration with Microsoft Word using its Cite While You Write feature, which allows the user to locate and insert citations while still in the word processor. The program formats the bibliography, in any of 700 styles, as the user types.
Previous versions of EndNote are used by more than 300,000 users in industry and academia.
The program now incorporates the Traveling Library feature which embeds a hidden library of complete reference data for all citations. When the document is passed to colleagues for comment and editing, they have access to all citations, and can add, delete, and reformat them as necessary.
The program also includes a Spell Check feature, with multi-language and discipline-specific dictionaries. Users also have access the the ISI Web of Science, which is rated as the premier citation database. Users can move citations from the database using drag and drop operations. $329.95 MSRP, $199.95 educational, and $109.95 student.
Contact: ISI ResearchSoft, 2141 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 350, Carlsbad, CA 92009, 760 438-5526, http://www.endnote.com, http://www.isiresearchsoft.com, e-mail: info@endnote.com, FTP: ftp.endnote.com, fax: 760 438-5573.
Documents To Go Professional Version 4 (MAC/WIN/PALM)
Documents To Go Professional Version 4 is a remarkable program that enables Palm OS users to create, view and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents, and to view PowerPoint presentations (Windows only). Using this software, MS Office users can take many of their documents, including PDFs (text only), anywhere they go, along with their mail messages (Windows only) and compatible attachments.
PowerPoint presentations appear on the PDA using the Slideshow To Go feature (available for Windows only) wherein the user can display presentations in outline, speaker notes, and slide views. Users can store their presentations for review, and read from the PDA screen while presenting.
The Excel feature supports more than 110 functions, and users can create and edit formulas, format cells, recalculate data, and insert rows, columns, and even new sheets.
All Document To Go content can be stored onto Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard media during synchronization. The process produces a postage stamp-sized disk that can stored separately or passed to a colleague. $69.96
Contact: Dataviz, 55 Corporate Dr., Trumbull, CT 06611, 203 268-0030, 800 733-0030, http://www.dataviz.com, e-mail: info@dataviz.com, fax: 203 268-4345.
Virtual PC for Windows (WIN )
Virtual PC for Windows creates a virtual PC inside a user's default PC operating system. Why run a different OS inside Windows? There are many good reasons:
* The user can continue to use applications that no longer work with their new OS.
* The user can run applications that are not compatible with their default OS.
* The user can experiment with a new OS prior to switching over.
* The user can run applications that are not available for their OS.
* The user can attain compatibility with others in the work environment who run a different OS.
* Training facilities can offer instruction on a variety of PC operating systems without adding new PC workstations.
Virtual PC lets the user run Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows Me, Windows 95, Windows 98, Linux and MS-DOS. The guest operating systems work with the settings of the host OS, so there is no need to reconfigure printers or network settings. The Connectix Drive Container is flexible, and does not require repartitioning the hard drive.
Using Virtual PC, multiple operating systems can run concurrently, with users switching OSs as easily as switching applications. Switching does not require rebooting. OS packs are sold separately. $199
Contact: Connectix, 2655 Campus Dr., San Mateo, CA 94403, 800 950-5880, 415 571-5100, Internet: cards@connectix.com, http://www.connectix.com, faxback: 800 571-7558, fax: 415 571-5195.
Ontrack System Suite Version 3.0 (WIN )
Ontrack System Suite Version 3.0 consists of six essential, integrated utilities that work to maintain the viability of a PC system. The components consist of Fix-It Utilities, for system tune-up; Crisis Center, for data recovery; CrashProof, for crash protection; DataEraser, for permanent data removal; EasyUnInstall, for program removal; and Virus Scanner, for virus protection. Included as a bonus is PowerDesk 4 Pro, a file manager providing FTP, dual-pane file management, file encryption, file viewing in over 200 formats, and more. All-in-all, one of the best suites of its kind. $59.95
Contact: Ontrack Computer Systems, Inc., 6321 Bury Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55346, 800 752-1333, fax: 612 937-5815, BBS: 612 937-0860, WWW: http://www.ontrack.com.
PC Data Finder 5.5 (WIN )
PC Data Finder 5.5 is a useful search and retrieval program that indexes a user's entire hard drive (or removable media), including PDF, PowerPoint, Excel and Zip files, and locates files on the basis of search words or phrases. With the ever-increasing size of hard drives, locating files quickly is sure to become more and more of a task. $39.95
Contact: Macmillan Digital Publishing, 201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290, 800 571-1097, 317 817-7290, http://www.macdigital.com, fax: 317 817-7025.
Multimedia Reviews
Adrenaline Charts Pro 1.5 (MAC)
Adrenaline Charts Pro 1.5 Publishing & New Media Edition adds several significant features which extend its capabilities well beyond the printed page. Of particular interest to Web designers is a new animation engine which can be used to create high-quality QuickTime build-up animations, with precise controls over effect, transition and duration. Digital workflows of all kinds are supported with an enhanced variety of output formats including PICT, TIFF, Adobe Photoshop, EPSF Raster, JPEG, 3DMF, QuickTime movies, and QuickTime VR. This broad range of file formats makes Adrenaline Charts Pro a strong complement to Photoshop, InDesign, Macromedia Director, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
The sophistication of the output produced by the Adrenaline Rendering Engine ranks the program as one of the most powerful chart production tools available. The user can easily add shadows, anti-aliasing and transparency using readily accessible tools. Additional features include: adding texture maps to chart elements and backgrounds; automatic scaling of 3D objects according to data values; accurate transformation of the work area into pixels, inches, cms, points or picas; 23 different 2D/3D chart types; alpha channel support when exporting as PICT or QuickTime files; and more. $399.99
Contact: Adrenaline Software, 1400, boulevard du Parc technologique, Québec, G1P 4R7, 418 658-9909, http://www.adrenaline.ca, fax: 418 658-9919.
ButtonFly (WIN )
ButtonFly is an application devoted to the production of professional-quality buttons and graphics for Web and multimedia uses. The program provides a clean, uncomplicated interface for creating rounded or hollow buttons with shadows and smoothly-rendered text. Users can create and save templates that can be reused for any number of buttons, including headings contained in a separate text file.
A unique feature of the program is its multilingual project management capabilities which support foreign language versioning tasks.
The program can import native Adobe Illustrator files as well as JPEG, GIF, BMP and ICO formats. A Discovery version, which is time-limited, is available at no cost. $49.95
Contact: GoTo Software, 410 rue Saint-Nicholas, Suite 09, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2P5, Canada, 514 499-1414, http://www.goto-software.com, fax: 514 499-9202.
OCR Reviews
OmniPage Pro 11 (WIN )
OmniPage Pro 11 is the first product produced by the combined expertise of ScanSoft and its acquistion, Caere. This version is up to 40% more accurate and supports recognition of 114 languages. Any serious OCR user must seriously consider upgrading to this program.
The most significant feature, which justifies the cost of the program, even if the user is satisfied with their current OCR application, is the capability to convert paper documents into PDF format, with editable text, tables, and graphics. This capability truly releases the content of paper-bound documents for repurposing. The program can produce four different types of PDF documents: PDF Normal, PDF with image substitutes, PDF image on text, and PDF Image only. Using OmniPage, a user can also convert a PDF file into another format such as MS Word, Excel, or HTML (PDF Input). In addition, using Direct OCR, it is possible to access OmniPage from within the menus of popular programs such as MS Word, Ami Pro, WordPro, PageMaker, FrameMaker, WordPad, and many more.
In addition to its high level of recognition accuracy, the program incorporates IntelliTrain Proofing which remembers unrecognized characters that a user has corrected, and automatically applies the correction to all subsequent instances.
Web masters will appreciate OmniPage's highly accurate HTML formatting for posting paper pages directly to the Web. Even degraded faxes and copies can be recognized using the Despeckle Module, and table alignment and cell styles are maintained. In addition, colors are retained in backgrounds and text.
The level of accuracy is increased with the expanded Voice Read Back feature, which now includes 114 languages (up from the previous 14). Using this capability aids in the proofreading process and requires only one person, rather than the usual speaker and proofer.
The program includes sophisticated algorithms to cope with complex page layouts incorporating columns, reverse video text, word wrap, drop caps, headers and footers, and much more. Simply the next generation in OCR technology...truly impressive. $499.99
Contact: ScanSoft, Inc., 9 Centennial Dr., Peabody, MA 01960, 978 977-2000, http://www.scansoft.com.
Networking Reviews
TSStalk (WIN )
TSStalk is a utility that enables Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000 users to connect to AppleShare servers and printers. It solves a nagging problem in mixed Macintosh and Windows environments. The software is installed easily, and provided that proper hardware networking has been configured, AppleShare servers and AppleTalk printers can be accessed using the Windows Network Neighborhood or Network Places (depending on the version of Windows). $149
Contact: Thursby Software Systems, Inc., 5840 W. Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017, 817 478-5070, WWW: http://www.thursby.com, e-mail: sales@thursby.com, fax: 817 561-2313.
Digital Imaging Reviews
Belkin FireWire PCI Card (MAC)
The Belkin FireWire PCI Card is an add-on card for upgrading Macintosh 266 MHz G3 processors or higher. The card provides three FireWire ports with transfer speeds up to 400Mbps, which is nearly 30 times the speed of the USB spec. 1.1. FireWire, which was invented by Apple, is the successor to SCSI. Unlike SCSI, FireWire does not require device IDs or terminators. It supports hot swapping, so that the Macintosh does not need to be powered down to add or remove devices, and supports daisy-chaining up to 63 devices. FireWire is the standard for digital video devices, and is available for scanners, storage devices, such as hard disks and removable cartridge systems, and other peripherals.
FireWire is supports peer-to-peer connections for the transfer of massive files. Systems are connected easily using FireWire cabling.
The Belkin FireWire PCI Card includes a copy of Strata VideoShop 4.5, a professional quality video editing application that makes use of digital video that is captured through a FireWire port. $79.95
Contact: Belkin Components, 501 West Walnut Street, Compton, CA 90220, 800 223-5546, http://www.belkin.com, fax: 310 898-1111.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 1.0 (MAC/WIN)
Adobe Photoshop Elements 1.0 contains a robust subset of the Photoshop 6.0 features wrapped in a new, easier-to-use interface. The program contains the \"elements\" that nonprofessional (midrange) users are likely to want or need such as simplified access to digital images; red-eye reduction; auto-straighten; auto-crop; special filter effects; image liquefy; and 3D text effects. The program replaces Photoshop LE. PhotoDeluxe remains as Adobe's entry-level image editing product.
At the heart of the program is Recipes, sets of step-by-step instructions that accomplish specific tasks, such as photo restoration. The instructions have hot spots that launch the necessary tools and execute the required function. Additional Recipes are available at Adobe's Web site. New users benefit from the built-in Hints that provide an explanation of a given tool when the user places their mouse pointer over it.
Collections of images are managed by using the File Browser feature which creates thumbnail images of the contents of an entire folder. Completed images can be ganged to make the most efficient use of paper when printing, or selected images can be converted automatically into a Web site using the Web Photo Gallery.Web designers benefit from several tools for creating and optimizing still and motion graphics.
Although aimed at the consumer, the program does support several sophisticated capabilities, such as Layers, and a compelling image merge feature (which incorporates Adobe Photomerge technology) to create panoramas. $99
Contact: Adobe Systems Inc., 345 Park Ave., San Jose, CA 95110-2704, 408 536-6000, http://www.adobe.com, fax: 408 537-6000.
Miscellaneous News and Reviews
Money Dance (MAC/WIN)
Money Dance is a personal finance manager that enables the user to easily track, manage, view, and analyze all of their financial transactions. The program can be used to maintain account information, enter transactions, and reconcile statements from financial institutions, such as banks and credit card companies. Checking accounts can be managed easily, with automatic calculations and sorting of payees. Other features include check printing, currency and exchange rate calculations, and account graphing. The program uses Quicken's Interchange Format (QIF). $39.99
Contact: Macmillan Digital Publishing, 201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290, 800 571-1097, 317 817-7290, http://www.macdigital.com, fax: 317 817-7025.
DiskOnKey (MAC/WIN)
DiskOnKey is a USB-based, portable storage device providing true plug and play convenience. It is the only portable flash storage device which contains a CPU. This thumb-sized device, which incorporates flash data storage technology, plugs into a Macintosh or Windows PC USB port, without the need for software drivers (except for Windows 98). It is a simple, handy, cost-efficient means of transferring data. The devices are available in 8, 16, and 32MB capacities selling for $49.99, $69.99, and $99.99 respectively.
Contact: M-Systems, Central Park 2000, 7 Atir Yeda St., Kfar-Daba 44425 Israel, 972-9-7644901, http://www.diskonkey.com, fax: 972-3-5488666.
Book Reviews
Practical Primer for Painless Print Production, A
Beals, Stephen
This short, concise book provides the best available information to designers and other print buyers who need to prepare their files for output. Stephen Beals, the author of over 200 articles on print and Web media, has compiled the essential guide for high-end print output. All of the content is directed toward the goal of helping the print customer prepare their work properly, and understand the capabilities and limitations of the graphic reproduction process. The major topics include fonts, PostScript, file formats, color reproduction and management, proofing, and more. The book includes a helpful glossary of terms and a listing of useful Web sites.
Printers, service providers, and others who wish to give the book to their customers can benefit from quantity discount pricing and the opportunity to have their names imprinted on each copy. Inquiries should be directed to PrinTips@email.com.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0962743871
0962743871 36 pp. $12.95
Contact: PrinTips Publishing, 21 Maple Street, Seneca Falls NY 13148, http://home.rochester.rr.com/chapelstreet/printips.html, e-mail: PrinTips@email.com.
QuickTime 5 for Macintosh & Windows
Stern, Judith; Robert Lettieri
Another in the growing library of Visual QuickStart titles, this book presents a dramatically clear treatment of the various uses for Apple QuickTime 5 technology. Written in a step-by-step manner, each process and procedure is described in simple and straight forward language, illustrated with copious screen captures. The authors have also provided a useful companion Web site at http://www.peachpit.com/vqs/quicktime.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0201741458
0201741458 414 pp. $19.99
Contact: Peachpit Press, 2414 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710
How to Use Adobe Premiere 6 (Visually in Full Color)
Dixon, Douglas
An engaging, full-color, step-by-step guide to using the core set of Adobe Premiere 6.0 capabilities. Each step includes brief, easy to understand directions alongside a clearly illustrated screen shot that includes annotations and/or visual icons. The pages are uncluttered, and show, as well as can be shown on a printed page, how to accomplish video production processes and effects. The reader learns how to use the program by following the series of tasks that have been logically arranged by the author.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0672321661
0672321661 258 pp. $29.99
Contact: Sams, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.
How to Do Everything with Your Palm Handheld, Second Edition
Johnson, Dave; Rick Broida
A very complete guide to the Palm OS, including all of the built-in applications, and virtually all of the peripherals and add-ons. The authors cover all of the specialized uses and functions, from games to wireless communications, with plenty of photos and lighthearted personal insights. Even experienced users are likely to pick up several new tips and techniques, and learn about the latest Palm models and features.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0072191007
0072191007 624 pp. $24.99
Contact: Osborne McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St., Berkeley, CA 94710
Complete Reference Photoshop 6, The
Greenberg, Adele Droblas; Seth Greenberg
This massive work covers virtually every feature and capability of Photoshop 6 with clarity and detail. The authors bring a fresh perspective to learning many of the more interesting digital imaging processes, illustrating many of the image manipulation outcomes. A 16-page color insert contains examples of professional work.
The accompanying cross-platform CD-ROM contains sample images, try-out software, and Alien Skin filters.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0072131675
0072131675 791 pp. $49.99
Contact: Osborne McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St., Berkeley, CA 94710
Teach Yourself Dreamweaver UltraDev 4 in 21 Days
Ray, John
A book consisting of 21 lessons, all designed to provide the reader with the skills necessary to execute a data-driven Web application using Macromedia Dreamweaver UltraDev. Each lesson includes a quiz and exercises. The accompanying CD-ROM contains demo software and the code and examples from the book.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0672319012
0672319012 767 pp. $39.99
Contact: Sams, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.
Teach Yourself Java 2 in 21 Days, Second Edition
Lemay, Laura; Rogers Cadenhead
A tutorial course divided into 21 parts covering all topics related to Java 2 programming. The successful completion of the exercises can provide the reader with the level of expertise necessary to create professional Java applets and applications. All of the source code printed in the book is provided on the accompanying CD-ROM, as well as various editions of Java.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0672320614
0672320614 784 pp. $49.99
Contact: Sams, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.
PalmPilot: The Ultimate Guide, 2nd Edition
Pogue, David
The second edition of David Pogue's very popular book delves deeper, and covers a broader scope. The book remains the number one bestselling Palm book, containing a significant amount of undocumented information, timesaving tips and tricks, and clearly written descriptions of all Palm functions, capabilities, and major (and many minor) applications.
A significant feature of the book is a cross-platform CD-ROM containing over 3100 PalmPilot programs. The programs are organized in a searchable, sortable database catalog with auto-install features and Web links.
Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D1565926005
1565926005 624 pp. $29.95
Contact: Peachpit Press, 2414 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710
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