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Dreamweaver CS3: The Missing Manual |
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Description of program or book:
This is the fifth edition of Dreamweaver CS3: The Missing Manual. Most importantly, it provides step-by-step tutorials that are concisely worded for beginners to master site design. In addition, it provides in-depth references and actual examples of Dreamweaver’s under the hood abilities for the more experienced gurus.
The book includes: 26 chapters, two appendices and an index divided into seven sections:
Section 1, "Building a Web Page", provides you a guided tour of Dreamweaver by building a actual web page.
Section 2, "Building a Better Web Page", explores advanced CSS and HTML coding.
Section 3, "Bringing Your Pages to Life", teaches you how to work with forms. It explains Dreamweaver behaviors and how to work with Flash.
Section 4, "Building a Web Site", introduces you to site management.
Section 5, "Dreamweaver CS3 Power", shows you how to take advantage of many of Dreamweaver's time-saving devices such as Snippets, Libraries, Templates and tips on automating and customizing Dreamweaver.
Section 6, "Dynamic Dreamweaver", explains the step-by-step directions to make your sites dynamic.
Section 7, "Appendixes", gives you resources on finding help when you need it and walks you through Dreamweaver CS3 menu-by-menu.
Strengths:
The strength of the book is the actual missing manual cd. Or I guess I should say the websites that replace this cd. It is terrific to have websites dedicated to the updating, error corrections, and step-by-step tutorial materials and finished products. I spent many an hour working through the tutorials all the while referencing the websites in the projects. The only improvement I could see was to clone David S. McFarland to sit beside me while I worked.
Weakness & Limitations:
If I had one wish, I would ask to have a few splashes of color added throughout the book.
I would also like to see it available in a spiral bound version so that one could fold back the pages when doing the various step-by-step tutorials.
Comments:
The Missing Manual books have long been a favorite of mine in that their content is well organized, the text is clear and concisely written, and the design or layout of the book is appealing to the eye. This book is a visual compass that will help both the beginners and experienced gurus navigate the intricacies of the much enhanced program.
Ratings:
*****Excellent ****good ***average **weak/acceptable *poor
Ease of installation:
Format or size of book: ****
Ease of use:(reading) *****
Documentation: *****
Product support: *****
Packaging: *****
Index: *****
Graphics: ***** (well balanced between mac/pc)
Sound: n/a
QuickTime usage: n/a
Color: *** some color would be great
Overall rating: *****
Appropriate for: _X__Business _X__Education _X__Personal
Reviewer: Linda McNeil is a Pa. media specialist. Linda teaches several online and classroom courses to adults/teachers for the PA Dept. of Education. Linda is also a professional artist and she maintains her own website (www.brushcolor.com) and several blogs. She is a member of MACS@PACS, MACBUS, MLMUG, National League of American Pen Women, TriState YA Review Committee, and other organizations.
