Recent Titles as of 4/9/2010
Windows 7 Essential Training
In Windows 7 Essential Training, David Rivers helps users of any level feel comfortable with the improvements and enhancements found in Microsoft’s operating system. From simple navigation through the updated graphic user interface, David shows how to install or upgrade and get the most out of Windows 7. He covers using the new Internet Explorer 8 and boosting a computer’s memory with the ReadyBoost tool. He also highlights hardware configuration options and explores the advances made connecting a home or work system with Windows Live, the cloud-computing environment made available for Windows 7 users.
Running Time: 6:33
Migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7
For those who held on to Windows XP and skipped Vista, Migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 demonstrates how to update the OS with ease. Instructor David Rivers takes a step-by-step approach to transferring files, saving settings, and determining the best data migration option for any system. David has organized the course around three key tasks: pre-installation to complete on an XP machine; the actual installation of Windows 7; and post-installation, to get any remaining files in place and ensure the hardware is connected. Along the way, he offers tips and tricks for a smooth transition from Windows XP to Windows 7.
Running Time: 1:06
Migrating from Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007
Outlook 2007 offers some major enhancements over Outlook 2003, and in Migrating from Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007, author David Rivers explains how to successfully migrate to the 2007 version of Microsoft’s email and calendaring client. Office 2007 features covered in this course include viewing the contents of an email without opening it, sharing a calendar, and recording macros to automate repetitive email tasks. Step-by-step instructions show how to transfer Outlook 2003 email messages, calendars, tasks, and contacts to Outlook 2007 for a smoother transition between the two versions.
Running Time: 0:59
Migrating from Word 2003 to Word 2007
Upgrading from one software version to another can sometimes be a difficult transition. In Migrating from Word 2003 to Word 2007, author David Rivers explains the benefits of switching to Word 2007 from Word 2003. The course covers key differences Word 2003 users need to understand, including the new Ribbon interface and the new Office Open XML file format.
Running Time: 1:03
Excel 2007: Formatting Data
Making important information presentable is what sets successful business reports and presentations apart from staid, unintelligible data. In Excel 2007: Formatting Data, author Dennis Taylor shares simple and powerful tips for making information readable and understandable, including automation techniques that take the drudgery out of formatting even the largest amounts of data. This course covers techniques for accentuating and emphasizing specific cells and adding style and readability to worksheets.
Running Time: 3:08
Excel 2007: Introduction to Formulas and Functions
Excel 2007: Introduction to Formulas and Functions shows how to build impressive spreadsheets with the application’s built-in capabilities. Excel expert and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Curt Frye shares his vast knowledge of Excel, demonstrating how to build various arithmetic and statistical analysis formulas. Curt explains how to summarize values in sets of cells, create conditional formulas using IF and other related functions, and use validation rules to make data entry more accurate. He even teaches how to search for data within a list or table using the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions.
Running Time: 2:26
Excel 2007: Financial Analysis
Numbers and financial data drives today’s business world and Excel 2007: Financial Analysis can help decode this information. The proper understanding of these numbers, and the formulas behind them, can be the gateway to corporate and personal success. Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) Curt Frye teaches basic fluency in corporate finance, enabling users to see the meaning behind essential financial calculations. Curt explains how to review formulas to ensure they have the proper inputs, and shows how to interpret formula output. He also covers how to calculate leverage ratios and amortization and depreciation schedules, as well as forecast future growth.
Running Time: 2:18
Excel 2007 Power Shortcuts
In Excel 2007 Power Shortcuts, Adobe product manager and designer Michael Ninness, shows many of the tips and tricks he’s picked up throughout his career to make Excel work for him. Michael starts with his top ten shortcuts, then continues with tips for navigation, cell selection, formatting, and data entry. He shows how to make a sheet easier to read by shading every other row, and demonstrates how to remove hyperlinks from selected cells. He explains how to get basic statistics from the Status bar, and introduces the ever-useful AutoSum keyboard shortcut. This course is filled with useful tips for anyone who uses Excel to track projects, create spreadsheets, or build forms.
Running Time: 2:04
Excel 2007: Pivot Tables for Data Analysis
In Excel 2007: Pivot Tables for Data Analysis, Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Curt Frye helps dispel the common fear of the Pivot Table feature, by demonstrating how to use this powerful tool to discover valuable business intelligence. Curt shows how to create Pivot Table reports from internal Excel data and outside data sources, use filters to focus on the most important data in the sheet, and make visual presentations of data using Pivot Chart reports.
Running Time: 2:45
Migrating from PowerPoint 2003 to PowerPoint 2007
In Migrating from PowerPoint 2003 to PowerPoint 2007, author David Rivers explains the key differences between PowerPoint 2007 and PowerPoint 2003 and the benefits of upgrading to the 2007 version of Microsoft’s presentation software. The course covers the new Office Open XML file format, changes to the PowerPoint interface, and how to perform common tasks in PowerPoint 2007 versus PowerPoint 2003.
Running Time: 0:54
Word 2007: Creating Envelopes and Labels
In Word 2007: Creating Envelopes and Labels, instructor David Rivers shows how to use Microsoft Word to address, format, and print envelopes and labels. Whether to a single recipient or multiple addresses, timesaving techniques are shown that result in crisp and elegant correspondence. This course covers how to create a recipient list within Word or retrieve an existing contact list from Outlook, and then use the list in Mail Merge to address labels or envelopes. Other topics include customizing labels with graphics, printing electronic postage, and dealing with common printing errors.
Running Time: 2:36
Migrating from Access 2003 to Access 2007
In Migrating from Access 2003 to Access 2007, author David Rivers explains the key differences between Access 2007 and Access 2003 and the benefits of upgrading to the 2007 version of Microsoft’s database design software. The course covers key differences Access 2003 users need to understand, including the new Ribbon interface, database templates, the improved Layout View and the new Open XML file format.
Running Time: 0:49
Google Apps: Gmail Essential Training
There is much more to Gmail than meets the eye. In Google Apps: Gmail Essential Training, expert Google Apps trainer Susan Cline shows how to streamline the communication process using this web application’s advanced and hidden features. Susan shows how to create filters to manage the flow of messages and demonstrates Gmail’s powerful search function, which can find messages with just a click. She describes how to customize the inbox to match any communication style, and organize names and email addresses using the Contact Manager.
Running Time: 2:27
Google Apps: Docs Essential Training
Cloud computing applications are becoming an integral part of personal and professional computer use. In Google Apps: Docs Essential Training, Susan Cline shows how this web-based application allows users to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and forms that are stored online and accessible from any computer. She demonstrates how Google Docs makes managing multiple copies of a document worry-free, because every version is stored securely online in the Doc List. She also describes how to grant viewing and editing rights, and then easily publish and share documents with anyone.
Running Time: 4:07
Google Apps: Calendar Essential Training
In today’s busy world, immediate access to an updated and web-viewable schedule is more important than ever. In Google Apps: Calendar Essential Training, expert Google Apps trainer Susan Cline shows how anyone can use this web-based application to manage personal and professional schedules. She shows how to invite attendees and assign resources for any event with the Scheduling tool, and how to monitor attendee responses from within the application. Meetings and events can also be accessed through other calendar applications, like Outlook and iCal. She even covers how to perform all actions with just a keyboard, so editing the calendar is a snap!
Running Time: 2:39
Picasa 3 Essential Training
Organizing images and showing them to friends and family are the most important functions of a successful photo-sharing program. In Picasa 3 Essential Training, Dane Howard demonstrates how the latest upgrade of this free program from Google will allow photographers to organize, share, and edit digital photos more easily and effectively than ever before. Dane shows newcomers and experienced users how to archive and share photos from a desktop or online.
Running Time: 3:42
Acrobat 9 Pro: Creating Multimedia Projects
Acrobat 9 Pro has the ability to integrate JavaScript, multimedia, and Flash within interactive PDFs. In Acrobat 9 Pro: Creating Multimedia Projects, Brian Wood teaches web developers, graphic designers, and anyone else how to use Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro. He shows how to create visually exciting PDF presentations, documents, and interface elements for distribution on the web, on CD/DVD, and via email. Brian explains the difference between embedded and linked media elements and shares several JavaScript examples that relate to all aspects of multimedia.
Running Time: 6:19
Captivate 4 Essential Training
Adobe Captivate 4 is an industry leader in screen capture and development training technology. In Captivate 4 Essential Training, Tim Plumer, Jr., shows how to use this program, along with its multifaceted screen capture tools, to its fullest potential. Starting from scratch, Tim demonstrates how to create a presentation using video, text, voiceover, music, and more. He even covers how to create e-learning tests and assess the results.
Duration: 7 hours
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard New Features
Mac OS X has been rewritten from the ground up, and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard New Features highlights all of the most important and user-relevant aspects of this release. Experienced instructor and lifelong Mac user Garrick Chow introduces current Mac users to the improvements in the latest OS. While not a complete overhaul of the operating system, this update does address a fair number of internal systems and external user features. Garrick explores all of these updates, including enhancements to the Finder and the Dock and a completely revamped QuickTime player. He shows the wealth of improvements to built-in applications like Safari, Preview, iChat, and Mail, and explains the updated 64-bit support within Snow Leopard.
Running Time: 1:36
Office 2008 for Mac: Small Business Projects
In Office 2008 for Mac: Small Business Projects, author and business owner Maria Langer shows how anyone can build a small business with the tools provided in Microsoft Office 2008. Maria teaches the concepts as she creates documents that every business needs: business cards, letterhead, contact records, and invoices. She demonstrates how the Office applications contain all the functions and features needed to build a strong company identity and communicate with customers. Throughout the course, Maria gives tips from the perspective of a successful small business owner, highlighting the features that she uses every day.
Running Time: 5:22
Numbers '09 Essential Training
Numbers offers intuitive organization features, allowing users to focus more on analysis and presentation. In Numbers ’09 Essential Training, David Rivers explores the important features of this spreadsheet application and introduces the new tools for formula development and charting. He walks through the new functionality of charts, tables, and templates, and shows how to make spreadsheets effective and eye-catching.
Duration: 4 hours
Excel 2008 for Mac: Pivot Tables for Data Analysis
In Excel 2008 for Mac: Pivot Tables for Data Analysis, Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Curt Frye helps dispel the common fear of the Pivot Table feature, demonstrating how to use this powerful tool to discover valuable business intelligence. Curt shows how to create Pivot Table reports from internal Excel data and outside data sources, use filters to focus on the most important data in the sheet, and prepare a Pivot Table report by applying formats and rules
Running Time: 1:06
iMovie ’09 Essential Training
iMovie ’09 is a powerful video editing tool that is part of Apple’s iLife suite. In iMovie ’09 Essential Training, Damian Allen takes new and intermediate users through the steps to create professional-looking video. Damian covers the whole editing process, from importing audio, video, and image files to adding text and graphics. He also teaches several ways to share a finished piece with others.
Running Time: 2:22
iPhoto ’09 Essential Training
iPhoto ’09 transforms the way photo libraries are organized with its new Faces and Places features. In iPhoto ’09 Essential Training, instructor Damian Allen reveals how to make an iPhoto library easily searchable using the new automated facial recognition technology, and he demonstrates how to organize and find photos based on where they were taken using geotagging. He explains in simple terms the process of professional editing and color correction, and the best way to share photo collections both online and through professional books, calendars, and cards. Exercise files accompany the course.
Topics Include:
Importing images from a camera, iPhone, or files
Learning how to navigate in iPhoto
Creating events and Smart Albums using Faces
Searching for images using keywords
Quickly adding location data to photos using Places
Creating stylish travel maps for photo books
Retouching, correcting, and enhancing photos
Building calendars, greeting cards, and custom photo books
Sharing photos on Flickr and Facebook with a few simple clicks
Running Time: 3:00
GarageBand ’09 Essential Training
Amateurs and professionals alike can use GarageBand to produce and share great music. In GarageBand ’09 Essential Training, composer Damian Allen shows how GarageBand has broadened the spectrum of musical possibilities and made composing more accessible, even for beginners. He explains the basics of how GarageBand’s tracks work with the loops provided, then discusses recording live instruments, working with the new virtual guitar rigs, creating custom loops, and playing GarageBand’s built-in software instruments. He also demonstrates how to apply processor effects and use the application’s audio editing tools to mix and master a final song. Exercise files accompany the course.
Topics Include:
Creating a project from scratch
Making music instantly with Magic GarageBand
Learning the guitar and keyboard with the lessons in GarageBand
Using piano and orchestral and analog synth software instruments
Mixing tracks for a balanced composition
Working with the new stomp boxes and virtual guitar amps
Effectively applying reverb, echo, compressors, and EQ
Exporting and sharing compositions
Running Time: 4:30
Pages ’09 Essential Training
In Pages ’09 Essential Training, David Rivers teaches many creative, time-saving features that will help both experienced and first-time users of Apple’s word processing and page layout tool. David explains how to get started by customizing the user interface; then shows how to create unique, eye-catching documents using the text tools, templates, and styles in Pages ’09. Exercise files accompany the course.
Topics Include:
Working with images, shapes, and text boxes
Setting up auto-correction preferences
Integrating Pages seamlessly with the iWork suite
Formatting and inserting tables into documents
Inserting equations with MathType 6
Importing charts from Numbers
Sharing documents with iWork.com
Adding audio and video features to documents
Running Time: 4:50
Keynote ’09 Essential Training
Keynote is Apple’s iWork application for creating effective and impressive presentations. In Keynote ’09 Essential Training, presentation designer Craig Syverson teaches new and experienced Keynote users how to apply this program to its full potential. Craig demonstrates the entire creative process, from building basic slides with text and images and using the new built-in themes, to distributing the final product. Exercise files accompany the course.
Topics Include:
Exploring the user interface and the media browser
Inserting graphics, photos, and animated effects for eye-catching results
Using the Presenter Display to help in the final presentation
Adding audio with the Narration function
Applying 2D and 3D transitions, including the new Magic Move
Linking charts with Numbers ’09
Using the Keynote Remote iPhone application to present a slideshow
Collaborating on iWork.com
Running Time: 4:25
iWeb ’09 Essential Training
Anyone looking for a fast and easy way to build a great web site can use iWeb to bring together and post photos and videos that were created using other iLife ’09 applications. Instructor Garrick Chow demonstrates the basic functions and the new features of this application in iWeb ’09 Essential Training. Garrick shows how to create and publish everything from basic web pages containing text and images to more involved pages with video. He also demonstrates how to create blogs and podcast pages. Exercise file accompany the course.
Topics Include:
Manipulating and adjusting images directly in iWeb ’09
Using built-in widgets to add interactivity
Importing movies from iMovie
Creating photo pages from iPhoto
Managing multiple sites
Using MobileMe with iWeb ’09
Blogging and podcasting
Publishing a site via FTP
Running Time: 3:30
Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac Essential Training
Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac Essential Training highlights the important features of this comprehensive image editing application. Photographer Jan Kabili shows how to use Photoshop Elements 8, along with its companion program, Bridge CS4, to organize and edit photos, build projects like web galleries and photo collages, and share photos with family and friends. Jan dives deep into the application’s editing tools, which rival those of the full product, Photoshop, in their ability to take snapshots and turn them into great photos.
Running Time: 6:41
Bento 2 Essential Training
Bento is a personal data organizer for Leopard that provides a place to store any information Mac users might want to collect, track, or connect. In Bento 2 Essential Training, database expert Cris Ippolite introduces the concept of databases to Bento users and demonstrates techniques for getting data into the application. He describes the features of Bento that allow Mac users to create libraries and Smart Collections for all sorts of information, and he shows how to use calculation and media fields.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Final Cut Pro 7 Essential Training
Final Cut Pro 7 Essential Training demonstrates why Final Cut Pro is the primary tool for professional video editors. It gives users access to nonlinear editing workflows, collaboration features, and creative tools. Apple Certified instructor Abba Shapiro teaches the core features and tools that will take a hodgepodge of video clips and turn them into a finished project. He moves through the entire process, from selecting and refining the best takes to building a story. Using advanced editing techniques, he shows how to refine that story into a tight and effective show. Abba covers all the steps needed to get up and running, cut a story, mix audio, and deliver a final project.
Running Time: 6:24
Final Cut Studio Overview
Full production studios and one-man shops alike need to learn the features of Apple’s professional suite of video and audio production applications. In Final Cut Studio Overview, author and Apple Certified Instructor Damian Allen gives a crash-course in this all-in-one solution for any video studio or freelance editor. Damian gives a quick look into each application in the studio, highlighting selected new features for experienced users. From video editors, color graders, motion graphic artists, and movie scorers, there is something for everyone in Final Cut Studio Overview.
Running Time: 2:51
Web Design Fundamentals
Web Design Fundamentals is a survey of Web design and development techniques and technologies, fundamental concepts, terms, and best practices involved in professional web design. Instructor James Williamson examines popular web development tools, server-side software solutions, content management solutions, and cloud-based software, providing a high-level overview of the world of Web publishing.
Running Time: 2:37
Creating a First Web Site with Dreamweaver CS4
Creating a First Web Site with Dreamweaver CS4 shows the basics of doing just thatbuilding a first web site. Adobe Certified Instructor Paul Trani walks through the important steps of creating a web site from concept to publishing, using Dreamweaver CS4. He teaches how to create basic web pages, add text and image content, use Cascading Style Sheets for design and layout, create a photo gallery, and even check the final site for browser compatibility. He also demonstrates how to create a contact form to encourage viewer feedback on the site.
Running Time: 2:41
Dreamweaver CS4 with CSS Essential Training
In Dreamweaver CS4 with CSS Essential Training, web developer and Adobe Master Instructor James Williamson teaches the fundamentals of CSS while focusing on how to use Dreamweaver to efficiently create and manage styles. He shows how to use Dreamweaver to resolve style conflicts; how to use new CSS-related features such as Live View; and the best way to create lightweight, site-wide style sheets.
Running Time: 12:07
CSS Positioning Best Practices
Web designers and coders will be introduced to techniques to improve their results in CSS Positioning Best Practices. Beginning with a brief review of CSS, instructor Bill Weinman demonstrates how to position elements on a page using CSS instead of tables. He then goes step by step through the process of using CSS positioning to lay out pages that have traditionally been laid out using HTML tables.
Running Time: 2:32
CSS for Developers
CSS for Developers is designed to give a working knowledge of CSS to web developers and coders who already have a firm grasp of XHTML/HTML and want to harness the power of style sheets to take their web sites to the next level. Instructor Bill Weinman reviews CSS fundamentals, including the benefits and limitations of the language, and then dives straight into creating styles. This course covers how to format text, images, and backgrounds; how to position elements on the page; and how to apply styles, both inline and via an external style sheet. CSS best practices and browser support issues are also addressed.
Running Time: 4:02
Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows Essential Training
Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows Essential Training highlights the important features of this comprehensive image organization and photo enhancement application. Photographer Jan Kabili shows how to use Photoshop Elements to organize and edit photos, build photos into projects like slideshows and photo books, and share photos with family and friends. Jan explains how to train Photoshop Elements 8 to recognize and tag faces, use the Smart Brush for targeted adjustments, and share photos using Adobe’s online service, photoshop.com. She also dives deep into the application’s editing tools, which rival those of the full product, Photoshop, in their ability to take snapshots and turn them into great photos.
Running Time: 8:50
Photoshop CS4 One-on-One: Mastery
Photoshop mastery can be elusive, but in Photoshop CS4 One-on-One: Mastery, best-selling author and video trainer Deke McClelland teaches the most powerful, unconventional, and flexible features of the program. In this third and final installment of the popular and comprehensive series, Deke delves into the strongest features that Photoshop has to offer, including scalable vector graphics, Smart Objects, and Photomerge.
Duration: 13.25 hours
Photoshop CS4 Power Shortcuts
Photoshop CS4 offers an abundance of helpful shortcuts and hidden tricks that allow designers and photographers to get more done in less time. In Photoshop CS4 Power Shortcuts, Michael Ninness reveals hundreds of tips to boost productivity, including the top 20 power shortcuts every Photoshop user must know. He covers strategies for better document and panel management, and offers techniques for becoming quicker and more nimble when using layers, adjustment layers, and layer masks.
Duration: 6.5 hours
Photoshop CS4: Image Compositing for Photographers
In Photoshop CS4: Image Compositing for Photographers, senior trainer Jan Kabili demonstrates how to take photographs to the next creative level using image compositing techniques in Photoshop. Jan starts with a basic compositing workflow: how to choose images, move layers from one file to another, use Smart Objects to transform photos, blend photos with layer masks, and resize and sharpen the results. She then reveals her methods for blending images into a composite for a seamless look. Photoshop’s powerful blending features, including Auto-Blend, the Advanced Blending sliders, and layer knockout, are explored. Jan also shows how to handle common multiple-image situations, such as panoramas, bracketed exposures, and HDR photos.
Running Time: 2:47
Photoshop CS4: Layer Masks in Depth
In Photoshop CS4: Layer Masks in Depth, senior trainer and photographer Jan Kabili takes an in-depth look at using layer masks to create professional-looking image composites and make targeted photo corrections. Jan examines some common situations in which layer masks are the key to creating convincing image composites. She demonstrates practical ways to enhance photos with layer masking, including masking adjustment layers and Smart Filters to affect part of a photo. She explains how to use layer masks to combine different exposures of the same scene, and teaches how to work with vector masks to achieve a clean, graphic look.
Running Time: 4:20
Photoshop CS4: Smart Objects
Photoshop CS4: Smart Objects explores the creation and use of Smart Objects, one of the most technically demanding tools in Photoshop. Deke McClelland walks through the four primary purposes of Smart Objects, and focuses on one of their most practical advantages, non-destructive transformations. This feature allows any object to be manipulated in any way, while still maintaining its original pixel information. Finally, Deke shows how to crop compositions without affecting a single pixel, even in masks.
Running Time: 8:10
InDesign CS4: Typography
InDesign CS4: Typography explores the numerous type options, type-related features, and type-specific preferences of Adobe InDesign CS4. Using practical, real-world examples, instructor and designer Nigel French explains the purpose of each feature and describes the conventions for how and when to use it. Nigel dissects the anatomy of a typeface and defines the terminology needed for the successful application of typography. He moves from the micro to the macro level, addressing such issues as choosing page size; determining the size of margins; adjusting number columns; and achieving a clean, structured look with baseline grids. This course is essential for anyone looking to expand their work from just laying out a page to understanding the hows and whys of typography.
Running Time: 7:04
InDesign CS4 Power Shortcuts
In InDesign CS4 Power Shortcuts, Adobe product manager and designer Michael Ninness reveals hundreds of tips to boost productivity, including the top 20 power shortcuts every InDesign user must know. From placing multiple images to the hidden power of Quick Apply, each one of these videos covers an important topic, and includes just the right amount of information to make anyone a true InDesign power user. InDesign users are always looking for faster, more efficient ways to do everything, and this course offers just what they're looking for.
Running Time: 6:28
InDesign CS4: Interactive Documents and Presentations
A frequent question from designers is how can they apply their print design skills to create digital and interactive content. InDesign CS4: Interactive Documents and Presentations helps answer that question. Adobe product manager and designer Michael Ninness shows print designers how to use InDesign by itself and in conjunction with Acrobat and Flash Professional to lay out and design a wide range of digital documents. Michael provides a tour of digital publishing trends, showing real-world examples of what can be achieved through InDesign. He creates a slide presentation with transitions and live hyperlinks, and then builds an interactive portfolio that can be used with prospective clients.
Running Time: 4:57
Premiere Elements 8 for Windows Essential Training
In Premiere Elements 8 for Windows Essential Training, instructor and videographer Jeff Sengstack shows how this application can be the only one needed to view and edit video files and share them with family and friends. Jeff shows how to start a new project, set up the workspace, and arrange clips on the Timeline for an initial video take. He teaches how to apply specialized video effects, like Motion Tracker and the Effects Mask tool, to build more than just an average family video. He also covers how to add narration, music, transitions, and titles to a final movie.
Running Time: 5:06
After Effects CS4 Beyond the Basics
In After Effects CS4 Beyond the Basics, Chad Perkins explores advanced techniques for working with motion graphic elements, animation, color correction, and more. Chad provides tips for working more efficiently, and then moves on to advanced effects, detailed masking techniques, and real-world expressions. Integrating Photoshop into the After Effects workflow is also highlighted.
Running Time: 8:49
Flash Player 10 New Features
In Flash Player 10 New Features, Adobe evangelist Lee Brimelow highlights a number of the useful advancements and new capabilities in Flash Player 10. He walks through how to set up a system for development and testing, and he shows how to use the new Pixel Bender tools to create beautiful filters and export them to Flash. Lee covers the new sound and drawing APIs, which can be used to add real-time audio effects and UV texture mapping to any project. He explores new features that can take any Flash developer’s skills to the next level.
Running Time: 4:00
Creating a Portfolio Web Site Using Flash CS4 Professional
Flash and ActionScript are ideal for creating flexible, easily updatable web sites that are both unique in design and small in file size. In Creating a Portfolio Web Site Using Flash CS4 Professional, Adobe Certified Instructor Paul Trani shows how to exploit Flash to create a web site that showcases work to clients and prospective employers. Find out how to add dynamic navigation, animation, and video to a page, and how to load, sort and display XML that enables portfolio content to be updated without opening Flash. This course is designed to take your existing tweening skills and gotoAndPlay code and walk away with a fully functional Flash site.
Running Time: 4:04
Flash Builder 4 and Flex 4 Essential Training
Adobe’s open source programming framework, Flex SDK, combined with Flash Builder (formerly named Flex Builder) simplifies and streamlines the process for building rich internet applications, or RIAs. Author David Gassner explores the newest release of this powerful toolset in Flash Builder 4 and Flex 4 Essential Training, explaining critical information for developers who are upgrading from Flex 3, but also for those who are new to RIA development. The course culminates in the development of a complete application, integrated with a PHP application server and a MySQL database.
Running Time: 10:25
Getting Pro Results from a Compact Camera
Compact, point-and-shoot cameras are convenient, travel-ready, and inexpensive. They’re also more capableand complexthan ever. In Getting Pro Results from a Compact Camera, photographer Derrick Story shows how to use a compact camera to take photos that rival those of far more expensive cameras. Derrick shows how to get the most out the camera’s lens as you shoot wide-angle, telephoto, and even macro shots. Derrick also discusses the camera’s exposure system and clarifies the differences among ISO settings and scene modes. He also shows how to get the best pictures in a variety of lighting conditions, including making judicious use of the flash to supplement existing light.
Running Time: 1:01
Facebook Essential Training
Facebook has become an essential communication, collaboration, and marketing tool. In Facebook Essential Training, instructor Susan Cline shows how to navigate the world of social networking and put one’s best face forward online. She covers the basics, starting with creating a profile and finding and adding friends. Susan then explains how to communicate with friends via status updates, wall posts, chatting, and sharing photos, videos, and web links. She also touches on the delicate subject of removing friends and respecting other people’s privacy online. The advanced features, including permissions that control what other members can view or comment on, add-in applications, and dedicated Facebook groups, are what make Facebook so popular, and Susan covers them in detail.
Running Time: 3:18
Flickr Essential Training
With its multifaceted organizational and editing tools, Flickr takes sharing photo collections online to a new level of ease and creativity. In Flickr Essential Training, professional photographer Derrick Story goes step by step through the online interface and the functions so anyone can upload, edit, and set captions for their photos. Derrick also demonstrates how to set up collections to make photos easier to find.
Running Time: 4:09
Drupal 6: Online Presentation of Data
Drupal’s built-in data presentation tools offer several ways for web designers to clearly and attractively package their data. In Drupal 6: Online Presentation of Data, Tom Geller explains how Drupal handles data so users can set up intelligent structures and implement them with Drupal’s Content Construction Kit. Tom also shows how a data-driven web site can improve its interactivity by using geographic data to connect real-world addresses to maps
Running Time: 6:08
Creating an Online Resume: Hands-On Training
In Creating an Online Resume: Hands-On Training, interactive design professor and enthusiastic educator Laurie Burruss teaches how to produce an online resumeand create a first web site in the process. Laurie suggests structure and information needed to create a winning resume, and shows how to design the pages with simple typographic principles and effective layouts. She explains how to use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and control the design and structure of HTML documents through hands-on development.
Running Time: 2:40
Illustrator CS4 One-on-One: Advanced
After learning the fundamentals of drawing and reshaping paths in Adobe Illustrator CS4, the fun really begins. In Illustrator CS4 One-on-One: Advanced, the second installment in the popular One-on-One series, computer graphics expert Deke McClelland explores some of Illustrator’s most powerful and least understood features. He shows how to merge simple shapes to create complex ones with the Pathfinder palette and how to align paths to create schematic illustrations. Deke explains how to paint fluid, multicolor fills with blends, Gradient Mesh, and the new and improved gradient tools. He also explores seamlessly repeating tile patterns, blobs and brushes, and imported images. He wraps things up with a look at one of the deepest features in Illustrator, transparency.
Illustrator CS4 One-on-One: Fundamentals is a recommended prerequisite for this course. Look for the third part in the series, Illustrator CS4 One-on-One: Mastery, later this year.
Running Time: 12:55
2D Character Animation
All animators must learn to walk before they can run. In 2D Character Animation, industry expert George Maestri teaches the basic principles every animator must know to build a foundation for more complex work. These principles are relevant regardless of software used or animation style. George explains how good animation depends on a firm knowledge of the laws of motion, which inform the principles of animation. He teaches the basics of creating characters, squash and stretch, pose-to-pose animation, walking and running, track reading, and dialogue animation. He also shows how to use After Effects and Flash to apply the tools learned in the course.
Running Time: 5:51
3ds Max 2010 Essential Training
In 3ds Max 2010 Essential Training, instructor Steve Nelle provides a thorough introduction to the techniques needed to take an animated project from start to finish. Steve provides new users with everything they need to know to get up and running, while offering experienced users plenty of tips and tricks they can apply to improve their productivity and workflow. He walks through the program’s newly designed interface, details how to create both simple and complex objects, and shows how to bring things to life through a variety of keyframing techniques.
Running Time: 15:29
3ds Max 2010 Textures and Materials
3ds Max 2010 Textures and Materials with instructor Steve Nelle takes an in-depth look at the art of creating lifelike skins and textures for three-dimensional surfaces using 3ds Max, one of the world’s most widely used 3D packages. This course covers popular material and shader types, including mental ray ProMaterials, methods for properly positioning maps, and some of the lesser-known advanced features of the Material Editor. Techniques are demonstrated using three practical project examples.
Running Time: 7:44
Google SketchUp Pro: Tools and Techniques
Google SketchUp Pro: Tools and Techniques shows professional users of Google’s popular 3D modeling software how to create compelling 3D graphics. Author George Maestri focuses on the features available in Pro that make SketchUp a valuable design tool. He demonstrates the new Dynamic Components and shows how using them can add interactivity to a model. He teaches how to create custom Dynamic Components from models, which is a feature unique to Pro. He also explores SketchUp Pro’s companion application, LayOut, a presentation tool that retains the editability of models even when they’re embedded in documents. Last but not least, George shows how to export and import objects to and from other programs, such as AutoCAD and 3ds Max.
Running Time: 2:25
AutoCAD 2010 Essential Training
AutoCAD 2010 Essential Training covers the most important features of this industry-standard 2D drafting and design application. Professional designer Jeff Bartels begins with a tour of AutoCAD’s interface and the tools used to create basic shapes. He then focuses on the methods used to modify and refine geometry while emphasizing accuracy and good habits to build a solid design foundation. Jeff shows how to use layers, line types, and colors to organize a drawing file and explains how to efficiently annotate a design and prepare it for final output. Throughout the course, Jeff shares techniques used in the industry and reinforces the lessons with practical examples.
Running Time: 6:51
Maya 2010: Getting Started with MatchMover, Toxik, and Backburner
One of the most powerful 3D applications on the market, Maya 2010, now includes three complimentary bundled applications: MatchMover, powerful camera matching software; Toxik, a node-based compositor; and Backburner, a network rendering manager for Maya, 3ds Max, and Toxik. In Maya 2010: Getting Started with MatchMover, Toxik, and Backburner, instructor George Maestri demonstrates how to use these applications with Maya’s existing powerful feature set to create engaging 3D animations.
Running Time: 2:12
ColdFusion 9 Essential Training
ColdFusion 9 Essential Training is a detailed overview of ColdFusion, demonstrating each of the components and tools necessary to create dynamic web sites and web applications. Author and web developer David Gassner starts this course at the very beginning: how to set up a ColdFusion application server in both the Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. Using the new ColdFusion Builder, David explains the data types and code necessary to build and deploy dynamic web pages. Throughout the course, he shows how to build web pages and forms and populate these containers with dynamic data using ColdFusion ORM (Object Relational Mapping), a new feature of ColdFusion 9.
Running Time: 7:21
XHTML and HTML Essential Training
In XHTML and HTML Essential Training, Bill Weinman helps designers and coders understand XHTML and HTML. In the process, Bill covers document structure, block and inline-level tags, floating images, controlling white space, phrase and font markup, and tables and frames. He even provides a good introduction to CSS. Bill offers step-by-step guidance for building a complete working web site.
Running Time: 4:34
CGI Essential Training
CGI Essential Training highlights the skills required to build common gateway interface (CGI) scripts that allow web forms to interact with applications on a web server. Instructor Bill Weinman explains how these scripts can be used for simple interactive applications written in any programming language. Bill shows how to use CGI to set up an HTML template with hidden fields for use with a web server application.
Running Time: 1:33
ASP.NET Essential Training
Thousands of businesses have used ASP.NET to build professional, dynamic web sites. In ASP.NET Essential Training, web developer David Gassner demonstrates the tools needed to build and deploy a dynamic site using ASP.NET 3.5. Covering everything from installing and configuring Visual Web Developer 2008 and SQL Server 2008 Express, to creating web form pages, this course is designed to give beginning and intermediate developers hands-on experience.
Topics Include:
Storing data with SQL Server 2008
Using the GridView control to present and edit dynamic data
Creating a data entry system
Attaching external CSS files
Creating pages to log in and authenticate visitors
Installing Internet Information Services on Windows XP and Windows Vista
Deploying an ASP.NET web site on IIS
Running Time: 6:00
MySQL Essential Training
MySQL is by far the most popular database management system for small- to medium-sized web projects. In MySQL Essential Training, instructor Bill Weinman provides clear, concise instruction in the tools needed to create and maintain a database. Bill explores the different data types MySQL supports, and the functions it provides, enabling the user to get the most out of them. He even shows the MySQL PHP interfaces that can be used to create web applications.
Running Time: 2:46
Ruby Essential Training
In Ruby Essential Training, expert instructor Kevin Skoglund teaches the fundamentals of Ruby, the popular object-oriented open-source programming language. Kevin begins by walking through the basic data types, demonstrating Ruby’s control structures (loops, iterators, conditionals, and code blocks) and showcasing the elegant syntax structure of the language. Kevin explains variable scope and shows how to use methods, arguments, and return values to write efficient code. After covering the fundamentals, Kevin focuses on Ruby’s object-oriented features. He shows how to define classes and explores OOP concepts, including instances, attributes, access control, and inheritance.
Running Time: 6:54