Books For Design Programs

[smitdavi]

I would just like to have everyones opinion on the best books for such programs like PS, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, HTML, JAVA, etc.. I would like to build a library of such manuals. Also I would like to have some opinions on books for OS X or just the best books for the MAC.

::Maybe this could be a sticky. If this thread is somewhere else my apologies.


David

 

[Blue Velvet]

I'll only comment on the graphics stuff 'cos that's what I know.

I tend to divide graphic software books into 2 categories, both of which have value depending on your requirements. It's often good to have both kinds...

The first kind is the tutorial sort, where a disk may come with the book or sample files are on a website. These usually have step-by-step lessons that take you through a structured, deliberate course of lessons that introduce you to the workspace in a methodical way. The Adobe 'Classroom in a Book' series being a perfect example... however these are usually not too in-depth but are particularly good if you have never used the application before. This is where I started with Illustrator, working up to other stuff later...

The second kind is the 'Bible' where every technique, setting, and feature is discussed & explained. Far more indepth but less user-friendly for novices, they supplement the first kind when more detailed knowledge is required. They're the kind of books that you tend to dip into to refresh your knowledge on a particular technique. David Blatner is a highly recommended author of this type of book...

Sitting on my desk at work are: MacWorld Bibles for Pshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and David Blatners 'Real World QuarkXpress'. In fact, I also recommend the 'Real World' series...

They're just handy when you're looking for that obscure keyboard shortcut or technical info.

EDIT: As far as Mac books go, the two most valuable ones I've purchased are OS X: The Missing Manual by David Pogue and Mac OS X Help Line by Ted Landau.

 

[decksnap]

While most of the design programs come with books, these are not really 'jump right in' style books. they are good, in depth reference though usually. (ie. Flash actionscript dictionary) I would recommend the 'Visual Quickstart Guide' series for jumping straight into PS, Ill, Flash, etc. they are quite good at dropping down the basics for you to hit the ground running.

 

[MILESAR]

Same issue here...
I have the adobe CS (illustrator,indesign,etc.)

now looking to build a nice library of books to help me out with the power of these programs. I am fairly experienced in these, so a beginner book may be a little frustrating, but I will still learn from them too.

goal is to buy a line, so all programs have the same brand of book (Im weird like that)

any ideas? I'm still looking.

Cheers!

 

[Pittsax]

Unfortunately, the only "line" of books for Adobe CS I've come across are the Classroom in a Book series by, guess who...Adobe. As someone else mentioned, they're not the greatest, and they're a bit overpriced, IMO. All the other ones tend to leave out one or two of the modules (usually either GoLive or InDesign).

As far as general apps go, I recommend the Missing Manual series. I've bought a couple of their books, and they've all done what I've asked of them. The Mac OSX one made my switch from PCs completely painless (I'm sure just the act of switching had an analgesic role as well).