Books for/about - macintosh

Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
Authors: Amit Singh

ISBN: 0321278542
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Stunning
Wow. This book is amazing. If you are a Mac developer, Operating system fan, or Macintosh lover then buy this book. I'm reading it cover to cover and loving it! Great job!

Summary: Horrible braindead DRM - get the hardcopy edition!
Buyer beware - the electronic download is DRMed, and will not download to a Mac. Utterly useless - get the hardcopy instead.

Summary: A technical tour-de-force
"MacOS X Internals" is the first book introduced since the advent of OS X that focuses on the low-level details of the MacOS in a way that will give technical people, ranging from geeky end-users to hardware-level programmers, a thorough and fascinating tour of the MacOS. This book is not for "average" end users; it is not an introduction to how to use a Mac. Nor is this book for people looking to get started programming on the Mac; there are plenty of books designed for new Mac developers. What "MacOS X Internals" tries to be is something unique: a guide to the MacOS from the bottom up, and it hits this mark very well.

"MacOS X Internals" can be roughly divided into three parts: a technical history of the MacOS, a review of the MacOS firmware and booting process, and a technical tour of various parts of the OS itself (such as interprocess communication and the file system, to pick two at random). The first section will appeal to any technically-included user of the MacOS, the latter two are aimed more at programmers, although there is plenty there to increase the knowledge of anyone with a strong technical bend, whether they have coded before or not. The MacOS history is a detailed trip down memory lane from the very first post-Next developer builds of MacOS X right up to Tiger and beyond. The features introduced in each OS are described in detail with emphasis on technical and "under the hood" changes. The author is clearly an enthusiast as well, as he frequently sprinkles entertaining bits of trivia in with the meat of the main narrative.

Moving on from the historical sections to the present, author Amit Singh gives a blow-by-blow description of the process of the Mac booting. If you have ever wondered exactly what the Mac is doing as the power flows and the grey apple logo appears, this is for you. Everything from the sequence of initial power-on tests, to the bootloaders and Open Firmware onto the higher level unix boot process are covered in detail. Of special note is the extensive coverage of Open Firmware, which is much more then a merely the "BIOS" of a PowerPC Mac. Singh describes many activities that a system programmer can do in Open Firmware, including making a draggable windowing environment and even programming the famous "Towers of Hanoi." Unfortunately, this book was mostly finished before the Intel Macs arrived on the scene, and while there is a section on the EFI (extensible firmware interface) that is the "BIOS" of all Intel Macs, it is not nearly as deep as the Open Firmware section (updated information on EFI and other topics can be found on the author's web site at http://osxbook.com/).

Roughly following the guide to the MacOS booting, Singh delves into the meat of OS X's Unix underpinnings, describing how the MacOS really runs "under the hood." This section covers all the expected topics, including the kernel, interprocess communication, and memory is very thorough fashion, with tons of code snippets all clearly explained. This will be especially useful for readers who are familiar with how other Unixes work behind the scenes, as Singh frequently and helpfully points of the areas where MacOS differs from other flavors of Unix. There is a great section on the various file systems that OS X supports, which is notable because other then a simple list, I have never seen this information in a book with such detail. The section of the primary OS X filesystem, HFS Plus, is very useful for both developers and power users alike.

"Mac OS X Internals" clocks in at 1641 pages in the end, and is over two inches thick. I was thoroughly impressed by this book. The author's technical knowledge, as well as his enthusiasm and skill at presenting these topics is excellent. It's hard to find anything negative to say about this book other then the the above-mentioned need to have more information on EFI (which isn't the author's fault, it was a matter of timing). I do wish the book came with an electronic version, as this would have made searching and copying the code snippets much easier. There is a coupon included for a time-limited trial of online access to the text, but I would prefer that a PDF be included on a CD with the book, even if this required an increase in the price (you can buy an electronic version on Amazon, but this is separate from the print version). These minor complaints aside, I cannot recommend "MacOS X Internals" enough. It is the finest technical book on MacOS X yet published, and puts Apple's own technical documentation to shame in comparison. If you are a highly technical end user of developer, this book belongs on your shelf.

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The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)

Publisher: New Riders Press
Authors: Scott Kelby

ISBN: 0321330625
List Price: $39.99
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Perfect for getting specific jobs done
This book isn't a great general overview of Photoshops capabilities or a theoretical explantion to understand the underpinings of the program. I've bought books like that and still not known what is the best way to convert a color photo to black and white. This book provides an extensive list of real-world issues that photographers have to deal with using Photoshop and step-by-step ways to deal with those problems. It is perfect for those of you who want practical, usable advice to change and improve digital images using this extremely powerful, complex program and don't need to understand Photoshop theory.

Summary: Photoshop reference manual
I found this book to be a great "Go To" book while working in Photoshop. I have not tried to read it from cover to cover.

Summary: Learn From the Master and Enjoy The Journey
Wow! Now I know for sure, that I can be a successful digital photographer and enjoy the journey along the way, because the way has been paved with this book!!!

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	Mac OS X Tiger: Missing Manual Publisher: O'Reilly Media Authors: David Pogue
ISBN: 0596009410 List Price: $29.95 Amazon Price: $18.87 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: GREAT MANUAL! This manual is awesome for all your mac needs. It really has so much detail and anyone can use it to fix most problems on their mac. It has really been useful since I purchased it about a month ago. Has really helped with startup issues (not that Macs have very many). And for general use, it contains great details about how to use OS X and the programs that come with it! Would definitely recommend for all Mac users, especially beginners! Summary: The Best Tiger Manual -- Stand up and applaud this book After reading this book, I felt like I had to stand up or at least applaud. It was really a masterpiece: extremely comprehensive, easy to understand, expertly organized. The missing manual series by O'Reilly claims to be "The book that should have been in the box." This book is to computer manuals what iPods are to digital music. Powerful, yet easy to use The book is designed for someone who has never used Tiger before and is not all that familiar with the Mac either. Unlike a dummies book, he doesn't talk down to you and respects the fact that you can learn things if shown how to use them. This book doesn't just cover Tiger, but also covers the iLife application suite: iMovie, iDVD and iTunes. In fact, I really don't consider this just a Tiger manual. It's really a iMac User's Guide, covering pretty much every aspect of your new Macintosh. Have a problem with your Mac not working right? There's a great troubleshooting section at the end of the book. The index and table of contents is well organized so you can focus on the sections you want to learn more about. For example, if you don't use classic applications (most people don't) then skip over the section. Finding out how to burn a music CD or setting up your email was very easy to find and understand. No aspect of Tiger was left unexplained. The book even explains how to use the voice recognition software..something I've never played with but always wanted to learn how to use Personally, I thought the coverage of Mac to PC and PC to Mac networking was great, since so many people live in mixed computing environments. The major complaint I think some people might have about this book is it's big. Over 800 pages can be a bit intimidating. I showed it to a customer and their response was: " I thought Macs were so easy to use?" Even though it is easy to understand and find the information you want, I wouldn't suggest it as the first manual to a new Mac user. I still think Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger: Peachpit Learning Series by Robin Williams is the best beginners book for Mac users. She really walks people through every step with bright colorful pictures. The ideal user of this book is someone who understands the basics of Tiger and their Mac but says "I don't think I'm using my Mac to it's full potential." After reading this book, they'll have a complete arsenal to understand any aspect of their Mac. Pros: The ideal book for Tiger users: complete, detailed, and easy to understand Cons: Not designed for brand new users with no previous Mac experience, the amount of information may seem overwhelming Summary: Good but not Great I recommend this book for most intermediate users but if you really want to everything, there isn't information here. Summary:

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Adobe Photoshop CS2 One-On-One (One-On-One)

Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Authors: Deke McClelland

ISBN: 0596100965
List Price: $39.95
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 4
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Summary: Very Good Book -- Beginner's Perspective
I knew nothing about Photoshop when I purchased this book. I found the DVD-book combo to be quite helpful. The book can be used as a series of lessons done sequentially or you can use it to find techniques to solve particular problems, so it makes both a good coursebook and a good reference book.

The one thing missing in the book for me as a beginner has been commented on by others, and that is the "do this then do this" approach to achieve a result. An example is enhancing photos through levels where you are told to make particular changes. After it is over you are told that you figure out how to make the best changes by moving and nudging levels until the image is optimal. A better approach would be having the reader make the less than ideal changes and having Deke point out what is "wrong" with the result.

For a beginner, one of the challenges of Photoshop is learning not just how to use the program but learning how to see the changes, or learning to develop a "Photoshop eye." This is mostly what is lacking in the book. However, there are places where this issue is addressed, including the section on the burn and dodge tools.

Overall I am very pleased with this book and found it to be well worth the money spent. In addition to getting across the basics, it has made using Photoshop enough fun that I am now experimenting with more artistic rather than utilitarian techniques.

Summary: complaint
After ordering and receiving the book ,Iwas somewhat displeased with the fact that I had to go out and buy DVD drive in order to use the DVD that was included as part of the study process.
It would seem to me that I should been notified of this before I ordered the book.
I now have the book,the DVD ,and no place to go unless I buy
a DVD drive for from 60-200.00.
I don't think that my comments are unreasonable.Do you?
LarryH

Summary: Adobe Photoshop CS2 One-on-One Book Review

Title: Photoshop CS2 One-On-One Review
Author: Deke McClelland
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596100965
Pages: 475
Reviewer: Michelle LaRock
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Holding an aversion to any type of user manual as indecipherable and confusing, I have found "Adobe Photoshop CS2 One-on-One" by Deke McClelland to be an extremely user friendly and interesting way to learn more about my favorite program Photoshop.

The books is arranged into 12 logically ordered lessons, allowing the more experienced user to skip what it not needed and to hop ahead to new things to learn. I found this a wonderful way of setting the lessons up and I resent working through training books only to find that I could have written the lesson rather than taken the lesson. Consequently, this book is great for users at all skills levels

The easy to use enclosed CD makes the lessons vibrant and interesting. The sidebar, "Pearls of Wisdom" are excellent allowing the reader to pick up those pro tips we all wish we had someone around to explain and teach. Of course, you won't learn all you need to know about Photoshop in this book or any other, but the hands-on experience available in this book is just what I needed to learn. I've never been able to read a manual and figure out a program. Hands-on is the way to go for me so I found this book particularly helpful.

Perhaps those who learn by reading (as some of my colleagues do), will find this book frustrating, but it was just the ticket for me!

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Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative Use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC

Publisher: Focal Press
Authors: Martin Evening

ISBN: 0240519841
List Price: $44.95
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 4
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Summary: Very useful book
I had a good working knowledge of Photoshop before reading this book. I'm only halfway through, and I'm learning a lot of very practical tips that I will be able to apply to editing my portrait photographs.

I only gave it a four because the order seems odd to me. The introduction to layers is several hundred pages into the book, I thought that didn't make sense.

Summary: Poorly Organized and Hard to Follow
Superficially Evening's book appears to be all that anybody would ever need about Photoshop CS2. In fact, it is an impossible introduction for people making the jump from a simpler program, say Elements 3.0.

The organizational structure is poor.

Many ideas are used before they are explained, a fatal flaw as a text, tho' excusable in a pure reference volume. But "For Photographers" claims to be a text and not a reference.

Terms are slipped in for somewhere without adequate definitions.

And neither the table of contents nor the index are detailed enough to help somebody find most detailed topics.

I bought Scott Kelby's book after putting Evening's on the shelf, probably for good. Kelby gives the info a photographer making the jump to CS2 requires, although his language is famously just a bit to glib.

Summary: Wonderful introduction to the new version
I have some experience with Photoshop - but I'm hardly an expert. I bought this book when upgrading from CS to CS2. I found it to clearly and concisely cover all the basic tasks that you would want to do, such as color correction (with any of several different techniques), sharpening, cropping and so on.

It's the best book I've read on the topic (I have five in my library).

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	The Macintosh iLife 06 Publisher: Peachpit Press Authors: Jim Heid
ISBN: 0321426541 List Price: $34.99 Amazon Price: $22.04 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: the Mac iLife '06 Once again Jim Reid has out done himself. This is a very easy guide book to follow the newest of the iLife family. With the exception of the neglected DVD this time around, it does explain everything you need to know about getting into the iLife world. It is very good for the novice. Totally recommended. Dwayne in CA Summary: Superb This book has so much to offer, it is almost impossible to review. Anyone new to the iLife programmes this book is a must. Not only is it a fantastic "how to " book but it also tells you why. One of my pet hates in reading so many "how to" books is the constant referral to items and illustrations on other pages. Not so with this book! Jim has managed to keep almost all of his tips and tricks on a visual two-page spread which makes reading a pleasure. (Perhaps why I am so fond of many of Scott Kelby's books) The layout and lavish illustrations throughout are truly superb and make this book a must have for anyone wanting to learn everything about the iLife '06 programmes Summary: Simply the best book on iLife (even without a DVD) Heid's book continues to be the best book on Apple iLife 06. It is beautifully designed and truly comprehensive. A real pleasure to read, see and learn from. The companion DVD, present in all previous editions, was a very useful tool. It is too bad that the author had to let it go this time. However, I must admit that I own most of the previous editions but did not spend much time on their DVD. His book is simply that good. You will not be disappointed. It simply sets the standard on how books should be made. A great book by a great author. Be ready to have fun. Summary:

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Apple Pro Training Series: Advanced Logic Pro 7 (Apple Pro Training Series)

Publisher: Peachpit Press
Authors: David Dvorin

ISBN: 0321256077
List Price: $49.99
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 4
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Summary: Covers everthing
This is a goodf book. But the lessions were not as fun as they could have been. But if you want content and relative ease of understanding, it here.

I've read better learning books, though.

Summary: Recommended
Being a long time Logic user, i still happen to not utilize the App to it's fullest. What I like about this book, is the Structure, with the chapters and the Tasks to fulfill. So it get's me closer to a streamlined workflow.

Summary: Apple Logic Pro 7 Training Level 1 is Essential knowledge
Very good for beginners, or more experienced users who are switching to Logic from another platform. The lessons are very basic, but they provide the backbone of how Logic works, and help speed up the workflow quickly. Recommended.

Summary:

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FileMaker Pro 8: The Missing Manual

Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Authors: Geoff Coffey Susan Prosser

ISBN: 0596005792
List Price: $34.95
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Summary: VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Are you a programmer that has been working with FileMaker for a while? If you are, then this book is for you! Authors Geoff Coffey and Susan Prosser, have done an outstanding job of writing a book that explores each feature in depth, offers shortcuts and workarounds, and explains the ramifications of options that a FileMaker Pro manual doesn't even mention.

Coffey and Prosser, begin by exploring FileMaker Pro's interface; and, show you how to perform basic tasks, like entering data and then sorting through it again. Then, the authors show you how to use layouts to make data entry easier and how to create layouts that list and summarize your data. They continue by showing you how to create, connect, and manage multiple tables and how to set up complex relationships that show you just the data you need to see. Next, the authors show you how to use FileMaker Pro's 200+ functions to do the math for you. Then, they show you how scripting works, and learn how to make scripts for people to use. Finally, the authors show you how to protect your database with a password and how to use privileges to determine what folks can do once they get into your database.

FileMaker Pro comes in several flavors, and this excellent book addresses them all. Each chapter contains live examples--step-by-step tutorials that help you learn how to build a database by actually doing it!

Summary: The only book you will need to learn FileMaker Pro!
I have developed many database applications in other software programs. FileMaker is quite different from the rest, so I had to learn "by the book" to understand many of Filemaker's unique features, so I purchased Filemaker Pro 7 Bible and Using Filemaker Pro 7. The Bible book was totally useless, giving you details for beginners and lots of useless text for someone who already understands database development. The Using books gives details, both not a straight forward approach to developing a database.
But once FileMaker Pro 8: The Missing Manual came out (the first to cover version 8), I purchased it. To my surprise, it was so well written and loaded with practical advise, that I have read to book from end to end. It has excellent examples that I have used in the application I am developing for my company. I continually go back to the book for refreshers to concepts I learned in the book. The other two books hardly get touched!
If there is one book to buy to learn FileMaker Pro, this is it!

Summary: FileMaker Pro8
Touted as the "missing manual" I was expecting good guidance on concrete applications. I bought the software with the primary intent of converting various large Excel files into a database. The manual is large on theory and small on concrete help. My efforts to convert Excel files failed so often that I finally gave up trying. The book was of no help.

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