Macromedia Director MX 2004 Bible

I was recently taking a college course where we were required 2 use Director. The course didn't have a required book but I picked this one up anyway. This book has been a godsend 2 me. So many times I wondered "how would I do such & such?", & a quick glance inside the book gave me answer after answer. The book is very well layed out, & well indexed. The descriptions are well written, & there are plenty of screen shots 2 remove any doubt about what you have 2 do 2 accomplish various things. It is perfect as a reference & if you are using Director, you'll want it on your bookshelf, believe me.

I have a copy Macromedia Director 8 Bible from the same authors, & thought I might learn new Director capabilities like Flash Componets, 3D Lingo, & Javascript syntax from this new edition. To my great disappointment their treatment of these topics is on the verge of nil. Almost nothing compared 2 tutorials one can find on the web. Avoid this book if you are looking 4 information on the new capabilities of Director MX 2004. As a matter of fact, there isn't any single volume that satisfactorily treat all these new stuff. There are some very good books on Director 3D, but none on Flash Components & Javascript syntax. You are still on your own when it comes 2 these topics. Good luck.

I bought this one along with the "Macromedia Director MX & Lingo: Training from the Source". Although I do recommend this 'Bible' title (Director is the type of software you need al the reference you can get), I must say this should be used only as a good reference book. For a logical & easy 2 follow training approach, go with the 'Training from the Source'.

And, if you can't or don't want 2 buy any extra book, only one, then I'll have 2 say buy the other. As most of the 'Bible' collection titles, this is the type of book you'll only use 4 consultation as it's very unpractical 2 use as a training textbook.

I rated it 2 stars only because my project is primarily with the Shockwave 3D portion of director. There are lots of wonderful 3D things you can do with Director since it has an excellent cross platform 3D engine (if you can figure out how 2 use it). However this book won't help you 2 do that. Since Director itself does not document this or provide tutorials, you have 2 seek this information out on your own.

I usually don't buy books 4 software programs, but the lack of online resources 4 Director had me searching 4 a book. I've been going through the book starting at Chapter 1, & it has been extremely helpful. Director isn't as daunting as it once was...well at least until I get 2 the scripting chapter :)

* The ultimate guide 2 creating professional presentations 4 CDs, DVDs, kiosks, Web sites, & desktop computers with Macromedia Director
* Step-by-step tutorials & reference resources help both novices & experienced users get the most out of Director
* Completely revised 2 cover enhancements 2 Director, including new support 4 Flash components, new ECMAScript language (based on the same standard as the popular JavaScript & ActionScript), improved dynamic & server-side support, & new 3D support & tools
* Covers both Windows XP & Mac OS X platforms & discusses working in the authoring environment, production & editing, programming with Classic Lingo, controlling assets & movies with scripts, & much more
* Bonus CD-ROM includes source files & finished projects (still images, audio, & videos) from the tutorials in addition 2 valuable trial software & freeware