Testimonials
Five Star Review: IconLogic Learning Books are Amazing!
Submitted to Amazon.com on September 24, 2007 by L. Webb "Tech Writer/Reviewer"
This is the 2nd book by Kevin Siegel about Adobe Captivate that I have purchased. I'm a former teacher and have been a trainer and writer in the computer software industry for 25 years.
Regardless of the merits of any software package, there is always a learning curve for a new user. And some software companies provide better user aides and tutorials than others.
While Adobe does provide some videos and comprehensive help files, the sheer breadth and depth of the Captivate 3 product can make learning daunting, especially for a new user who doesn't have experience with the previous versions.
Kevin's learning guide takes an educationally sound approach to helping you learn the software, beginning with a simple tour, stepping you through the features and functions, offering plenty of practice opportunities, and culminating in advanced features. A CD with files to use during your learning journey is included.
While it takes time and effort to work through the manual, if you decide to follow it from beginning to end, you will be rewarded with a great overview of the software capabilities, and lots of practice experience with Captivate 3 along the way.
Comment:
M. R. Waterfield says: I agree totally. This is a huge improvement on the previous Captivate book I was using to teach from. Lots of great drills and no padding like with some other manuals. Using it will introduce you to some really useful timesavers and help make sense of some of the features that don't get flagged up by Adobe.
***
Five Star Review: A Fun Way to Learn Captivate
Submitted to Amazon.com on November 29, 2007 by Andrew Johnson
I appreciated the personal touch Kevin added to his Captivate 3 training manual and associated tutorial. It really felt more like I was learning from a fun local sage than some boring college professor's lecture. Although a Trainer, I wouldn't say that I learn as fast as other people, and I felt that the structure of this Captivate manual allowed me a little flexibility in taking the "course" at my own pace so as not to miss out on anything important. I'm now creating Captivate projects left and right with confidence and a degree of professionalism, only weeks after finishing the manual. A must-have, if you plan to use Captivate 3.
***
Five Star Review: Great Book for Learning Captivate!
Submitted to Amazon.com on November 29, 2007 by Teresa Jones
This book is great for anyone wanting to learn how to use Adobe Captivate 3. It is well thought out and you can tell the author really knows his stuff.
I would highly recommend this book!!
***
Five Star Review: What a wonderful book!
Submitted to Amazon.com on June 15, 2007 by V. Hutson
I ordered this a couple weeks ago and just got around to using it two days ago. I wasn't in a hurry because I have viewed the videos about Captivate 2 on Lynda.com and thought this book would just be review--which it isn't. As an educator I should know the difference between just watching something done and actually doing it. In this book you do the exercises--which are clearly explained step-by-step in easy bits! I'm halfway through the book and all I can say is how thankful I am that I ordered this. I've been wanting to create interactive online material for my courses for the past five years. Now, with Captivate 2 and this book I will be able to do it.
***
Five Star Review: Want to learn Captivate - Start Here
Submitted to Amazon.com on November 8, 2006 by "Paul"
I used Captivate earlier this year to make a short help video for a CD I created. I wish I had purchased this book then; my project would have been so much easier, and the product I created would have been even better.
The exercises are well thought out, and the book progresses at just the right pace. You learn a trick in one exercise that you use in a later exercise. Great reinforcement of what you learned. You start small and then build up to bigger and better things. You will be "sold" on the "hybrid project" when you are done.
The book is well written with many tips. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to LEARN how to use Captivate. This book rocks, and the projects you produce after using it, will ROCK your audience. Get ready for a pay raise when your boss sees what you can do now.
Take some time, work through the exercises, and you will be amazed what you can do. Good luck. I am extremely happy to own this book.
***
Review emailed to us August, 2006
Dear Sir,
Starting the lessons this morning, I've already learned SO MUCH.
I'm about at Lesson 15 now. It's well presented, easy and clear
and repeats just enough so it sinks in. Thank you for a job well
done.
-Sister Germaine Labrie, ODM
Five Star Review: A Great Learning Guide to the Essentials
of Macromedia Captivate
Submitted to Amazon.com
on July 20, 2005 by EJF (Huntington Beach, California)
Overall, this is a very fine resource. The contents
are spiral bound which makes it very easy to use as you are working
through the various exercises.
In regards to the exercises throughout the book, they are very
well thought out and designed to acquaint you with all the essential
features of Captivate. Such things as developing various kinds of
simulations (Training, Demo, Assessment and Custom), adding a wide-array
of interactivity and animation, as well as templates, quizzing,
and using an LMS are dealt with.
I was very pleased by the fact that all of exercises in the book
worked (Note. "Module 12: Learning Management Systems"
was slightly different because some features of the LMS changed).
It appeared that someone actually went through the book before it
was published and did all of the exercises to ensure accuracy. I
know that should be expected for every training book that is published
but as I'm sure you know this isn't always the case.
My only slight criticism was that I wished there were more references
(perhaps at the beginning of each sub-section of an exercise) as
to what file you were just previously working on. I know this seems
trivial but if you are learning Captivate within a work environment
you often have many interruptions during an overall exercise and
have to continue later. I found myself frequently having to thumb
back a few pages to remember the file I was previously working on
even if I was beginning a new sub-section of an overall exercise.
Again, this is a trivial point on my part.
To sum up, I highly recommend this book. If you are an Instructional
Designer this is must reading, especially since I believe Captivate
is going to be the main interactive, simulation software going working.
Also, if you are a training manager, I would get this for all of
your employees - even for those who aren't formally Instructional
Designers but who areSMEs developing job aids for co-workers.
***
Five Star Review: Hey Educators!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on December 30, 2005 by M. Al Suwaidi "MAMO" (AD)
This book is a MUST for 20th century Educators!
It takes you beyond Macromedia Captivate. Even if you know how
to use this application software you will need this book to help
you deliver a high quality teaching/learning experience.
Don't accept the basics, be the first to go beyond!
***
Five Star Review: Another winner
Submitted to Amazon.com
on February 16, 2005 by TestBoy1941 "Don" (Virginia Beach
VA)
This another winner by IconLogic. This is the third book I have
purchased from them. It is excellent if you want to know how to
wring every feature out of an application by a book from IconLogic.
If your boss won't buy it do it yourself. It will save you from
hours of useless efforts and make you a hero. The book shows you
how to do it. Each chapter bulids on the previous one. No I don't
work for IconLogic but I have wasted many dollars over the years
on books not worth anything. This book is worth twice what I paid
for it.
Five Star Review: Excellent RoboDemo Instructional
Tutorial
Submitted to Amazon.com
on July 29, 2004 by RudySerna (SoCal).
As an independent computer consultant, I'm always looking for ways
to learn new software applications economically and this was it.
I downloaded Macromedia's RoboDemo 5 trail version (includes eLearning)
and easily completed all lessons. This tutorial-formatted book contains
clear progressive exercises. As my personal Final Exam, I was able
to author a movie in which I repurposed a prior Word-based multi-document
Software Lifecycle Quality Assurance methodology, a complex subject.
(And, in doing so, I re-introduced myself to the value of story
boarding!) This is a great companion to The
Essentials of RoboHelp HTML X5!
***
Five Star Review: Excellent instruction for RoboDemo
Submitted to Amazon.com
on January 6, 2004 by Melodee Elliott (Irving, TX United States)
Kevin has made learning this product surprisingly easy. I appreciate
how he incorporated so many activity scenarios into the curriculum
- not an easy task. In addition to teaching this surprisingly easy
tool, Kevin has taught an artistry approach to the tool. It did
not go unnoticed.
My background is in developing end user curriculum
for a web-based knowledge management portal and am a grad student
in Instructional Systems Technology. I understand barriers to study
as a student and appreciate Kevin addressing any traps that I may
have fallen into in my studies. His instruction respects the student's
needs and I appreciate it.
Five Star Review: Very pleased
Submitted to Amazon.com
on August 14, 2006 by "lnag"
This was my first experience with a help-authoring
tool and found this workbook guided me through the options very
well. The conventions used throughout the book were easy to follow;
repetition was built into the activities; the example projects supplied
with the workbook were flawless (I did not find one error); Mr.
Siegel's writing style is easy, I felt like I was in a casual conversation
with him. I feel the level of depth covered was just right, it allowed
me to dig in without getting overwhelmed and I feel I have a good
foundation to build upon.
I strongly recommend this workbook to anyone who is trying to learn
RoboHelp HTML X5 and I will not hesitate to purchase other workbooks
by Mr. Siegel.
***
Five Star Review: Essential Workbook for new RoboHelp
users
Submitted to Amazon.com
on March 1, 2005 by khbalaska (Anchorage, AK)
This was a great workbook for learning how RoboHelp
operates. The exercises were easy to follow and quite entertaining
(meaning I didn't fall asleep) and extremely helpful. I particularly
liked the fact that each exercise has you do the example several
times (Confidence Builders) so you really get a good idea on what's
being taught. While this workbook does not go in depth (I don't
think it's meant to, being a workbook) it is an excellent starting
point. I used this workbook in conjunction with RoboHelp 2000 Bible
for more in-depth explanations. I highly recommend this workbook
for folks who are just getting into RoboHelp as RoboHelp is not
the smoothest program out on the market.
***
Five Star Review: Great Way to Learn RoboHelp
Submitted to Amazon.com
on January 18, 2005 by Donna Hue (Detroit, MI)
This book what just what I needed to untangle the
complexities of RoboHelp. The author, Kevin Siegel, walks you through
each step of creating a project, always building on the previous
lessons learned. There are many tips, confidence building activities
and clear explanations of each RoboHelp feature. Great book at a
bargain price
***
Five Star Review: Outstanding Book w/simple explanations
Submitted to Amazon.com
on July 30, 2004 by Teresa Morgan (Tulsa, OK).
This step by step book is easy to follow and leaves out all of the
boring stuff that isn't really necessary in getting the concept
being learned. This is one of the most simplistic style textbooks
I have ever used in the computer industry.
***
Five Star Review: I Learned RoboHelp X5 Successfully
& Economically
Submitted to Amazon.com
on July 29, 2004 by RudySerna (SoCal).
As an independent computer consultant, I've been interested in RoboHelp
for some time. However, the cost of enrolling in a 3-day RoboHelp
class, which seems to begin at $1,000, prompted me to research books
such as these as an alternative. And, I'm glad I did. I've found
it to be an excellent book in tutorial format! I downloaded the
Macromedia RoboHelp X5 15-day trial version and used it to complete
all assignments and still had plenty of time left in the trial version
to play with my stuff! I was also able to complete the book's End-Course
Project without having to use any of the lessons as a reference.
However, as my personal Final Exam, I wanted to see how well I could
repurpose several of my Word and PDF documents so I imported a combination
of 15 files into RoboHelp with ease. Well, somewhat with ease, the
exception being PDF files. RoboHelp creates several Header, Heading,
Paragraph and Footer styles from the PDF source during the import
process that will require some clean up, but, with a little patience,
it's easily done. Each of my documents was a minimum of 75+ pages
in length that contained several heading styles, spreadsheets, graphics,
and multimedia objects. Since I own Flash MX, and, just for grins,
I customized one of the included Flash skins and also used it. (Note:
this book is geared only towards RoboHelp.) I successfully completed
my personal Final Exam in which I had linked/cross-linked several
books/topics into a comprehensive help application. For me, this
book has been a good investment.
Feedback Received Via E-mail 12.2.03
I think the book is great! I
really liked the "get to it format" - a brief introduction
of what the user will learn, then get right to the lesson. Having
the book spiral bound made learning a breeze…I use a tilt
back book stand holder. The large text was a great idea! Additionally,
I felt that each Module built upon skills learned from the previous
one, thus increasing learning. I really liked the "Confidence
Checks" I found they helped me to pay attention more, rather
than just following along, because I knew I would have to fend for
myself with a "Confidence Check". Originally, I purchased:
David Blatner's: "Real World QuarkXPress 5". I'm sorry
to say; I didn't like the book. Before he would teach how to use
a tool he told the history of the tool and how it came to be...It
drove me Crazy!. I just wanted to learn how to use QuarkXPress not
the history of a tool. I returned the book. I later found your book
at Amazon.com. I read all the comments people had to say about your
book and they were all positive. Never having heard of your books
before made that helpful. I have to say: buying "Accelerated
QuarkXPress" is the best money I have spent on a book! I will
be purchasing more books from you in the near future!
--Scott Bulava
***
Five Star Review: Finally, a book that can be used
as a learning tool!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on January 28, 2003 by cpuglisi from Bellerose Village, NY
I have been using MS Word to
create and edit the publications that we use in our new teacher
orientation programs, but every service bureau that I approached
was reluctant to accept documents in MS Word format because of the
myriad problems MS Word's "quirks" presents them at prodution
time.
Every printing house
that I have contacted responded that Quark 5 is the industry standard,
that they preferred files in Quark, and that if I sent my files
in MS Word format I would have to pay a hefty pre-production fee
to get them ready for the press. I decided that it was time to bite
the bullet and switch to Quark.
I normally just
"dig in" and use a brute force attack when I purchase
new software. Quark has a learning curve that was too steep for
this very busy administrator. So, I checked out the reviews at Amazon.com
and "Accelerated QuarkXPress 5" looked like a winner.
I ordered it. I started using it. It is a winner! (Thank you to
the other customer reviewers.)
From the spiral
binding, the appropriate size type, and the clear print conventions,
to the clear layout and the to-the-point text, Accelerated QuarkXPress
5 has been the BEST tutorial I have even purchased.
***
Mon, 27, Jan 2003
Dear Mr. Siegel and Staff:
I am writing as an educator (after 33 years as a reading
specialist I accepted a position as the Director of New Teacher
& Paraprofessional Staff Development for the NYC Department
of Education in 2001) to thank you. I recently purchased your Accelerated
QuarkXPress 5. Finally, a book that I can use as a learning tool!
Because of the recent reorganization of the NYC Department
of Education, I will no longer have the services of the in-house
desktop publishing staff. I will have to create and revise my office’s
publications. I am familiar with MS Word, but the best service bureaus
are reluctant to accept documents in Word because of the myriad
problems it presents them. Quark 5 is preferred, and I decided that
it was time to buy in.
I normally just “dig in” and start when
I purchase new software. Quark had a learning curve that was a bit
too steep for a very busy administrator. So, I checked out the reviews
at Amazon.com and your book looked like a winner. I ordered it.
I started using it. It is a winner.
I just ordered both Dreamweaver
MX books. I have a bookshelf full of Dreamweaver books, and
they are all impossible.
From your spiral binding, appropriate size type and
conventions, to the layout and to-the-point text, Accelerated QuarkXPress
5 has been the BEST tutorial I have ever purchased. I look forward
to the arrival of my next purchase.
Thank you.
Charles Puglisi
***
Five Star Review: Fantastic, On-Target Tool for Teaching
Yourself QuarkXPress
Submitted to Amazon.com
on April 9, 2002 by David Blatty from Staten Island, NY
I recently purchased QuarkXPress
5 but was baffled by the user interface. I looked around for an
affordable training company to teach me the program. I found plenty
of companies, but it was the affordable part I found lacking. Then
I stumbled upon this book. What a find!
Let me preface what
I am about to say by telling you that I am a writer. As a writer,
I can tell you that this book is, quite possibly, the most lucid
learning book I have ever read. Short, easy-to-read, to the point
and relevant exercises highlight this modularized tutorial.
The author obviously
knows how to write in a concise manner--and he knows how to teach.
The lessons presented
in the book start you where any good tutorial should--from scratch.
You will learn how to create new, custom documents. Then you move
smartly to formatting text, working with pictures, adding pages,
working with styles, master pages and more. This book even made
quick work out of creating Web pages and PDF files.
I see that this
review has gone on a bit too long. So let me end with five simple
words: "This book is a buy!"
Five Star Review: The go-to guide for learning PageMaker
7 from scratch
Submitted to Amazon.com
on August 9, 2004 by D. B Carter "dave," Columbus,MS
This is quite possibly the best approach to a
training guide I've seen for a software program. Very concise and
clear with hands-on exercises. The graphics could be crisper, but
after a few pages, the black-and-white illustrations were not a
distraction at all. I also applaud the fact that the book is spiral
bound, which allows you to lay the book down next to the keyboard
and follow along. Using this book in conjunction with the Visual
Quickstart Guide has made me a competent, skilled PageMaker user
in just a few weeks. I highly recommend this book to anyone who
wants to learn PageMaker from scratch.
***
Four Star Review: A good way to begin learning
Submitted to Amazon.com
on May 11, 2004 by "katt2266," Goleta, CA
I had never worked with PageMaker before and wanted
to get up-and-running fairly quickly. This book helped a lot.
The lessons are clear and organized well. After
each major section there is a "lab" where you apply what
you've learned. My only complaint with the labs is that there are
not always pictures to compare your work with. Other than that I
found the book/instructions quite easy to follow and now feel that
I could begin working with PageMaker to create documents for our
office.
I will be getting another PageMaker reference
book for more details instructions but plan on keeping this one
as a quick reference.
***
Five Star Review: All The Knowledge You Need
Submitted to Amazon.com
on February 14, 2004 by tranquilraven from Libby, MT
I have read many
tech books in my career. This book was by far the best of the lot.
If you are looking for a book with lots of pretty color pictures
and no substance, this is not the book for you. I too have been
taken in by books with glitzy photos but lacked any real ability
to teach and I still find myself regretting the high dollars I spent
on them.
I will from this
point on, always check ICON LOGIC first to see if they have the
training I need. I have never experienced such matter of fact training.
I went from knowing nothing about the subject of Pagemaker to putting
together a 90 page catalog for my employer. A big plus is that when
I did have questions, I just sent an email and had an answer within
the day.
If your looking
for a book to decorate your bookshelf with, keep looking. If your
looking for training that will take you further than most tech books,
buy this book.
***
Four Star Review: Cuts to the Chase!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on July 9, 2003 by rcook155 from Dallas, Texas
I've used the Icon Logic training
manual for PageMaker 7 with great success, very easy to understand
(best format I've seen for a training manual). I'm hooked on the
Icon Logic training approach...because its hands on and it works,
nothing else available out there cuts to the chase as efficiently
as the Icon Logic manuals do.
***
Five Star Review: If you have no time but need to
learn real fast!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on November 5, 2002 by Aminah Kamble from Tacoma, WA USA
I found the book most remarkable.
Icon Logic books are truly unique!
Straightforward.....effective....uncomplicated!
I am very pleased with the book. Very practical! You get down to
business right away. Easy to understand language and fun to work
with.
I recommend this book to anyone
who has little time at their disposal but need to learn the skills
of Pagemaker real fast.
I just wanted to
take a minute to thank you for your books. A few months ago I knew
nothing about computers and even less about what I am now going
to be doing for a living! We are in the process of adopting our
twin, special needs grandsons when my husband's employer of 14 years
fired him because our boys took "too much time and energy away
from the office." Now we are in the process of starting our
own home-base business, my husband doing the sales and marketing
and I do all the graphics, etc. When first presented with this monstrous
Mac, all of the programs, and especially QuarkXPress, I felt like
jumping in the bed and pulling the covers over my head and never
coming out! I read all of the manuals, tried all of the tutorials
and still felt as though I hadn't the foggiest notion of what I
was doing. Then, as though an answer to prayer, I stumbled upon
your QuarkXPress book. Do you have any idea what the your has done
for me? I don't feel as profoundly lost as I did just a few short
weeks ago. I don't know whether our business will be a success,
but it surely has a greater chance because of you. Sorry this is
so long, but I wanted you to know how much you've helped me.
- Donna Gilbert
***
Five Star Review: The Best!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on February 11, 2000 by Sue Nickum from Fremont, CA
This book takes
you easily and astoundingly through the paces of QuarkXpress. I've
never had more fun or satisfaction learning a new tool. Kevin Siegel
presents a difficult subject with clarity and intelligence. Perfect
book for the total novice, like me, or the pro who's migrating from
another application!
***
Five Star Review: The Best Step-by-Step Quark Book
You Can Buy
Submitted to Amazon.com
on January 7, 2000 by Jeremy Glaze from New York, NY
I used several IconLogic
books to teach myself programs. This one did not disappoint. As
with all of his books, Siegel made tough subject matter seem easy.
I never felt lost or got that "hopeless" feeling. This
is the only step-by-step book of its kind. As always: GREAT JOB!
***
I just finished
learning QuarkXPress from your wonderful Accelerated
QuarkXPress book. I knew nothing about the program and nothing
about desktop publishing other than Microsoft Publisher.
-Peter Werner, Chicago, IL.
Five Star Review by Steve from Columbia, Maryland
Hey! If you're like me and have spent dozens of hours
crouching between shelves at bookstores, yanking out fat, over blown,
page heavy how-to texts--you know the kind, better suited for ultra-advanced
user manuals, or better yet--door stops? Then look into Iconlogic
Skills and Drills books. They are going to save the day for you.
And maybe even your job. They work for me.
I work as a project support person for some local
office staffing companies and depend on the quality and user-friendliness
I find with Iconlogic publications. Consummate professional trainers
and NOT tech-headed authors working for big publishers, (tech-authors
greedy for big book, high dollar sales) Iconlogic books aren't phonebook
sized texts one should ever get lost in. Iconlogic doesn't push
extraneous (worthless) information on the beginner or intermediate
student. Contrary to the frustrating and deeply discouraging "Monster
Books" I've been forced to waste time in, Iconlogic gets you
what you need to know, they give you step by step direction you
can use, from big time pro-trainers types who know the workplace
student and his essential needs.
You'll simply get a good clean finish to a good clean
start! I find myself up and running-and on to task in the project
support environment and then next I know, its payday. I did not
know Excel at all-and now I am working through the basic workload
a support assistant has to deal with but ready to easily learn more
advanced aspects of the application. All because of my new foundational
knowledge from Iconlogic. Can't complain. It's where the rubber
meets the road with these Iconlogic skills books. In what for me
was about a two week period, casually hitting it a couple of hours
a night in my spare time after work, I got the meat of what any
beginner student of an office application (in my case, Excel 2000
& Mac OS 9.0) could ask for-if he new what to ask for! The great
big "Monster Books" aren't designed (obviously...) to
get me up and running from a dead start.
The Skills and Drills series of books knows what industry
is asking for. I am a beginner student when I start something new-Iconlogic
caters to that exclusively. I understand that the Excel 2000 books
can be completed to some great extent in as little as two or three
six hour sessions. And all for a lot less than the four or five
hundred bucks I would easily spend on a training course somewhere
in the city. Beats spending a semester at a college in class, at
night too. Get it in--get it done. The BEST I have seen and--yes,
I have seen more books and bookstores then I would have liked to.
Cut to the chase--get the book.
Iconlogic stuff is awesome--it takes care of the student.
Success.
Five Star Review: Open the Door with 'Essentials
of Dreamweaver 4'
Submitted to barnesandnoble.com
by Timothy Auer, an illustrator and designer, July 15, 2002
For anyone who has
ever done their own HTML scripting, Dreamweaver is an amazing tool,
and IconLogic's 'Essentials of Dreamweaver 4' is a great way to
get started!! In a couple days go from site basics to animation
to uploading your files to a server with clear step-by-step instruction!
Also works beautifully with Dreamweaver MX on Mac OS X!
***
Five Star Review: The Doorway In
Submitted to Amazon.com
on March 28, 2001 by Stephen M. Rapp from Alpine, UT
I've got a shelf full of Dreamweaver
books. All I was looking for was that one that would get me in the
door. All the beginner stuff was clunky and confusing. I bought
this one based on reviews. But I was still holding my breath. When
it arrived I was somewhat suspicious of its utilitarian look and
feel. It looked cheap for the price. Rest assured. This is the one.
Simple, concise and yet deep enough to cover the app. After you
buy this one, go ahead and buy the big Macromedia DW4 and FW4. for
eternal reference. You can skip all the others for entry level training.
This is the one.
***
Five Star Review: Finally - User Friendly Training
Materials
Submitted to Amazon.com
on March 21, 2001 by dchilton from Washington, DC
I recently completed
training in Dreamweaver 4 and this manual, "Essentials of Dreamweaver
4: Skills & Drills" was part of the training materials.
This manual is by far more superior to other manuals on the market
today. With easy to follow exercises, user-friendly format and simple
language, ANYONE can learn Dreamweaver. I highly recommend this
and other manuals from this company for all your training needs.
Five Star Review: Best In Its Class!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on February 5, 2001 by John Roper from Boston, MA
I've used several
so-called "training books" in a futile attempt at teaching
myself a program. This book is one of the BEST! Actually, I'll go
out on a limb and say its THE BEST!
The book was coil-bound
so that I could lay it flat on my desk. The lessons were right in
line with what I needed to learn: the basic stuff! If I need a more
advanced book, I'll look for one. But I needed intro. stuff. This
book was perfect for me. Here's just one example: I was really struggling
with the concept of defining a site. This book starts you off by
having you create a new folder on the desktop. And then you make
the new folder your first site. What a concept! As you add files
to your site, the folder gets more stuff. Now defining a site makes
sense!
I said that it was
a beginner book, but it's got plenty of advanced concepts too. For
instance, I enjoyed the lessons on timelines, mouse-overs and frames.
And the lesson on FTP is very easy to understand and follow.
Well done!
***
Five Star Review: A brief Note
Submitted to Amazon.com
on February 24, 2001 by Richard Parres from Bloomfield Hills, MI
Ditto the above
five star reviews. Just want to highlight the excellent "Student
Activity" feature. These provide the drill and practice that
insure that the functions have been mastered, not just introduced.
The material on the disk and the instructions in the book are perfectly
coordinated (unlike many other book/disk offerings). Having finished
the first three modules, it is interesting to note that the exercises
in building a web site advertise the publisher's other books! <G
***
Five Star Review: Great Start for the Novice
Submitted to Amazon.com
on March 16, 2001 by Victoria Sanford from Boston, MA
I'm relatively new
to the web arena and I was hoping to find a beginner book that would
help me get jump started with Dreamweaver 4. I was not disappointed
with this book. It's first lessons begin where I'm beginning: with
nothing. Then the lesson moved quickly, but methodically through
the process of defining a site, creating pages, formatting pages,
adding links, graphics. And then the lessons move on to more complex
pages like maps, forms, frames and timelines. I loved all of it!
I think if you're looking to LEARN Dreamweaver quickly, this is
the best book you can get. It's not a bible, but a leaning tool.
And it does its job wonderfully!
***
Five Star Review: A Pleasureable Learning Experience
Submitted to Amazon.com
on March 7, 2001 by Sarah Peterson from San Jose, CA
This is the second
IconLogic workbook by this author I've used. And it's the second
time I've felt compelled to return and write a favorable review.
As far as workbooks go, this one ranks up there with the best of
them.
I downloaded the
demo version of Dreamweaver from Macromedia hoping that I could
teach myself the program. I wasn't even sure Dreamweaver was for
me (I was also thinking about buying FrontPage.) Boy was I in for
a rude awakening. Dreamweaver is wonderful, but not very intuitive
for the novice. In a panic, I ordered this book. I completed it
in a few days and found the lessons both intuitive and fun. I didn't
get stuck, not once.
Now I feel good
enough about Dreamweaver to buy and use the program.
Five Star Review: Great Way To Get Started On Writing
Submitted to Amazon.com
on March 22, 2001 by Daniel Ferguson from Reston, Virginia
Excellent Book!
After going through the exercises in the book. I have changed my
whole outlook on technical writing and instructional design. Kevin
Siegel has well thought out exercises that show you exactly what
technical writing is all about. It is a baby step book, to show
you a logical style of writing. The book lets you know what possible
things could be missing from your very own style of writing. For
years I have avoided writing and now my profession has forced me
to sink or sail. I can use every exercise in the book and apply
it in my daily activities at work as well as home. My recommendations
would for be all trainers, documentation specialist, technical writers,
instructional designers, and anyone who is hesitant about writing.
***
Five Star Review: Worth Its Weight in Gold!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on November 30, 2000 by a reader from from Washington, DC
What can I say?
I'm thrilled. I'm ecstatic. I was able to quickly go through this
great book and actually learn all kinds of things. First of all,
I am a graphic designer who was thrust into the world of technical
writing and desktop publishing, (and I went into this world terrified,
kicking and screaming). I'll admit that I didn't even know what
a technical writer was.
The first part of
the book (it's written in a tutorial format) introduced me to the
concept of technical writing. There are examples and challenges
showing how to write technical documentation. I never realized how
much what I wrote was written in the passive tense. That's no longer
a problem since there's an effective lesson on passive versus active
sentences. Now I know to stick with active sentences.
The first part of
the book was great. Now I've got the confidence to be a technical
writer.
As great as the
first part of the book was, it's the second part of the book that's
worth its weight in gold. There are step-by-step activities on using
Word, FrameMaker and Robohelp to actually produce technical documentation.
I'll actually be able to use the FrameMaker template that came with
the book for my own user manuals. The author has saved me hours
and hours of work.
The Essentials of Dreamweaver 3.0
Five Star Review: One of the best manuals I've ever read
Submitted to Amazon.com
on January 10, 2001 by Edward Rogers from Erie, PA
After completing
this manual, the reader will have learned all the basic ingredients
required to produce attractive web pages. The task of creating and
using frames is presented as simply as the task of creating various
types of links between pages. In little time, the reader can be
experimenting with numerous possibilities in the world of web page
creation. Kevin Siegel is an author who knows how to teach!
***
Five Star Review: Very Good Beginner Tutorial
Submitted to Amazon.com
on September 14, 2000 by a reader from Ohio
I have now read
both Siegel's "Essentials of Dreamweaver" and Wyman's
"Dreamweaver HOT" cover-to-cover. My grade for each: A+++++.
But it is not possible to compare the two books as I've seen several
reviewers do here. They strive to achieve different results.
The Wyan book is
more detailed and has more advanced information. Which is GREAT!
It showed some Dreamweaver features I never knew existed. The lessons
are not, however, all step-by-step. Siegel's book is a beginner,
step-by-step tutorial that mirrors what you'd expect if you took
a beginner Dreamweaver course at a training company or community
college. With one exception: I took a month-long course at a local
community college and didn't learn nearly as much as I did in the
"Essentials of Dreamweaver" book (which I completed on
my own in a few days).
If you want to master
Dreamweaver, buy this book, Wyman's and the DW Bible. Getting that
many books is certainly is a big investment; but you'll have vast
resources as you master this wonderful authoring tool.
***
Five Star Review: Phenomenal approach!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on August 16, 2000 by a reader from Lakewood, CA USA
I had a bad start
with this book. It came in a spiral binder and looked more like
the cheapy type of workbooks one would get from a class. But boy,
I was reminded real quick of the old adage that one cannot judge
a book by its cover because this book was certainly worth its weight
in gold!
I admire and respect the ability of the author to present the steps
so logically (and perfectly -- no mistakes!) that I had an absolutely
easy time with this book all throughout!
I knew nothing about
Dreamweaver 3 other than it being a Web Development tool, and this
book got me off to an excellent start in terms of familiarization
with its graphic interface and salient features/functions. Yes,
I now have enough know-how to build a rather decent web site using
Dreamweaver 3 from this book alone!
I liked the animation
section because I never thought I'd be able to do something like
that so easily!
I applaud the adeptness of the author in his talent for instruction.
This book has planted its seeds, and I know I will flourish from
the excellent start this book has given me. I certainly hope the
author will make a series of these in a graded fashion, as I certainly
would follow it!
***
Five Star Review: Best Dreamweaver Tutorial I've
Seen!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on June 26, 2000 by Yoni Rorzorio
If your reason for
buying a Dreamweaver book is to learn quickly, I'd recommend this
one highly.
It's a superbly paced, step by step tutorial that actually taught
me what I needed to know about DW3 in a few hours!
I was very happy
to see that the data files are available for download online. This
was essential to me because I lost the data disk before I even had
a chance to start the lessons. :(
Well done iconlogic!
***
Five Star Review: Wow!
Submitted to Amazon.com
on June 21, 2000 by Jeff Kilmer from Chicago, IL
Pardon me while
I get my wind back! I just got my socks knocked off by this book.
Great lessons. This is the the perfect tutorial for learning an
even greater program. Thanks Macromedia and thanks ikonlogic. A
great partnership.
What was the best
part about the book? The exercise on frames! It made sense. I've
wanted to set up a similar scenario for some time and now I can.
The ping pong tourney was also a blast. I'd love to know who won!
The information
on FTP was also very helpful.
Five Star Review: "The Next Best Thing to a Live Training
Session"
Submitted to Amazon.com
February 7, 2001 by Rick Alfaro
from Sacramento, CA USA
While this book
is probably not suited to the needs of an experienced RoboHELP user,
it is an excellent book for someone who needs to learn the basic
functionality of RoboHelp 9 Classic quickly. I changed jobs and
needed to use RoboHELP Classic to maintain Winhelp documentation,
a task with which I had no experience. Because there is a dearth
of training classes on RoboHELP 9, I turned to this book. I am very
glad I did! Combined with the included CD, this book takes you on
a working tour of the application, allowing you to work hands on
with a small project to give you a working familiarity with all
of the features needed to work with a new or existing help project.
Moreover, the CD supplies all of the source files--text, graphics,
etc.--needed to work the examples. You're not distracted creating
source files for the exercises; all you need is included on the
CD.
While the price
may seem steep for a seemingly thin, spiral volume--it is well worth
every cent if you need to get up to speed on this application fast.
It's content is deep; there are no frills. You may initially be
deceived my its modest layout and production values, but don't be!
It's the real thing.
QuarkXPress 4 Beginner Level Training Classes using IconLogic's
QuarkXPress Beginner Book
This was the best
class I've taken. Kevin Siegel's enthusiasm, coupled with his obvious
command of the software made this an extremely positive experience.
-Cynthia Swan
Awesome class! Very
easy to follow. I learned a lot in 2 days. -Melanie
Myers
Awesome from the
beginning to the end. Teaching process was very well put together.
-Pat Harris
IconLogic books
have proved invaluable in real-world use. Thank You!. -Esther
Ferington
Five Star Review: Good Book - Unusually Helpful
Submitted to Amazon.com
March 19, 2000 by johnwebwriter
from Freeport, Maine
I went out of my
way to enter this review, because as I used this book to learn RoboHTML
2000, I often shook my head and thought: this is so well done that
I've got to get back to say: Good job! The information is very well
organized and laid out. All the steps were well thought out (some
typos, but they didn't get in the way). A lot of books, like those
24-hour ones, advertise themselves as teaching you an application,
but this book really, truly taught me the application. I'm a tech
writer with 12 years experience, and I've got to say that a truly
effective book is a wonderful and not common thing. This book exposed
me to all the parts of RoboHTML 2000, and made me go through some
steps to learn just enough of the various parts so that I'll be
able to go back and put the skills to use. NOTE: This book was obviously
not written quickly, but is the product of users really learning
how to do the tasks. You can tell because the instructions "think
of everything." Really, I wasn't left hanging in confusion
once. Good job!
PowerPoint 98 course taught at a community college using IconLogic's
Essentials of PowerPoint 98 book
I have just completed
the PowerPoint class at Foothill College. I think your training
book is superb. It is easy to read and follow! -Nancy
Atkinson
Four Star Review: Nearly perfect
Submitted to Amazon.com
May 24, 2000 by Louis Levin from Baltimore, MD
I wish it was longer,
but that is a minor quibble in view of the fact that this is the
step by step, hands on primer I have been searching for on this
subject. Highly recommended to the beginner or intermediate. Perhaps
Kevin Siegel will consider adding FrontPage2K and Paint Shop Pro
6 in this much needed style.
Five Star Review: It Delivers!
Submitted to Amazon.com
April 27, 2000 by A reader from Dallas, Texas
This workbook actually
delivers on its promises. The book's brief description sounded good,
but I relied on a customer's review for making my final selection
of this book over others. I was right to do so. This book taught
me more than I thought possible. The labs at the back of the book
are just an added bonus.
Learn and Enjoy!
Five Star Review: Just Right For Me!
Submitted to Amazon.com
February 8, 2000 by Jeb Steward from Seattle, WA
Finally! A book
that says a lot, teaches you a lot, and is actually easy to use.
I saw that the advertisers of the book says you can finish in two
days. I found that hard to believe. But it was true. I finished
the whole book. Did every activity. I was very happy with the labs
that were included. I would rate this book a 10.
Five Star Review: Excellent Workbook
Submitted to Amazon.com
December 9, 1999 by a reader from Seattle, WA
I was very surprised
by the depth and quality of material covered in this book. I'd recommend
this book and author highly.
RoboHelp HTML Beginner Level Training Class using IconLogic's RoboHelp
HTML 2000 Book
I thought it was
a fantastic class. Very interesting. It gave me an incredibly detailed
discussion of RoboHelp. Just 2 days and I feel very comfortable
with the application. -Amy Mathison
From zero to 10
in 2 days! -Siobham Smith
I just picked up
the RoboHelp Classic manual at FedEx this morning. It is terrific.
It's possibly the most lucid manual I've ever seen -- leaps and
bounds better than any I've used in an actual seminar. I'm going
into my unexpected work situation well-prepared for success.
- Marty Perego
Thank you for your
book. It arrived in good order and condition on Monday. That's what
I call service! I must say your books are very well laid out, easy
to read and practical. I used to write manuals for many years. I
must admit that yours are superior. -Dennis
Frankel
I couldn't attend
a scheuled RoboHelp HTML training class so I purchased your book
instead. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. I've been a technical
writer for 16 years, during which I've written a lot of online help
and training manauls. I can honestly say this is one of the most
well-organized, "friendliest," and best books of its typs
I've ever come across. In fact, I plan to show it to some new hires
so they can use it as a model to create something similar. -Julie
McIntyre, Senior Information Developer
I really enjoyed
your HTML book. It was exceptionally well put together. Oozing with
efficiency. I wish more instructionals were so considerate of the
stuggling student/user. Great book. Thanks. -Steve
Parry
This class made
me want to go back and dig right in to my job. I have more confidence
in what I'm doing now! -Lisa
Conway
RoboHelp HTML 7.0
Five Star Review: Excellent Instructions for RoboHelp
Users
Submitted to Amazon.com
March 20, 2001 by Lynne Brown from Athens, AL
When our company
purchased RoboHelp, I began a search for a very user friendly guide
to teach me this product, as quickly and easily as possible. I decided
to give RoboHelp 7.0 HTML Edition 2 Days by Kevin Siegel of IconLogic,
a chance. I am very thankful I did!! The guide was easy to follow
and I thoroughly enjoyed each session. Kevin has broken his material
into sections which enable the user to gain confidence, and a sense
of accomplishment, in a short period of time. Kevin Siegel's style
is such that you honestly believe he is talking to you and his helpful
tips and comments give insight that will definitely save you time
and energy. As I went through the guide I was constantly calling
my fellow workers into my office to show them what I had just learned
about this giant product, RoboHelp, in just one day. As time has
progressed, I have kept the guide handy for quick reference, and
today purchased the book Kevin has written for version 9.0. I look
forward to his guidance, drills and personal insight! Thanks for
a great guide!!
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