Fun with Digital Imaging: The Official Hewlett-Packard Guide

This book caters to the burgeoning group of people who are experimenting with computer images for the first time as a result of digital photography and scanning. Fun with Digital Imaging: The Official Hewlett-Packard Guide explains what image files are, provides a little bit of information on how to modify them, tells how to include them in publications, and offers ideas on sharing them with others. There's a shortage of information on specific hardware and software--several products receive brief mentions--but the many illustrations (including a color section) are sure to spark your imagination.

The bulk of the book is a catalog of digital-imaging projects. This is just the ticket for parents and children looking for something to do on the computer without resorting to games. The projects are like what you'll find in traditional craft books--they include family newsletters, homemade wrapping paper, scrapbooks, and party invitations--but with a PC alongside the scissors and paste. Again, these projects don't include step-by-step instructions, but they do outline the general procedures involved. The project guide isn't all frivolity either--it includes information on advertising a business and making homework look good. --David Wall