Director 8 for Macintosh and Windows, Fifth Edition

The Visual QuickStart series is terrific, and Director 8 for Macintosh & Windows is a worthy member of the group. Sporting a clear layout, easy-to-read type, and a tear-out keyboard shortcut guide that's printed on card stock, this book should be the one you reach for if you are learning or about to learn Macromedia Director.

Like the other books in the series, pages are divided into two columns: outer columns for step-by-step tutorials and explanations, and inner columns for screen shots. Each picture is annotated, and many of them have elements within the picture identified, too. Visual QuickStart Guides don't come with a companion CD-ROM, but that's one way that Peachpit Press keeps costs down. With the wealth of material that's available on Macromedia's site and on the Director installation CD-ROMs, there is little need for more.

There is, however, a need for clearly explained examples and tutorials, which this book recognizes. Its 18 chapters progress deeper and deeper into the program, and wind their way through the basics of using the program, animation, painting, addition of external elements like QuickTime movies and sound files, exporting for the Web, using Director Behaviors, and using scripts and Lingo. Lingo is Director's scripting language, and worthy of a book all its own (of which there are several); but, if you've never used it before, the chapter in this book will be more than enough to get your feet wet.

In light of the cost of the book, and the concise and descriptive step-by-step text, Visual QuickStart Guide: Director 8 for Macintosh & Windows is one of the best books for any new user of Macromedia Director. --Mike Caputo