Rating: 
Summary: ONLY for true beginners
Review: This was a VERY big disappointment for me as I was already familier with Flash 4 and was basically looking for help with the ActionScript bit as well as some of the new features in Flash 5.It only covers the VERY basic functions of flash (like tweening and creating instances) as well as guiding you through the interface and explaining the basic tools. All of this it does a good job at, but if you're expecting anything more then look for another book. The best book to give you a very thorough run-through of Flash and it's capabilities is James Mohler's book on Flash, "Graphics, Animation & Interactivity" (ISBN: 076682909X). He is truly the best teacher for beginners to Flash. Another good resource for cool effects and taking Flash to the next level is "Flash Web Design" by Hillman Curtis. If you're above the novice stage I recommend the "Flash 5 Studio" books. There are 3 or 4 very good ones and they are for intermediate users. Generally, I give this a low score because it falls short of a complete Flash book in my mind as it barely touches Action Scripting and the great things you can create using it. In fact, the author even made a point of telling us that he isn't going too deep into the scripting bit because "we (the readers) are not programmers and that technical stuff is just over our head anyway" or some such nonsense. However, if you really are a complete idiot to the world of Flash and feel like Macromedia's Tutorials are over your head than this could be the book for you. ;o)
Rating: 
Summary: Helping a Complete Idiot
Review: Well no, I don't consider myself a complete idiot; "I am a "Power User" of my PC, and of the Internet. I know what I am doing". Or so I thought! But I purchased Macromedia's Flash 5 software because I wanted to design that website full of innovative and eye catching animation. I wanted it to be noticed. To be recognised as a leader in the field of web site design. But, I was overwhelmed by the program. I didn't know where to start. "So", I thought, "I have to get back to basics. Lets assume I am a complete idiot. Where do I go from here?" To tell you the truth, there was only one place to go. The Complete Idiots Guide to Macromedia Flash 5, by David Karlins, illustrated by Paul Mikulecky, joined my "essential reading" collection. Without being pretentious, the book treats you as a complete idiot. It really does get down to basics. True, it does assume you have a smidgen of computer knowledge, (well if you don't, and you have brought Macromedia Flash 5, you really are dreaming the impossible <grin>). I am half way through the book now. I am taking it easy. I really do want to learn all about Flash 5 and this is the book that's teaching me. But I need to absorb it all. The book is easy to follow, full of information, tips and guidance, and it takes you through each step, each level of "Objects", "Groups", "The Stage", "Frames", Timelines", "Layers", Animation", "Interactivity", "Movies", at your own pace. The first thing I found out was, there is a lot to learn about Flash 5. That is why I am taking my time. But this book is teaching me. I recommend it. It doesn't treat you as a complete idiot. What it "does" do is recognise that Macromedia Flash is a powerful, but complicated tool to master. You will need time and a helping hand to master it. The time is your own. The Complete Idiots Guide to Macromedia Flash 5 is the helping hand. I brought this book from Amazon.com's UK site at Amazon.co.uk. It is my pleasure to write such a good review. (Ohh, by the way, "Smidgen" is England English for "a small amount", <grin>).
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