Flash CS3: The Missing Manual
E.A.Vander Veer & Chris Grover
O’Reilly Media
ISBN:  0-596-51044-6                       
Non-Fiction, Computer
Reviewed by Alain B. Renaud

In the next addition to the O’Reilly Missing Manual series, you will find the perfect companion to the latest version of Flash CS3. Famed for the ease of creating exciting web animations and wonderfully interactive websites, this resource will help take some of the intimidation and stress out of your quest.

As with all of the previous Missing Manuals, this reference will provide you with a reader-friendly animation primer and give you a guided tour of the program’s tools and capabilities. Aimed towards users of all abilities, both beginners and experienced users will be able to gain new tips and knowledge. Working in a similar way to its Mac and Windows versions except for a few interface differences and a slight variation in performance, this book will give equal time and emphasis to both versions. I found this to be particularly helpful, and useful, as no matter which computer you are running, you will have the latest tricks and tools at your fingertips.

In this clear and concise guide, you will have hand-on instructions to help you master animations basics, creating movement between images, adding interactive features like clickable hotspots, how to liven things up with audio and video, creating useable and professional elements and templates, and so much more. In addition, as this is the first release of Flash since Adobe bought Macromedia, this is the first version that will easily integrate with other Adobe products.

Once again, both O’Reilly and the authors do not disappoint. The sections flowed in the same educational yet entertaining manner that has been the success of the Missing Manual series. Filled with useful and wonderfully clear language, packed with examples and detailed charts, and easy indexing, I found this book to be a dream. For every user out there, can I just thank the authors for making our search for the best guidebook easy in giving us such a useful tool!