Classroom in a Book: The Official Training Workbook from Adobe Systems

Classroom in a Book: The Official Training Workbook from Adobe Systems
(Left to Right): Photoshop CS5, Illustrator CS5, Indesign CS5 and Dreamweaver CS5

When I started my second year of graphic design, I really did not know much about the computer programs. I knew that I was going to be using Photoshop CS5, Illustrator CS5, Indesign CS5 and Dreamweaver CS5. Let's just say I had opened the programs and knew how to use the basic tools like the pen tool. Other than that I really did not know what the programs were capable of.

When I started my first day I was so scared because I knew that I would be able to come up with great ideas but I had no idea how to exicute them on the computer. Since I had no idea how to use the programs to the best of their ability, I decided to perchase books to help me out.

One of the books that I had to buy for the course was "Classroom in a Book: Adobe Indesign CS5". I found this book very helpful. It was dry at some points but I was able to read the chapters and figure out how to use the program. Since I found the Indesign book so helpful, I decided to purchase the Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver as well.

The reason I like this series of books is that they are easy to follow and you are able to learn the programs. Each book comes with a CD, which includes tutorials to learn the program. The book consists of step by step instructions on how to complete the tutorials. So you put the CD in and choose the lesson that you would like to learn and then you follow that chapter in the book. It is smart to follow the chapters in order since they build on each other and use content that you have previously learned. The chapters start off with basics of the program and then continues deeper into the program. The chapters are also broken down well that if you only wanted to learn about a certain thing, you can look in the table of contents and find what you are looking for. The books also show pictures of the tutorials so that it is easier to follow along. Tips are also included that are helpful when you are working in the program.

I have gone through most of the Indesign book and I have found it useful to reference when I forgot how to do something.

If you are interested in buying the books you can go to the nearest Chapters or visit their website: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca. The books online are usually cheaper than in the store. You can also search http://www.amazon.ca.