Web Graphics Tools and Techniques

Citation

Wilcox, M. (1998), "Web Graphics Tools and Techniques", Internet Research, Vol. 8 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/intr.1998.17208caf.009

Web Graphics Tools and Techniques

Web Graphics Tools and Techniques

Peter Kentie1997Peach Pit PressBerkeley, CAISBN 0-201-68813-1$39.95 in USA $55.00(US) in Canada. Available: Peach Pit Press, 2414 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710; Tel: 1-800-283-9444, 510-548-4393; Fax: 510-548-5991http://www.peachpit.com/

Keywords: Electronic publishing,Graphics, Online computing

If I were to judge this book by its production values alone, this book would be the most impressive and exciting computer book I have ever seen. The cover, illustrations and layout make it a very pleasing and accessible book. Too many times computer reference books are filled with boring black and white screen shots. Trying to demonstrate Photoshop in black and white is like watching Disney's Fantasia on a black and white television. You get the idea but miss all of the visual excitement.

Reading this book from cover to cover is a challenge. From page one, the author begins with a description of the basic HTML tags then progresses into a great section on typography and design for Web pages (this chapter alone is a good enough reason to buy the book). The meat of the book focuses on images and other graphic components of the Web. Nearly every major graphics manipulation package is covered with complete screen shots and some discussion on its pros and cons. A nice touch is that, if possible, both PC and Mac screen shots are shown. For final products that result on the Web, shots in both Navigator and Internet Explorer are shown, if possible.

The final chapters cover JAVA and VRML including code to build your own game in JAVA. Basic HTML, graphics and Java all packed into 300 pages.

This book is laid out like a very simple reference book and would fit nicely into any functioning Web department. The field of Web design publishing covers a lot of ground and it is impossible to be abreast of all products or technologies. This book would be helpful when trying to decide which technologies or products to use in your next Web site. Its wonderful graphics and companion Web site are also helpful in getting ideas or inspiration for your next site or improvements to your current one.

Mark WilcoxWeb AdministratorUniversity of North Texas