The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing - Issue 5.6 November / December 2000


Issue 5.6 November / December 2000

This issue of KDP is sponsored by:

Contents


Feature Review: InterMapper 3.0 (MAC)

InterMapper 3.0 is an application that presents a graphic representation of a data network. The network administrator, or other person designated to use the program, can see the status of the network (and status of all monitored devices (with colors indicating their status)), and can be notified of any problems or communication failures. The software monitors everything on the network...servers, routers, network equipment, workstations and other devices.

Dartware LLC, the publisher of InterMapper 3.0, is a Dartmouth College spin-off formed by Rich Brown and Bill Fisher of Dartmouth Computing Services, and businessman Stuart Pompian.

InterMapper draws its map using its Autodiscovery feature. The user simply inputs a starting host name, DNS name, IP address, or IP subnet. He or she can limit the scope of the network search and the kinds of devices that will be added. After the map has been generated the user can apply any of the built-in layout tools to arrange the map so that it is most useful to the user. Individual devices can be modified by shape, color, label, font, size, style, and label position.

InterMapper creates a network map of the topology to which its host is connected. It does so by querying SNMP-speaking routers. Once a map has been created it can be saved to disk.

The user sees a window with detailed information about any device by clicking and holding the mouse button over a particular device. The window stays open as long as the mouse button is depressed, and disappears when it is released. The window can be torn off so that it will persist.

The network map also shows the interconnections, represented by dotted lines, between devices and servers. The user can specify a threshold above which the links will be represented with a colored halo to indicate a certain level of utilization. Clicking on a link or on a device results in the display of a window that presents related statistics. The statistics are maintained in a history file to show their changes over time. The variables can be plotted to present a clear picture of network performance over a given span.

The devices appear on the map according to their DNS name, although the user can add their own label. Intermapper uses a variety of \"probes\" to determine the operating state of any device on the network. Probes may be pings, ICMP Echo, RTMP, or any of several others. If the device does not respond to a probe, it is assumed to be down, and will be shown as such on the map. Devices that are definitely down are shown in red (down state), those that are down but are acknowledged and under repair are shown in blue (acknowledgment state), those that are working somewhat are shown in orange (alarm state), and those that are responding, but with inappropriate data, are shown in yellow (warning state).

The program has various ways of notifying the user when a specified condition exists. Local sounds can be programmed to play in response to conditions underwhich devices go down, return to service, or reach certain thresholds. Pages can be executed using optional programs, including PageNow and Notify! The program also supports AppleEvents that can launch scripts or other Macintosh programs in response to specific conditions. Furthermore, e-mail can be generated to one or more recipients when certain states exist. Finally, the program can be used to control a power outlet on a PowerKey Pro (Sophisticated Circuits), that will cycle power to a server. The notification type and recipient can be set-up to involve different individuals at different times of the day or week.

Regardless if there is a need for notification or not, any designated network administrator or manager can remotely view the network map by using the built-in Web server. As a form of security, the administrator can construct a list of IP addresses that are authorized to view the Web pages.

Pricing is based on network size. Support for a 10 device network is $295; an unlimited number of devices is $1595.

Contact: Dartware, LLC, 25 South Main St., P.O. Box 130, Hanover, NH 03755-0130, 603 643-2268, http://www.dartware.com, e-mail: intermapper@dartware.com, fax: 603 643-2289.



Productivity Reviews

IBM ViaVoice for Macintosh, Enhanced Edition (MAC)
IBM ViaVoice for Macintosh, Enhanced Edition supports the use of continuous speech for direct dictation in selected applications and the use of voice to control Web access. The supported applications are AppleWorks 6.0, Microsoft Word 98, Eudora 4.3, Microsoft Outlook Express 4.5, Netscape (Communicator) 4.7, and Internet Explorer 4.5.

The program, which includes a USB microphone, is easily trained; it adjusts the user's Voice Model dynamically, improving recognition accuracy each time that dictation occurs. A base vocabulary of 64,000 words is provided, and it can be expanded to support personal words and terms. There is nothing to learn since the user can see a list of all editing and formatting voice commands by simply saying \"What can I say?\" In addition, incorrect dictated words or phrases can be changed by using the voice-activated Correction Window. The correction window is opened when an incorrect word appears on the screen. The user says \"Select \", where is the incorrect word or phrase, and then says \"Show Correction window.\" The Correction Window will show a list of alternative words from which the user can select the correct word. If the correct word is not there, the user can type it or spell it out.

Formatting is accomplished through speech commands, such as \"capitalize this,\" \"bold this,\" and \"italicize this\" either preceding the word to be spoken, or some selected text. The last dictated phrase or word can be deleted by saying \"Scratch that.\"

The user can add words to their personal vocabulary, and create macro shortcuts that will explode into a series of words. The program can analyze a user's documents to detect words that are not in the standard vocabulary, and the user can select which words to add to his or her personal vocabulary. Four specialized topic vocabularies are provided. They consist of Chatter's Jargon, Cuisine, Business and Finance, and Computers. Topics are turned on and off as needed.

Text can be dictated in the ViaVoice SpeakPad, which is the native ViaVoice speech-enabled word processor. In addition to normal text, ViaVoice understands numbers, dates, times, measures and prices. Dictated text can be transfered to a supported application by using the voice command \"Transfer to .\" $149

Contact: International Business Machines Corporation, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401-9925, http://www.software.ibm.com/speech.



Addition / Extension Reviews

Eye Candy 4000 (MAC/WIN)
Eye Candy 4000 is an update to the popular Eye Candy 3. It includes 5 new effects, Marble, Wood, Drip, Melt and Corona, bringing the total number of effects in the package to 23.

Alien Skin was the first company to produce a drop shadow filter for Photoshop, which was introduced in April, 1994. Their Photoshop plug-ins, which are also compatible with Fireworks 2.0 and later, Jasc Paint Shop Pro 5 or later, Corel Photo-Paint 8 or later, Deneba Canvas 6 or later, and other programs that accept Photoshop-compatible plug-ins, are among the best-selling plug-ins on the market.

Eye Candy 4000 introduces a new user interface that puts all controls within easy access. The creative professional will find a host of options in each effect along with the capability to save settings for later use. Settings can be exchanged between users and across platforms. The unlimited levels of \"undo\" and \"redo\" provide for exceptional creative expression and experimentation.

In consideration of the many users who repurpose their work from print to the Web, Eye Candy 4000 now incorporates Real-world Absolute Parameter Units (Photoshop). This allows users to specify absolute units in the plug-in settings that create effects that are resolution-independent. \"Slider parameters are now based on the measurement unit the user has chosen in Photoshop (inches, centimeters, etc.), which means a setting created and saved at 300 dpi will look the same when used at 72 dpi.\"

Among the most significant new features are: an enlarged and resizable preview window; changeable filter application from within the preview window; implementation of keyboard shortcuts; and seamless tiling in several effects (Fur, HSB Noise, Jiggle, Marble, Swirl, Water Drops and Wood).

Among the most interesting filters are: Wood, with control over rings, wood grain, knots and color; Chrome, which now uses reflection maps to create highly realistic metal effects; Marble, with controls over color and the size and shape of the rock and vein features; Smoke, with realistic smoke, haze, fog and fume effects, and slider controls over turbulence strength, turbulance roughness and side taper; Drip, with controls over length, thickness, spacing, taper and more; Glass, with controls over the amount of refraction, tinting, color, etc.; and many more. Examples of each filter in the set can be seen at http://www.alienskin.com/ec4k/ec4000_filters.html. $169

Contact: Alien Skin Software, LLC, 1111 Haynes St., Ste Zero, Raleigh, NC 27604, 919 832-4124, http://www.alienskin.com, e-mail: alien-skinfo@alienskin.com, fax: 919 832-4065.



Image Collection Reviews

Image Grabber 2.0 (MAC/WIN)
Image Grabber 2.0 is a standalone thin client application, also available as a plug-in, that supports the rapid, simultaneous searching of several (over 15) stock photo agencies. Keyword searches result in the return of a significant number of thumbnail images. The thumbnails can be selected for downloading comprehensive (comp) versions of the images, or for purchasing the images directly from their sources.

Users who have registered with given stock agencies can use their passwords to gain access, and the program also supports searching royalty-free and museum sites. The results of searches can be saved to the user's hard drive where the image files can be searched locally. Images that the user wishes to purchase can be obtained by using the program's Purchase Info button to initiate a transaction. The program simplifies and streamlines what can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. $49.99

Contact: Random Eye Technologies Inc., 543 Richmond St. West, Suite 215, PO Box 115, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1Y6, 800 726-4126, 416 603-8243, http://www.randomeye.com, e-mail: contact@randomeye.com, fax: 416 504-6604.



CD-ROM Reviews

Horae Beatae Mariae ad usum Romanum (MAC/WIN)
Horae Beatae Mariae ad usum Romanum (Hours of the Blessed Virgin Mary Following the Roman Use) is available as a digital book reproduction providing all of the splendor of the illuminated calligraphic work produced by the artists who influenced the work of the first French royal printer Geoffroy Tory. This work, produced in 1524 A.D. is the last of twelve surviving manuscripts created by this workshop of artisans.

The work consists of 113 leaves of vellum which combine \"Italian Renaissance illumination, German engraving, Flemish floiated borders, and Antwerp mannerism in a distinctive style.\" The text is provided with live Latin text and an English translation. The work was borrowed from the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection of the Library of Congress.

Like all Octavo digital book editions, this volume lets the reader examine the pages closely, and search the text in Latin or English. Octavo brings rare printed works to a population that would otherwise never have an opportunity to view them. $30

Contact: Octavo Corporation, 580 Second St., Oakland, CA 94607-3543, 800 754-1596, 510 251-3880, http://www.octavo.com, e-mail: info@octavo.com, fax: 510 251-2153.



Internet Reviews

Eudora 5.0 (MAC/WIN/PALM)
Eudora 5.0 is latest release of this popular e-mail client that was developed in 1988 by Steve Dorner at the University of Illinois. Qualcomm purchased the software in 1991, and Dorner has worked there ever since. Eudora has been the recipient of over 70 industry awards and honors, and is used by millions.

This version introduces several innovations. The most significant is the Eudora Sharing Protocol (ESP), a patent-pending feature that greatly simplifies the sharing of files among a group of friends, family, or colleagues. It does so without the need for a centralized server or support from an IT department. ESP supports any file that can be sent as an attachment.

The Share Group is established by using the ESP set-up wizard, in which the user selects a hard drive folder for saving files for the group, designating a mailbox for e-mails for the group, and entering the group's e-mail addresses. The designated group members are automatically invited, and upon acceptance go through a simple set-up procedure. Members of the group simply save a file in that group's folder on their hard drive and ESP automatically updates the file in the mirror folder on the other members' hard drives. This is a powerful capability for workgroups and individuals who collaborate on projects.

ESP provides several ways of notifying group members and of distributing files, controlling when and how files are sent and received. The automatic mode updates and synchronizes files simply by saving or opening them. Additional information is available at http://www.eudora.com/email/features/esp.html.

Another patent-pending feature is MoodWatch, which monitors both incoming and outgoing mail for the presence of potentially offensive language. Messages that contain such language are flagged with a level of \"heat,\" one, two or three chili peppers. The technology was developed by David Kaufer, of the English department at Carnegie Mellon University, and consists of an algorithm that identifies potentially offensive words and phrases. A major advantage of the feature is the option for an individual to reconsider sending a message that MoodWatch intercepts as offensive. Of course, the feature can be turned off, or can be set to allow various levels of offensive language to go undetected.

Power e-mail users will appreciate the new E-mail Usage Statistics feature that can display, in numeric or graphic form, an analysis of daily, weekly or yearly e-mail patterns.

Users of other e-mail clients can easily switch to Eudora by virtue of its flexible and competent import features which support the importation of messages, address books, and program settings.

The free Eudora Internet Suite 2.0 (available at http://www.eudora.com), supports handheld devices that are based on the Palm Computing platform. The suite includes Eudora e-mail, Eudora Web browser, and an e-mail conduit for Windows. Users of other Windows e-mail clients can purchase sync code for $29.95.

The program is available in three versions. In the free, full-featured Sponsored mode the user views advertising within the user interface. In the free Light mode there is no advertising, but the feature set is smaller. In the Paid mode there is no advertising, and the feature set is complete. The cost of the Paid mode is $49.95.

Contact: Qualcomm Inc.. 6455 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121-2779, 619 658-1292, 800 238-3672, Internet: info@qualcomm.com, http://www.qualcomm.com, fax: 619 658-1500.


Hefty FTP (MAC)
Hefty FTP is a heavy duty File Transfer Protocol client that supports file queuing to or from up to four FTP servers simultaneously (while browsing a fifth!). This capability means that FTP (and HTTP) users no longer have to wait for a transfer to finish before beginning another, or browsing another server. The file transfers are highly reliable, with automatic connection retries and automatic resumption of stalled or interrupted transfers. The transfer process can also be scheduled, and there is support for further control using AppleScript.

In addition to the flexible file transfer options, one of the strengths of the program is its user interface, which provides the user with display of the queue, the queue progress, the FTP dialog, and the local and remote folders. The user can maintain an unlimited number of bookmark files and even import them from other FTP clients. $35 shareware.

Contact: Black Diamond Products, P.O. Box 68451, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa, +27-11-463-1923, http://www.ziggy.speedhost.com, e-mail: ziggy@intekom.co.za.


NewsFinder (MAC)
NewsFinder is a utility program that helps the user locate news servers that permit open-access reading. The program is not itself a newsreader but a means to find available news servers.

The user starts by inputting the name of the news server that they use, and a list of the newsgroups that they commonly track. The program uses the group message header data to locate available servers that cover the same topic. The result is a list of open servers and number of messages associated with each of the target groups. The user then uses this information to gain access using their newsreader. $10 shareware.

Contact: Black Diamond Products, P.O. Box 68451, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa, +27-11-463-1923, http://www.ziggy.speedhost.com, e-mail: ziggy@intekom.co.za.


Sgt. Zondi (MAC)
Sgt. Zondi is a shareware application that conducts Web searches using a spider. A spider (crawler or robot) follows the links that it finds on target sites, greatly expanding the field of possible results. The program is quite flexible in how it is set-up, that is, how a search is undertaken. The user can specify a Boolean search, and even designate a seed site as the initial place to begin. A number of unique criteria can be set, such as the Age Limit parameter that accepts or rejects pages on the basis of the date at which they were last updated, and the Kill File, in which the user lists links and words that are to be ignored. Not only does the program find links that contain the search criteria, but it records all of the outside links that it finds connected to those links, and lists them in a separate window. It is generally believed that the higher the number of links connected with a Web page (from outside sources), the more popular and valuable the page. $50

Contact: Black Diamond Products, P.O. Box 68451, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa, +27-11-463-1923, http://www.ziggy.speedhost.com, e-mail: ziggy@intekom.co.za.


SockeToome (MAC/WIN)
SockeToome is a simple-to-use peer-to-peer utility used to send files directly from person-to-person. Unlike other file transfer solutions it does not rely on the use of an intermediate server, instead using the Internet directly. Files are sent from the originator's workstation, which can use either a static or dynamic IP address. The files are held in a queue until they reach their intended recipients. Incomplete transfers are retried and resumed until they are successful.

In order for a transfer to occur, each user must have a copy of the software installed. Access to the remote computer is gained by establishing an \"account,\" wherein the owner of the computer gives a username and password to the sender. In order to communicate, the sender must know the IP address of the recipient. If it is static, then it can be recorded and maintained. If it is dynamic, changing with each use, then Black Diamond has a unique method to identify it. The computer owner publishes a simple Web page which is accessed through FTP to post the currently used IP address.

When a user wishes to receive a file, he or she launches the program, which then \"listens\" for an incoming transmission. When an incoming file is detected, the program validates the sender's username and password, and then begins the file reception process. As soon as that happens, a new channel is opened to continue listening for additional files. The file transfers take place directly between the sender's and receiver's computers, and can occur between Macs and PCs, in either attended or unattended mode. Up to four outgoing and three incoming transfers can take place simultaneously, with all transactions maintained in a log. Each file can also include a message that identifies it or describes its contents.

The user interface is attractive, and provides the user with complete information on the status of each file transfer. The user can easily monitor the progress of each transmission. $20 shareware.

Contact: Black Diamond Products, P.O. Box 68451, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa, +27-11-463-1923, http://www.ziggy.speedhost.com, e-mail: ziggy@intekom.co.za.


WebQL Business Edition (WIN )
WebQL (Web Query Language) Business Edition is a Web search utility that enables users to query the Internet as if it were a database. The program makes it possible to extract specific data from an information-rich Web site that would normally require hundreds of man-hours to collect. The program incorporates Web crawling, Regular Expressions, PERL and HTML source code, allowing it to interrogate complex Web pages and return responses to the user.

WebQL uses a query language that can pose questions such as: \"How many products does competitor X carry and what are their prices?\" and \"How many Web sites display our logo?\" Queries can be composed with the use of the WebQL Wizard, or by examining queries developed by other users which are available in the \"Script Repository.\" The results of a WebQL query can be analyzed in a spreadsheet or database application. $499

Contact: Caesius Software, P.O. Box 94587, Seattle, WA 98124-9998, 800 750-8830, http://www.WebQL.com.



Utility Reviews

1Disk 3.1 (WIN )
1Disk 3.1 is a utility that makes it possible for a user to keep track of files that they have saved on removable media. The program maintains the names and disk locations of the media in a virtual database that appears on the Windows system as a drive letter within Windows Explorer. The information in the database can be printed selectively or in toto. $39.95

Contact: 1Vision Software, Inc., 200 E. 7th St., Suite 416, Loveland, CO 80537, 970 461-4101, http://www.1visionsoftware.com, fax: 970 663-4767.


1Safe (WIN )
1Safe incorporates patented Persistent File System (PFS) technology that allows users to find, track, and open files on all kinds of removable media through the use of one virtual database that appears in Windows Explorer as another drive letter. Users can easily keep track of all of their removable media, and quickly locate and mount it as necessary, making it possible to restore files from any application and find any file that has been saved to any kind of disk. The program can catalog files from any kind of mounted media, and quickly restore that file by prompting the user for the correct piece of media. This is a great time-saver for all digital publishers.

The program also has a Backup tab, whereby the user checks the items to back up, selects the target media, and launches the session. Sessions can also be scheduled to run at intervals of from every few minutes to once a month.

Users can apply file compression on-the-fly, and on a file-by-file basis. This makes it possible to open individual files easily, as if no data compression had been applied. $69

Contact: 1Vision Software, Inc., 200 E. 7th St., Suite 416, Loveland, CO 80537, 970 461-4101, http://www.1visionsoftware.com, fax: 970 663-4767.


Anubis Plus V3.17 (MAC)
Anubis Plus V3.17 is a utility program that monitors and controls fixed and removable storage devices that are connected to a Macintosh's SCSI bus. It is programmed to detect possible problems that might lead to a disk crash, and implement remedial steps to avoid or correct them.

The program can also be used to initialize, format, mount, unmount, partition, and park/eject disks. Some users have found it superior to the driver software provided by the OEMs of their drives.

The Anubis Mounter manages all removable drives, including removable IDE drives, loading the proper driver when necessary. It supports a wide variety of third party cards, and multiple SCSI buses supporting access for over 100 devices per SCSI bus. Users can password protect, write protect, or select a partition for startup. $129.95

Contact: Charismac, 10000 Hill View Road, Newcastle, CA 95658, 800 487-4420, 530 885-4420, http://www.charismac.com, e-mail: sales@charismac.com, fax: 530 885-1410.


Camtasia 2.1 (WIN )
Camtasia 2.1 is a utility composed of two parts: Camtasia Producer, a video editor that is used to create video productions, and Camtasia Recorder which is used to capture on-screen activity, and to apply real-time effects. A third component, Dubit, an audio dubbing program that can be used to add voice narration to videos, is also included.

Recording screen activity can be very useful in capturing processes and procedures for demonstrations and training. Camtasia captures cursor movements, menu selections, keyboard input, and all other activity that is displayed on the screen. The user can add annotations and voice narration. The program's editor can be useful in eliminating unwanted frames, changing video sequences, and combining video clips.

Videos can be saved in standard AVI format and shared easily over the Web or on recorded media such as CD-R. Camtasia movies can be played using standard media players. The program also uses the Windows Media v7 Video file format as an output option. Windows Media v7 supports streaming video, even at low bandwidths. $149.95

Contact: TechSmith Corp., 1780 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823, 517 333-2100, http://www.techsmith.com, ftp: ftp.techsmith.com, e-mail: sales@techsmith.com, fax: 517 333-1888.


CD AutoCache (MAC)
CD AutoCache is a utility that utilizes a proprietary artificial intelligence algorithm to dynamically adjust the CD cache in order to maintain a CD-ROM drive's performance at an optimal level. It is a replacement for the original driver software that was shipped with the CD-ROM or the computer that houses it. The suite of performance test statistics show data throughput, directory cache hits, average data segment size used, overall performance increase, and more.

The software automatically caches the CD directory and data information to RAM, and saves it to the user's hard drive when the disc is ejected. When a previously used CD is mounted, it is automatically recognized. The manner in which the caching parameters are set and saved can be changed for individual discs. The auto save option can be turned off to save disk space.

The software is compatible with all CD-ROM standards and works with multiple-disc CD-ROM changers and towers. The program includes the Audio Desk Accessory which supports listening to audio CDs, with complete control over all options. In addition, digital audio can be saved to disk as QuickTime movie files. $79.95

Contact: Charismac Engineering, Inc., 10000 Hill View Road, Newcastle, CA 95658, 800 487-4420, 530 885-4420, http://www.charismac.com, e-mail: sales@charismac.com, fax: 530 885-1410.


Charismac RAID V2.17 (MAC/WIN)
Charismac RAID V2.17 is a powerful software application for converting multiple SCSI storage devices into a reliable high performance disk array. The program supports universal striping, mirroring (RAID level 0 and 1) and spanning (use of multiple disks to create a single volume) of either fixed or removable drives, including SyQuest, Iomega Zip and Jaz, or Optical.

The software, which has been deployed extensively in the pre-press and digital video markets, does not require a system extension. This means that the disk arrays can be moved from one machine to another, mounting automatically. $199.95

Contact: Charismac, 10000 Hill View Road, Newcastle, CA 95658, 800 487-4420, 530 885-4420, http://www.charismac.com, e-mail: sales@charismac.com, fax: 530 885-1410.


Conversions Plus Suite Version 6.0 (WIN )
Conversions Plus Suite Version 6.0 is a collection of programs that supports the use of virtually any file, regardless of its platform or application origin. Digital publishers will find it an essential tool in their file format arsenal, and a key element in co-existing with Macintosh clients.

Developed initially as a means of exchanging files between Macintosh and Windows computers, the program has expanded to include several other capabilities, including the key feature of opening Windows files from applications that the user does not possess. The source files may be in a word processing, graphic, or spreadsheet file format. The collection of Conversions Plus file translators can handle a wide variety of file formats, maintaining, in most cases, all of the original formatting, such as the style elements (bold, italic, underline) in a word processing file. The user can view the contents of a source file, and print it without the need for using the program that was used to create it (or even having the program available on the host computer).

The user can also easily convert Macintosh files into their Windows equivalents, and open, edit and print them. The suite includes MacOpener 2000, which supports the direct use of Macintosh formatted media (floppies, Zip disks, Jaz, ORB, CD-ROMs, etc.) for easy copying of files to and from Macintosh disks. Macintosh file name conventions are maintained, and the proper Windows extension and icon are added when copying to a PC. The program is sufficiently capable that it can be used to format Macintosh media directly on a PC.

E-mail attachments that might be unreadable through an e-mail client, can be uncompressed and/or decoded. In addition, files that are sent as seemingly \"garbage text\" can be translated into their proper forms. $69.99

Contact: Dataviz, 55 Corporate Dr., Trumbull, CT 06611, 203 268-0030, 800 733-0030, http://www.dataviz.com, e-mail: info@dataviz.com, fax: 203 268-4345.


Discribe V2.99 (MAC)
Discribe V2.99 is CD-ROM mastering software that makes it possible to write and play CDs in just a matter of minutes. Among its features are: the production of bootable CD-ROMs; the use of drag and drop for adding files, folders, and disks including the Digital Audio Extraction of music tracks; support for ATAPI, SCSI, USB and FireWire CD-R/RW drives; the production of hybrid HFS and ISO-9660 discs; settable Audio CD pre-gap spacing of 0-9 seconds; Disk At Once (DAO) production on drives that support it; support for virtually all drive speeds from 1X to 12X and faster; support for most CD-ROM formats and standards; test modes for writing and transfering; inclusion of AudioScribe, Charismac's direct-to-disk audio recording application that lets users record vinyl, tape and voice recordings to their hard drive and then to CD, and SoundApp, an MP3 audio conversion utility; and more. $99.95

Contact: Charismac Engineering, Inc., 10000 Hill View Road, Newcastle, CA 95658, 800 487-4420, 530 885-4420, http://www.charismac.com, e-mail: sales@charismac.com, fax: 530 885-1410.


SnagIt 5.1 (WIN )
SnagIt 5.1, the latest version of this versatile screen capture utility, incorporates a new Object Capture feature that makes it possible to capture individual objects such as taskbar buttons, menu items, and Web page elements. Among its most significant new features are: AutoScroll, which provides the capability to capture vertically scrolling windows as a single image (even if they are not completely visible on the screen); Text Capture, which allows ASCII text to be extracted from any application displayed on the screen; the SnagIt Studio Annotation Editor, which can be used to apply annotation objects such as arrows, stamps, clipart, callout boxes, and sticky notes and to add frames and borders; Multiple Profiles, which allows for the creation and storage of frequently used settings; and Web Capture which can be used to send captures automatically to a user's Web site. We've used SnagIt for years and have found it to be dependable and totally capable. $39.95

Contact: TechSmith Corp., 1780 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823, 517 333-2100, http://www.techsmith.com, ftp: ftp.techsmith.com, e-mail: sales@techsmith.com, fax: 517 333-1888.


TypeTool for Mac (MAC)
TypeTool for Mac is a modestly-price TrueType and Adobe PostScript Type 1 font editor that provides the basic functionality required by those who have only occasional need to edit fonts. Not only is the program perfect for adding, deleting or manipulating a small number of characters in an existing font, but it provides virtually seamless conversion between its two supported font formats. In addition, entirely new fonts can be created from scratch.

The program provides two major functions: font editing and character kerning. The first is accomplished in a WYSIWYG Editor wherein the user can make font changes and see them in real-time. Changes such as stretching, widening, flipping, rotating, or narrowing are accomplished easily by simplying positioning the mouse pointer over a target control point, clicking, and dragging. Results of the edits can be printed for immediate examination. The second is accomplished either automatically or manually. The program can apply automatic kerning to improve the character fit of an entire font. Alternately, a user with good typographic judgment, can manually adjust the kerning of any pair of characters or set of characters.

The program is a good investment for almost any digital publisher since it provides the means to gain a significant degree of control over a user's font collection without the need to make a substantial financial investment or learn a new, complex application. With the use of TypeTool the user can do such useful and necessary functions as reordering a keyboard arrangement; modifying the size or orientation of certain characters (such as em dashes or quotation marks); adding ligatures, fractions, and other characters; creating dingbat and clipart fonts; adding special characters, such as the euro; and modifying a particular parameter (such as width) of an entire font. $99

Contact: FontLab Ltd., Box 465, Millersville, MD 21108, 509 272-3260, http://www.fontlab.com, e-mail: info@fontlab.com, fax: 509 272-3260.



Multimedia Reviews

Banner Maker Pro 3.02 (WIN )
Banner Maker Pro 3.02 is a wizard-driven application for the rapid creation of a wide variety of Web banners and buttons. The main screen has several tabs for access to size, background, border, shapes, images, text (anti-aliased), angles and animation. The user simply selects from several related attributes, such as background color, font, and 3-D effect, and the program produces the graphic element. The user can save the banner or button as a GIF or JPEG.

The program features over 80 new backgrounds, many of which are unique; and 80 new images, including check boxes and edit windows. Saved animations and banners can be edited and reused, further extending the functionality of the program. $29

Contact: GaterData, Inc., P.O. Box 2586, Lutz, FL 33548, http://www.bannermakerpro.com.


Compositor (MAC)
Compositor is a graphic manipulation program that encourages experimentation and artful play. It was designed and programmed by a working artist who had a need to pre-visualize compositions on canvas. The result is a versatile digital image processing utility with over 120 possible filter and channel alterations the use of which can be saved and replayed. One of the program's many intriguing features is the Paste Into Color option that lets the user paste a new image into a defined color or color range in the base image. The program is a work in progress and will increase in cost as the feature set expands. Get it now for only $16.

Contact: Artly There, http://www.artlythere.com, e-mail: artlythere@kagi.com.


Macromedia Flash 5 (MAC/WIN)
Macromedia Flash 5 is the latest version of Flash technology, which was first introduced in 1996. Since that time it has grown to become a Web standard file format (.swf) due in large part to the availability of the free, compact Flash Player which produces smooth animated playback. Flash technology is used extensively on such popular high-traffic sites as Coca-Cola, CNN, Disney and Volkswagen, and is used on 35% of the top 50 sites in the world. In addition, according to NPD Online (06/00), Flash technology is immediately viewable on 92% of Web browsers.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Flash is the fact that it is vector-based, producing very small files that can be content rich. These platform-independent files can travel quickly on the Internet, providing a graphic intensive experience regardless of the user's connection speed. A Flash file can contain graphics, sound, motion and interactivity making it useful for a wide variety of applications. Macromedia has licensed the Flash file format to over 1000 licensees, including Apple, Corel, Quark and AutoDesk.

The major advantages of the Flash file format to digital publishers are that it is fast and aesthetically pleasing. Speed is achieved even at full-screen size, and the format supports streaming so that files play even as they download. Text and graphics are anti-aliased, producing smooth, attractive images, even while they are animated, and graduated fills and transparency effects can also be generated.

Flash is essentially an animation application that is based on a timeline. It supports the generation of both simple and complex path- and sprite-based animation sequences. A designer can produce anything from flying logos to sophisticated cartoon animations. Flash tools (including new Bezier pen tool) can be used to draw directly in the application, or the user can import GIF, JPEG and PNG images.

The prevalence of Web development teams, and the need to share digital assets, is addressed with the introduction of Shared Symbol Libraries. This new feature allows design group members to access a common library of images that is located external to the active project. Collaborative animation is assisted by virtue of the fact that changes to the content in a shared symbol library are propagated in all of the project files that share them.

A feature that shows the Web/print power of Flash is what is termed Web-Native Printing, which displays on screen in one form and prints in another. It is WYPINWYS (What You Print Is Not What You See). A user might see a banner ad, for example which, when clicked, would print a full-size product specification sheet.

Since the animation process is not easily documented on paper, Flash 5 introduces Movie Explorer, a structured iconic representation that can be used to view, analyze, edit and share complex projects. This feature provides another view of the construction of sophisticated animations that are built by teams. The maps can be printed and easily shared.

ActionScript development tools, also new to Flash 5, uses JavaScript-like syntax to support the creation of reusable interactive components. The reuse of these components, which incorporate variables, conditional logic and run-time manipulation of object properties, helps to facilitate more rapid project development. This feature includes an editor and debugger.

Flash has matured to become a highly useful and potentially indispensible application. $399

Contact: Macromedia, Inc., 600 Townsend, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415 252-2000, 800 326-2128, http://www.macromedia.com, e-mail: info@macromedia.com, fax: 415 626-0554.


Medi@Show 2.09 (WIN )
Medi@Show 2.09 is an easy-to-use utility to create multimedia slide shows for viewing either on the Web (utilizing streaming technology) or on the desktop. The user can combine still and motion images, audio, transition effects and 3D animated text effects. The program incorporates i-Power, which is a desktop portal page that provides access to all types of multimedia assets that are to be found on the Internet. The user can browse the Internet and drag-and-drop elements directly onto the Medi@Show storyboard.

The program supports a wide variety of image and video file formats as well as the direct importation of PowerPoint files. With its built-in TWAIN support the user can input images directly from scanners, digital cameras, and other image capture devices. Users can also capture audio (narration, music, sound effects) directly and combine it with background music or other audio clips. All multimedia elements can be composed and organized using color-coded thumbnail representations. $49.50

Contact: Cyberlink USA, 46728 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 95538, 510 668-0118, http://www.goCyberlink.com, fax: 510 668-0121.


PowerPlugs 3D Titles I & II (WIN )
PowerPlugs 3D Titles I & II are part of the Crystal Graphics collection of Microsoft PowerPoint plug-ins that add sophisticated presentation capabilities. 3D Titles I & II each contain 30 animated 3D effects, with complementary sound effects that can be added easily to any PowerPoint presentation. The \"Add 3D Title Slide\" option appears in the PowerPoint Insert menu. The user simply selects the effect they want, personalizes the text and other elements, and it is complete. The Advanced button provides access to customization choices that control the specification of colors, materials, sizes, positions, and more. $79 each.

Contact: Crystal Graphics, Inc., 3350 Scott Blvd., Bldg. 14, Santa Clara, CA 95054, 408 496-6175, http://www.powerplugs.com, fax: 408 496-0970.


PowerPlugs Charts (WIN )
PowerPlugs Charts is considered \"the world's most powerful charting plug-in for Microsoft PowerPoint.\" It contains over 100 preformatted 2D and 3D chart templates that are provided in 11 categories: Basic, Big Data Set, Corporate, Gradients, Letter Size Black and White, Letter Size Color, Models, Rendered, Surveys, Textured and Trendlines. The chart types cover all of the conventional types, including Area, Bar, Bubble, Column, Histographs, Lines, Pies, Scatter, and Surface. The chart construction process is aided by the Data Analyzer feature, which interrogates the user's dataset and suggests the best chart type to use. Editing tools are provided directly inside PowerPoint to modify each chart to suit the user's needs. $149

Contact: Crystal Graphics, Inc., 3350 Scott Blvd., Bldg. 14, Santa Clara, CA 95054, 408 496-6175, http://www.powerplugs.com, fax: 408 496-0970.



Networking Reviews

MacSOHO (MAC)
MacSOHO is an easy-to-install utility that enables a LAN connected Macintosh to exchange text and graphic files, in either direction, with a PC. The program uses the NetBEUI protocol, and does not require any additional software on the PC. Access to the remote files is accomplished through the MacSOHO browse window on the Macintosh or the Network Neighborhood on the PC. The program solves a problem that exists on virtually all multi-platform networks, that is, moving files electronically rather than through sneakernet. Thursby has a strong reputation in network communication between the Macintosh and other computer platforms. $99

Contact: Thursby Software Systems, Inc., 5840 W. Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017, 817 478-5070, WWW: http://www.thursby.com, e-mail: sales@thursby.com, fax: 817 561-2313.



Digital Imaging Reviews

Color Vision products (MAC/WIN)
Color Vision has recently released two affordable, high-quality color control software suites, the Color Vision RGB Suite and the Color Vision CMYK Suite. The suites combine technologies from Color Vision (monitor calibration) and their recently acquired company, Horses LLC (the accurate reproduction of color from any color printer on any type of paper). The two technologies comprise a comprehensive color management solution for monitor and printer calibration as well as color profile customization.

PhotoCal/mc7 is available either as a Macintosh calibrator plug-in or a Windows application wizard. The software, which requires no user training, is used with the mc7 sensor for measuring the current monitor characteristics. By following the on-screen prompts, the user can calibrate the monitor to a defined tone response and color temperature. From this information the user can create a monitor profile. $199

Optical 3.0/mc7 is a color solution for producing consistent, precise results among several workstations. The user is presented with prompts for locating and setting the color controls on the monitor. After determining the target tone response and color temperature, the mc7 sensor is attached to the monitor surface, and the \"calibrate\" button is clicked. $399

Profiler RGB/Profiler CMYK are Photoshop plug-ins that are used to produce accurate printer profiles for any paper and ink combination. Printer-to-printer consistency is achived through the use of the built-in color editor wherein the user can adjust the brightness, contast and saturation. The RGB Profiler can produce RGB and CMYK profiles for most inkjet printers. The CMYK profiler builds CMYK profiles only, and supports control over the numerical specification of dot gain, black generation method, blank ink limit and the UCA and total ink amount to be used to build the profile. Profiler RGB is $199, Profiler CMYK is $199.

Contact: ColorVision Inc. (a Datacolor company), 300 State St., Suite 303, Rochester, NY 14614, 800 554-8688, 716 325-7050, http://www.colorcal.com, e-mail: marketing@datacolor.com, fax: 716 325-3821.



Miscellaneous News and Reviews

Plan Retirement Quick & Easy (WIN )
Plan Retirement Quick & Easy is a complete financial planning program that provides step-by-step procedures for creating a personal financial plan. The retirement planner only requires the input of current income, savings, investments, and assets. The user estimates the income needed for retirement and the Retirement Calculator produces an estimate of the amount that will need to be saved to reach the goal. The user can try several scenarios to try to maximize their retirement income, and can produce a variety of personal financial reports, with graphs. $19.95

Contact: Individual Software Inc., 4255 Hopyard Road, Building 2, Pleasanton, CA 94588, 800 822-3522, 800 331-3313, 510 734-6767, 800 822-3522, http://www.individualsoftware.com, fax: 510 734-8337.


Street Atlas USA 8.0 (WIN )
Street Atlas USA 8.0 is the latest version of DeLorme's popular digital mapping and navigation software. It features over 500,000 new streets and roads and includes over three million updated points of interest, such as government buildings, parks, and educational institutions. The user can search for any address and utilize the routing capabilities (door-to-door), which include updated exit and ramp information. The Travel?Time Planner makes it possible to estimate each trip's time, mileage and gas use. Updates related to weather, construction and events are available on the Internet.

Digital publishers will be interested in the 15 levels of map detail that can be customized and printed. The interface includes distance and area measurement tools. With the use of the EarthMate GPS receiver and a laptop with voice capabilities, the user can generate spoken directions. $39.95

Contact: DeLorme, Two DeLorme Drive, POB 298, Yarmouth, ME 04096, 800 452-5931, 207 846-7000, http://www.delorme.com, e-mail: info@delorme.com, fax back: 207 865-7083, fax: 800 575-2244.


UniKeep (ALL)
UniKeep is the first completely plastic encased loose-leaf ring binder. Since its introduction in February 2000, over one million have been sold. The 10 Safety-sleeve(R) pages are held in a book-like protective molded case (6 1/4\" x 5 1/2\" x 1\") with a clear overlay. The pages can hold CD, CD-R, CD-ROM, and DVD discs. The cases are available in a wide range of translucent colors. $2.50

Contact: Univenture, Inc., 4707 Roberts Road, P.O. Box 28398, Columbus, OH 43228, 800 992-8262, 614 529-2100, http://www.univenture.com, e-mail: info@univenture.com, fax: 614 529-2110.



Book Reviews

How the Mac Works
Rizzo, John; K. Daniel Clark

This book presents a beautifully illustrated account of many of the technical workings of the Macintosh line of computers, including the G4, PowerBook, iMac and iBook. Of special interest to digital publishers will be the simple explanations of How PostScript Works, How Printers Work, and How Print Publishing Works. There are 33 chapters that address very specific operations and technologies.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0789724286

0789724286 244 pp. $29.99

Contact: Que Corporation, 11711 North College Ave., Carmel, IN 46032, http://www.quecorp.com.


Desktop Production Standards, Second Edition
Brenner, Robert C.

This is the book that digital publishers must have to establish a reasonable and accurate cost structure for all of the operations that are implicit in the typical digital workflow. The author considers the complete digital publishing process, including creative services, desktop publishing, multimedia, and Web services. Each operation is broken down into its component parts so that historical data can be gathered and recorded, and the true cost basis can be determined. In addition, the author provides sample budgeted hourly rate figures from his own industry survey.

The book includes a disk for Macintosh or Windows consisting of a set of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that are ready for user input. The worksheets compute valuable statistics that help the digital publisher to understand the speed at which each operation is performed, the fixed costs of using certain equipment, and the overhead that must be billed in every job. The author has done an excellent job of analyzing typical business operations, production functions, and time/motion studies. A significant number of industry averages are provided for very specific operations, such as scanning an image or producing a book cover. In each instance the author defines the process and provides hourly rates for jobs of varying difficulty (simple, complex, and average).

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0929535197

0929535197 142 pp. $49.95

Contact: Brenner Information Group, P.O. Box 721000, San Diego, CA 92172-1000, 800 811-4337, 619 538-0093, http://www.brennerbooks.com, e-mail: info@brennerbooks.com, fax: 858 484-2599


easy Adobe Photoshop 6
Binder, Kate

This is not your typical Photoshop book. This one does everything but talk and move. The author presents 190 specific Photoshop tasks, each shown in precise detail and full color. The screen shots, menus, dialog boxes, and other program components are shown as they appear on-screen, and the accompanying textual instructions are brief yet clear. Each step is clearly numbered, and the sequence of events is easy to follow and understand. This is the type of book that can be consulted when a particular process needs to be learned or reviewed. The author includes information on ImageReady 3, a part of Photoshop 6.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0789724235

0789724235 280 pp. $24.99

Contact: Que Corporation, 11711 North College Ave., Carmel, IN 46032, http://www.quecorp.com.


XML by Example: Building E-Commerce Applications
McGrath, Sean

The author does an admirable job of describing what XML is, and how it can be applied to e-commerce applications. As the title implies, he uses numerous illustrations to show how XML is used to construct Web sites that are efficient and well-structured. His primary example is a catalog application that is quite instructive, and representative of real-world needs.

The accompanying Windows 95/NT CD-ROM includes a collection of XML e-commerce development tools.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0139601627

0139601627 470 pp. $39.95

Contact: Prentice Hall, PTR, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458, http://www.phptr.com.


Photoshop for the Web
Aaland, Mikkel

The author covers all Web-specific Photoshop capabilities for both the production of graphics and type. Many step-by-step procedures are provided for optimizing graphic elements for use as buttons, backgrounds, and other page components. Special attention is paid to producing the best possible output given the contraints of file size requirements. A large printed color section is included, as well as complete coverage of Adobe's ImageReady Web graphics production software.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D1565926412

1565926412 230 pp. $29.95

Contact: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 103 Morris St., Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472, 800 998-9938, 707 829-0515, http://www.oreilly.com, e-mail: info@oreilly.com, fax: 707 829-0104.


Microsoft Office for Windows
Sagman, Steve

Another in the series of Visual QuickStart Guides, this one covering the suite of applications that comprise MS Office 2000 for Windows (Word 2000, Excel 2000. PowerPoint 2000, Access 2000, and Outlook 2000). The author uses a significant number of screen captures, and a minimum of text, to show, rather than to tell, how to accomplish most of the essential operations pertinent to each program.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0201354403

0201354403 464 pp. $19.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 2414 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710


Flash Creative Web Animation
Plant, Darrel

A concise tutorial for the beginner and intermediate user, covering the fundamental operation of Macromedia Flash. The author provides projects that show most of the drawing, animation and authoring features of the program.

The accompanying cross-platform CD-ROM contains all of the projects from the book as well as trail versions of Macromedia Flash and other programs.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0201696665

0201696665 310 pp. $29.95

Contact: Macromedia Press, 2414 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710


Harley Hahn teaches the Internet
Hahn, Harley

A hand-held tour of the Internet by one of the most prolific Internet authors ever. Mr. Hahn provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the workings of the Internet and then leads the reader through the fundamental skills and procedures that they need to know in order to take advantage of its power.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0789716151

0789716151 422 pp. $19.99

Contact: Que Corporation, 11711 North College Ave., Carmel, IN 46032, http://www.quecorp.com.


Official Adobe Electronic Publishing Guide, The
Adobe Press

Adobe's view of the new world of electronic publishing. This colorful and well-designed book is profusely illustrated with excellent examples of the best of all forms of electronically composed, arranged, and distributed publications. Chapters include: What is Electronic Publishing?, Elements of Electronic Publishing, Preparing Text and Graphics, Working with Color, Making Publications Interactive, Converting Print to Electronic Publications, Managing and Distributing Electronic Publications, and Customizing Adobe Acrobat. A section of electronic publishing terms is included.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D1568304692

1568304692 214 pp. $35

Contact: Adobe Press, Prentice Hall, 113 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632


FileMaker Pro Advanced for Windows & Macintosh
Baron, Cynthia L.; Daniel Peck

An easy-to-follow guide to incorporating sophisticated FileMaker Pro capabilities in database designs. The authors stress the thoughtful and logical design of database structures and their efficient implementations. Chapters are devoted to such topics as data organization, layout enhancements, calculation fields, field relationships, scripts, data importation, and Web publishing. Like all Peachpit Press Visual Quickstart Guides, this book provides clear, step-by-step, illustrated procedures for accomplishing defined tasks.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0201704722

0201704722 350 pp. $24.99

Contact: Peachpit Press, 2414 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710


Teach Yourself Adobe Photoshop 6 in 24 Hours
Rose, Carla

The author introduces many of Photoshop's major features, and some of its new innovations, in 24 lessons that can be completed in one hour or less. Each lesson is presented in a step-by-step format, with progressively more difficult content. Lessons include summaries, questions and answers, quizzes, quiz answers, and exercises.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0672319551

0672319551 456 pp. $24.99

Contact: Sams, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.


XML Development with Java 2
Daconta, Michael C; Al Saganich

A very focused book on the process of integrating XML into Java applications. The authors do a commendable job of showing how XML can be used effectively in various aspects of Java programming, including data-intensive applications.

The accompanying CD includes evaluation versions of XML Authority, XML Spy, XML Pro, XML Notepad, and others as well as the code and examples from the book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0672316536

0672316536 429 pp. $49.99

Contact: Sams, 201 West 103rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46290.


Internet Publishing and Beyond
Kahin, Brian; Hal R. Varian

One of the few books to address the economics of digital information and intellectual property. This collection of essays examines such topical issues as advertising pricing models for the Web; how to profit from online news; the economics of copy protection in software and other media; micropayment systems; network delivery of information goods; and more. The book is a publication of the Harvard Information Infrastructure Project in collaboration with the School of Information Management and Systems at the University of California at Berkeley.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0262611597

0262611597 243 pp. $24.95

Contact: The MIT Press, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 5 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 01242-1493, 800 356-0343, 617 253-2874, http://www.mitpress.mit.edu, e-mail: mitpress-orders@mit.edu.


New Riders' Official Internet Yellow Pages, Sixth Edition
Editors

A voluminous directory of Internet sites, completely indexed, cross-referenced, and annotated. The book lists Web sites, Listservs, Newsgroups and FTP sites, both in the U.S. and internationally. The accompanying cross-platform CD-ROM contains the entire contents of the book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D1562057847

1562057847 1150 pp. $29.99

Contact: New Riders Publishing, P.O. Box 4846-V, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.


New Riders' Official World Wide Web Yellow Pages, Sixth Edition
Editors

An impressively large directory of World Wide Web listings, with URLs and descriptions, arranged like telephone yellow page entries. The accompanying cross-platform CD-ROM contains the entire contents of the book.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D1562057855

1562057855 993 pp. $29.99

Contact: New Riders Publishing, P.O. Box 4846-V, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.


Database Development for Dummies
Taylor, Allen G.

An easy-to-follow guide to the complexities of devising, constructing, and deploying a database for enterprise, workgroup, or personal use. The author clearly explains the structures of various types of databases, and provides guidelines for creating logically constructed models. The book includes the process of delivering database access over the Web, and the issues of privacy and data protection.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D0764507524

0764507524 320 pp. $24.99

Contact: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd. #400, 800 762-2974, 650 653-7000, http://www.idgbooks.com.


Developing E-Business Systems and Architectures: A Manager's Guide
Harmon, Paul; Michael Rosen, Michael Guttman

The authors have written a strategic guide for managers of medium to large businesses who are considering the implementation of an e-business system. Case studies are presented that vividly illustrate both the obstacles and opportunities that occur in the process of putting a business on the Internet. Descriptions are provided of the various ways in which a business enterprise must change in order to accommodate an electronic business initiative.

Available for on-line ordering at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=thekleperreporto&path=ISBN%3D1558606653

1558606653 279 pp. $34.95

Contact: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, Academic Press, 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, http://www.academicpress.com.



A Word From Our Sponsors

**********
Order the biggest, most up-to-date book on the subject of Digital Publishing. The Handbook of Digital Publishing Volume I, by Professor Michael Kleper, is NOW available. Click to order.

**********
If you use a Mac and you're on the Internet, give NetBots a try:

http://www.printerport.com/klephacks/
**********


Copyright and Distribution Information

Copyright and Distribution Information

The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing is (c)opyright 2000, Graphic Dimensions, Pittsford, NY, all rights reserved. You may distribute the SoftLocked version of this document, unmodified and in its entirety. You may distribute portions of this document, up to 200 words in length, unmodified, provided that you also include this copyright notice and subscription information.

The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing is published in Adobe Acrobat PDF format http://www.adobe.com, using SoftLock http://www.softlock.com technology. Each issue costs $4.95, with a 6 issue subscription costing $24.95. The free Acrobat reader and the free SoftLock plug-in and registration program are required for viewing.

Past issues (more than 60 days old) of The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing are available on the Web at: http://www.printerport.com/kdp/. Comments and inquiries should be directed to: The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing, 134 Caversham Woods, Pittsford, NY 14534 USA. E-mail: kdp@printerport.com.