Customer Reviews

Essentials of Macromedia RoboHelp HTML X5

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As an independent computer consultant, I've been interested in RoboHelp for some time. However, the cost of enrolling in a 3-day RoboHelp class, which seems to begin at $1,000, prompted me to research books such as these as an alternative. And, I'm glad I did. I've found it to be an excellent book in tutorial format! I downloaded the Macromedia RoboHelp X5 15-day trial version and used it to complete all assignments and still had plenty of time left in the trial version to play with my stuff! I was also able to complete the book's End-Course Project without having to use any of the lessons as a reference. However, as my personal Final Exam, I wanted to see how well I could repurpose several of my Word and PDF documents so I imported a combination of 15 files into RoboHelp with ease. Well, somewhat with ease, the exception being PDF files. RoboHelp creates several Header, Heading, Paragraph and Footer styles from the PDF source during the import process that will require some clean up, but, with a little patience, it's easily done. Each of my documents was a minimum of 75+ pages in length that contained several heading styles, spreadsheets, graphics, and multimedia objects. Since I own Flash MX, and, just for grins, I customized one of the included Flash skins and also used it. (Note: this book is geared only towards RoboHelp.) I successfully completed my personal Final Exam in which I had linked/cross-linked several books/topics into a comprehensive help application. For me, this book has been a good investment.

This was my first experience with a help-authoring tool and found this workbook guided me through the options very well. The conventions used throughout the book were easy to follow; repetition was built into the activities; the example projects supplied with the workbook were flawless (I did not find one error); Mr. Siegel's writing style is easy, I felt like I was in a casual conversation with him. I feel the level of depth covered was just right, it allowed me to dig in without getting overwhelmed and I feel I have a good foundation to build upon.

I strongly recommend this workbook to anyone who is trying to learn RoboHelp HTML X5 and I will not hesitate to purchase other workbooks by Mr. Siegel.

Very clear and direct. The spiral binding makes it very usable as a training manual (that is, you don't have to struggle to keep the book open).

One problem (but with really nobody to blame). I downloaded the trial version of RoboHelp, and near the end of Module 7, I got the message, "You have reached the maximum number of topics for a trial version." That seems like a strict limit, since I still have about 20 days left in my trial.

Anyway, if you use this book and the trial version, you might want to pick and choose among the nine modules before you start.

This was a great workbook for learning how RoboHelp operates. The exercises were easy to follow and quite entertaining (meaning I didn't fall asleep) and extremely helpful. I particularly liked the fact that each exercise has you do the example several times (Confidence Builders) so you really get a good idea on what's being taught. While this workbook does not go in depth (I don't think it's meant to, being a workbook) it is an excellent starting point. I used this workbook in conjunction with RoboHelp 2000 Bible for more in-depth explanations. I highly recommend this workbook for folks who are just getting into RoboHelp as RoboHelp is not the smoothest program out on the market.

I've just completed the first 1/2 of the book and I feel that it is a bit light. The good thing is that it includes a CD-ROM with all the material needed to complete the course and following the progression of the book provides a good building block approach. However, there are areas where I would like to see more depth in what it is teaching at the point you are introduced to the feature. It would be nice if the book was in electronic form on the CD with additional links so you could dig a bit deeper into the module/feature if you wanted to.

I will write more when I've completed the course.

This workbook really teaches you how to use RoboHelp HTML X5. It is a super learning tool. Before you spend lots of money on a class or lots of time searching a user's guide, buy this book. You can learn at your own pace, and you will be able to use RoboHTML X5 like a pro.--in no time. I really like how the workbook makes you look back on previous, learned lessons. It enhances learning.

As usual Kevin puts out a simple to understand and follow along lessons and a good ref to always go back to as needed.

This book what just what I needed to untangle the complexities of RoboHelp. The author, Kevin Siegel, walks you through each step of creating a project, always building on the previous lessons learned. There are many tips, confidence building activities and clear explanations of each RoboHelp feature. Great book at a bargain price.

I'm a relative newbie to the world of RoboHelp, even though the application has been "sunset" by Macromedia/Adobe. However, I've been "lightly" using the application on and off for about 3 months now. I purchased this manual in hopes that it would fill in some gaps in my knowledge.

Unfortunately, I literally had to go to the last chapter before I found anything that I didn't already know.
This manual is laid out like a manual you would get in a training class. The cover is so thin, it ripped the first time I dropped it. It covers all the major topics, but only to the point of saying, "here's what it does, now you do a simple tutorial." It does little in the way of in-depth instruction.

Like I said, if you're very, very new to the application, then this might help you. However, if you've been using for more than two months, then this manual is probably too little too late.

CS

This manual is painless, easy to follow and fun to use. Keven A. Siegel is a talented instructor and a breath of fresh air in an genre of literature that leaves many readers second guessing their comprehension skills. If you need to learn RoboHelp, don't shop any further. This is THE RoboHelp guide!