In its second edition, Adobe Acrobat 4.0 Classroom in a Book adds another entry to the popular tutorial series from Adobe Press. It contains additional lessons on security features, digital signatures, comparing files in multiple open windows, and Web capturing (creating PDFs from Web sites).
The Portable Document Format (PDF) uses the PostScript language to preserve all aspects of design and layout--including images, fonts, and text formatting--and reproduces them on any Windows, Mac OS, or Unix computer requiring only the Acrobat Reader and Web browser plug-in. Although the Reader and plug-in are freely distributed, you need Acrobat 4 to create PDFs.
There are 15 lessons and an introductory tour (a succinct overview of most features). Each lesson starts with an outline and an estimate of how much time it will take to complete (most are around 30 minutes). Readers learn how to create PDFs; use Distiller or PDF Writer to convert documents created in other applications; convert a fax or scan; and modify existing PDFs (adding pages, images, and annotations), including adding interactive links. More advanced lessons show how to create an online version of a printed book or a form that can be submitted over the Web, how to use Acrobat Catalog to create a searchable index for a library of PDFs, and how to add movie and sound files.
The text is aimed at the beginner and is paced accordingly. Lessons rely on sample files (on the CD-ROM) and cover all of Acrobat's features thoroughly--whether it's adding sound file annotations or optimizing document sizes. There are many screen shots, though not for every step; the user is expected to be reading along at the computer. Each lesson ends with review questions and answers (which can serve as quick references if read first), plus occasional suggestions for exploring features on your own.
The index is not very comprehensive, a definite drawback for more advanced users who just need to troubleshoot specific topics. But this is a small issue in a book that gives you as solid a foundation as this one does. --Angelynn Grant
Topics covered: Step-by-step lessons on the features and applications of Adobe Acrobat 4, including creating and modifying PDFs, working with text, images, links, bookmarks, annotations, converting files created with other applications, converting faxes and scanned images, creating a searchable index, adding multimedia, circulating a PDF among multiple reviewers, and compiling annotations and distribution and compression settings. CD-ROM includes all lesson files and QuickTime tours of other Adobe products.
Book Info
Provides the fastest, easiest, and most comprehensive way to master Adobe Acrobat 4.0. Covers the basics of Acrobat and the tips and techniques to help you quickly become an Acrobat pro. Softcover. CD-ROM included.
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