Date: Thu, 29 Dec 1994 14:12:34 EST From: "Rob Slade, Social Convener to the Net" Subject: "Multimedia and CD-ROMs for Dummies" by Rathbone BKMLMCDR.RVW 941024 "Multimedia & CD-ROMs for Dummies", Rathbone, 1994, 1-56884-089-6, U$19.95/C$26.95 %A Andy Rathbone %C 155 Bovet Road, Suite 310, San Mateo, CA 94402 %D 1994 %G 1-56884-089-6 %I IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. %O U$19.95/C$26.95 415-312-0650 fax: 415-286-2740 kaday@aol.com %P 324 %S ... for Dummies %T "Multimedia & CD-ROMs for Dummies" Multimedia on computers is a complex and, to most people, very new undertaking. This book ambitiously tries to cover everything, from choosing equipment to installing and configuring systems to advanced applications. It is, therefore, hard to criticize the work because the coverage in some areas is weak. Part one looks at equipment purchases. Chapters deal with the base computer, sound cards, video cards, CD-ROM readers, bundles, and other aspects. Rathbone gives the reader the basics and ensures familiarity with the jargon, and even technical specifications, but sometimes analysis is missing in terms of buying decisions. There is also an assumption that everyone will be using the same types of applications. Part two covers installation of equipment. While the instructions are not overly detailed (they can't be, because of variations in equipment), there are some very helpful features such as diagrams of different bus card types. (Some photographs would have been even more helpful.) Part three introduces basic media applications and functions. More advanced topics in MIDI games and presentations come in part four. The final section contains miscellaneous information on CD-ROM titles, file formats, common problems and legal tips. Be wary: multimedia involves new hardware, software and functions that you may not have any experience with at all. You can spend a lot of money and still come away disappointed. Rathbone does *not* have all the answers--at least not in this book. You will, however, find this a good introduction to the topic for your further investigation. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1994 BKMLMCDR.RVW 941024 ====================== DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters Editor and/or reviewer ROBERTS@decus.ca, RSlade@sfu.ca, Rob Slade at 1:153/733 Author "Robert Slade's Guide to Computer Viruses" 0-387-94311-0/3-540-94311-0