AutoCAD 2010 Tutorial Videos – Training CD / DVD
FREE AutoCAD 2010 Tutorial Video
These beginners AutoCAD 2010 Tutorial videos are the ideal way for users of all levels to quickly gain a solid working knowledge of this powerful design application. Taught by a leading AutoCAD expert, practical working files also accompany this training series.
AutoCAD 2010: Mastering 2D Concepts Tutorial Video
Written and narrated by Autodesk certified instructor Shaun Bryant, this Mastering 2D Concepts AutoCAD 2010 Tutorial Video grounds users in the core drawing and editing skills needed to use this immensely powerful software. Utilized in so many different fields for so many different purposes, the basic skills for using the program are a constant. By combining expert knowledge with an intuitive, visuals-based approach, this training will help you learn how to effectively express visual concepts without the frustration that can come when trying to teach yourself.
The key to these tutorials is flexibility and control. Users can watch passively or use hands-on work files and can progress as quickly or slowly as they like. Offered online or on CD / DVD, the tutorial video lessons can be watched right from home or anywhere you have a computer.
Intelligent User Interface Enhancements
As soon as you start AutoCAD 2010 for the first time, you’re presented with a quick dialog that asks you what kind of work you do: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Structural Engineering and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) are all available. From your choice, AutoCAD customizes menus, tools and measurement units to correspond with common workflows for your field. This is simple, but smart. You’ll find that it can really speed up the way you work, but if you prefer a more general environment, both an updated generic and classic AutoCAD user workspace are available. You can further optimize your environment by choosing to emphasize 3D Modeling, Photorealistic Rendering, Review and Markup or Sheet Sets and incorporate custom drawing template (DWT) files in the initial setup stages.
From within the AutoCAD 2010 workspace, you’ll see the ribbon interface and quick access toolbar introduced in 2009, except now it’s easier to customize them for your favorite commands. Ribbons now adjust on the fly to the proper ‘context’ of the items you are working with, so that image tools come up when you’ve highlighted and image, and so on. Those who went through the trouble of making their own dashboard panels in version 2008 and 2007 also now have the ability to import them into 2010’s workspace. Autodesk seems to realize that it made a big jump to the ribbon format in 2009, and it’s done a lot to make the ribbon more intuitive while at the same time giving users plenty of ways to opt for more traditional tool setups.
The workspace is the window through which so many designers see their work. With AutoCAD having such an influence over so many technical fields, it’s crucial that users feel comfortable with their software so that they can place the focus on delivering quality designs.
While much of the training focuses on concepts and technique, this AutoCAD 2010: Mastering 2D Concepts Tutorial Video addresses the new features both in the beginning and throughout the course so that you get a full appreciation of the way the many parts of AutoCAD work together to help you get work done.
Topics covered on this AutoCAD Tutorial Video
Introduction
* New in AutoCAD 2010 pt. 1
* New in AutoCAD 2010 pt. 2
User Interface
* Application Menu
* Ribbon
* Workspaces
* Command Line
* Dynamic Input
* Dialog Boxes
* Shortcut Menu
* Status Bar
Drafting Settings
* Using Icons
* SNAP
* GRID
* ORTHO
* POLAR
* OSNAP
* OTRACK
* DYN
* LWT
* Quick Properties (QP)
Modelspace & Paperspace
* Model Tab
* Layout Tabs
* Quick Views
Zooming & Panning
* Using Your Mouse Wheel
* NAVIGATE Panel
* Zoom Window
* Zoom Object
* Zoom In
* Zoom Out
* Zoom All
* Zoom Extents
* Realtime Zoom
* Realtime Pan
Creating a Title Block
* Modelspace with Limits
* Setting Your LAYERS
* RECTANGLE Command
* EXPLODE & ERASE
* TRIM & EXTEND
* POINT Styles
Title Block – Text & Attributes
* Single Line Text (DTEXT)
* Multiline Text (MTEXT)
* Defining Attributes
Converting Title Block
* Making an AutoCAD Block
* Tidying Up in Modelspace
* Inserting Title Block
* Save as a 2010 DWG File
Using Viewports in Layouts
* Layer Management Tools
* Creating Viewports
* Setting Viewport Scales
* Locking Viewport Scales
* Rotating Viewports
Converting to a Drawing Template (DWT)
* Options Dialog Box
* Default Template Folder
* Opening a New DWG From DWT File
* DWG File Management
Setting Up Model Tab (Modelspace)
* Setting Your Units
* Setting Your Limits
* Layer Properties Manager
* Layer Pulldown Menu
* Freezing / Thawing Layers
* Layers ON/OFF
* Locking Layers
Drawing in Modelspace
* LINE Command
* ARC Command
* CIRCLE Command
* POLYGON Command
* POLYLINE Command
* RECTANGLE Command
* HATCH Command
* Using COPY & OTRACK
* Using COPY & PASTE
* Adding Text in Modelspace
Content Re-use
* Utilizing Layer 0
* Creating a Block
* Dynamic Blocks
* Inserting a Block
* GRIP Editing
* Tool Palettes
* DesignCenter
* Managing Tool Palettes
* Exporting Tool Palettes
* Making a DWG from a Block
* Redefining a Block
Dimensioning & Annotation
* New Measuring Tools
* Using DIMENSION Panel
* Using Annotative Scaling
* Viewport Scales
* More Annotation Scaling
* Using Multileaders
Setting Up Viewports
* Visible Viewport Layers
* Locking Viewport Scales
Layouts & Page Setups
* Setting Layout Properties
* Page Setups
Plotting your Drawing
* Plotting From Model Tab
* Plotting – Layouts & Colors
* Changing Plotting Settings
Publishing Your Drawing
* Using PUBLISH Command
* Using eTransmit
* Plotting to PDF
* Plotting to DWF
* DWF Design Review 2010
* DWG TrueView 2010
* Changing Filetypes
AutoCAD Community
* AutoCAD Exchange
* AUGI
For more information and a free demo visit the 2010 AutoCAD Tutorial Video Page.
Add comment July 6, 2009
Microsoft Exchange 2007 Tutorial Video
Microsoft Exchange 2007 Tutorial Video
Learn how to install and administrate Microsoft Exchange 2007 from one of the world’s leading Microsoft trainers. Author Mark Long shows you everything you need to know using easy to follow video based tutorials.
Microsoft Exchange 2007 Tutorial Video
This comprehensive Microsoft Exchange 2007 Tutorial Video will introduce users to the full power of this industry-standard email server software, going all the way through set up and integration to advanced tips and techniques that administrators will appreciate.
Email runs the business world. Even as people jump on the Web 2.0 bandwagon and look to huge social media sites and microblogging outlets as the next big thing, email is what brought many businesses online in the first place, and it’s a simple, reliable technology that has become only more useful with age. Microsoft’s Exchange 2007 is the heavy contender in the world of managed email hosting, and it’s crucial that administrators know how to use it.
These engaging tutorials break down the software’s features and settings into a language that is easy to understand without dumbing things down for serious users. Users can watch the tutorial videos in order or skip to topics that they need to review, making the training package a great reference tool for future use. Whether you need to learn how to use MS Exchange to its fullest advantage or just want a practical, comprehensive guide, it’s here, view the first three training chapters of this Microsoft Exchange 2007 Tutorial Video for FREE
Powerful Anti-Spam Features
With each release of Exchange, Microsoft brings new capabilities to the table to attract new customers and persuade established users to upgrade. Some in the past have been only incremental updates, but the changes to Exchange 2007 are noteworthy. Anti-spam and Antivirus features in particular have gotten a major boost.
Connection Filtering – This is a sensible first line of defense. Exchange includes an integrated block and allow system that filters based on lists of IPs of known spam-senders. These lists can be updated from external sites or augmented manually by admins.
Content Filtering – Microsoft has included a special implementation of its SmartScreen filtering system. It has the ability to learn and identify troublesome phrases and styles associated with spam content. Called the Intelligent Message Filter, this system also indentifies potential phishing attacks by looking for bad links and compromised domains referenced in messages. Filter updates keep the system current to new waves of attack.
Anti-spam Stamp – Once a message is marked as spam by the system, it is ‘stamped’ with information that tell why it was filtered out so administrators can assess the effectiveness of their system and make adjustments if necessary.
Spam Quarantine – Messages marked as spam have two places that they go, depending on the certainty of the diagnosis. Confirmed spam goes into quarantine on the perimeter network. It can be accessed and evaluated by administrators through Outlook. ‘Borderline’ cases (as defined by admin settings) go to a junk mail folder on individual users’ accounts, after being converted to plain text for safety.
There are many reasons a company might go with Exchange 2007. Some systems are simply built around Exchange. Whatever your reasons for needing the program, these tutorial video lessons can help your configuration and management of the system go as smoothly as possible.
1 comment July 1, 2009
Gimp Tutorial Videos – Training CD
Learn how to unleash the graphical power of GIMP from the comfort of your own desk. These easy to follow tutorials break GIMP down into a series of simple step-by-step instructions. The first three chapters are viewable online for FREE.
GIMP 2.6 Tutorial Video
This brand new GIMP 2.6 Tutorial Video series offers a hands-on and comprehensive introduction to the popular free graphics editor. In terms of quality and depth, there’s no other resource like it.
Written and narrated by graphics and design expert James Street, these instructional GIMP training videos go step by step through the program’s layout and configuration and then progress to basic and gradually more advanced tasks. GIMP is a versatile tool that can be used for pretty much anything 2D, from touching up photos to creating raster graphics from scratch. These engaging lessons take you through a variety of tips and techniques, with a special focus on doing work for the web, like creating web banners featuring graphics and stylized text.
Each tutorial video lesson features a real-time feed of the program being used, so you can see exactly exactly how each technique is accomplished. Even better, the course comes with a host of sample files that allow you to follow along with the video instruction. The real beauty of the system, though, is that you’re free to do whatever you want. You can watch the videos in order or skip around to focus on specific skills you want to review. It’s the freedom to set your own pace and learn in the way that best suits your schedule and life.
The Power of GIMP
GIMP is often unfairly criticized as a wannabe Adobe Photoshop, but this really isn’t the case. It’s just common sense that many users would want a stable, capable tool that lets them edit and create 2D images without having to fork over hundreds of dollars. Some of those users will even want to get professional work done, and some of those users might want a graphics program that’s multi-platform and open-source. GIMP fits the bill quite nicely.
With a little know-how, you can use this versatile free software for a variety of projects:
Photo Touchups and Enhancement – Technical imperfections like perspective distortion, barrel distortion and vignetting are repairable by basic tools and plug-ins, and a fully capable channel mixer lets you make sure your color levels are just right. The clone, touch-up and healing tools also let you alter life’s imperfections to your heart’s content.
Drawing and Painting raster graphics – Brush, Airbrush and Pencil tools with the ability to add custom brushes and swatches open up the possibilities. The blending tools and a gradient editor are also up to snuff and compare to those in much more expensive applications.
Much More – Like any good design tool, you’re really only limited by your imagination and your creativity. GIMP has the features and functionality to get you started, but it’s hard work and vision that yield the best results.
This game-changing GIMP tutorial video series will give you the skills to follow through. Once you know where everything is and how it works, you can use the software to approach projects with confidence and let your instincts help you create something special.
Add comment June 23, 2009
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 Tutorial Video
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 Tutorial Video
Beginners Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 Video Tutorial. Comes complete with comprehensive working files allowing you to following along with the lessons at your own page. To help you evaluate the training the first 3 chapters are available for free.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 Tutorial Video
Here is a very thorough but user-friendly Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 Tutorial Video series. The latest in a long line of example-focused video based training courses, this one tackles the unique challenges and fun options of editing photos, adjusting images and creating digital effects with the Photoshop Elements 7 package.
Offering users an intelligent introduction to photo retouching and management, the training course gives basic tips on the way the imaging process fundamentally works, so that even complete beginners are on good footing as the tutorials progress. Although Photoshop Elements it is missing some of the features found in the much more expensive Photoshop CS4, Elements 7 has nearly all of the major photo-based tools, and definitely all of those that users at home will want to see.
Most traditional Elements training resources rely on telling users what to do. They do their best to avoid jargon, but because they are written by people who are designers first and not writers, it inevitably creeps in. They try to incorporate useful examples and screenshots, but sometimes the point just doesn’t come across with still images. That’s where the tutorial videos are different. These video tutorials teach by direct example, with users being shown in studio quality video how each technique is accomplished in a realtime view of the application workspace. And since author Phil Hawkins has experience conducting photo workshops, he has a natural teaching style that makes learning Photoshop Elements 7 easy.
Elements 7: Top Features
There are a number of included tools and options in Photoshop Elements 7 that make it a better solution for managing and working with your images, and we’ve included a few of our favorites below:
Three different editing modes. The modes vary depending on the user’s level of expertise and what they are trying to accomplish. Quick mode lets you manipulate photos with a few powerful but basic tools, including lighting, color and sharpness adjustments that you can quickly make.
A special Guided Mode takes the user through both simple and more complex tasks within the software with step-by-step advice that helps users learn from within the program. While useful on their own, the tips complement the advice given in the Elements 7 Tutorial Video and help you become more creative in less time.
The Full mode puts 22 useful tools and a layout-based editing screen right at your fingertips so more confident users can make short work of dull or problematic shots. This is where having the right instructional guidance really comes into play.
Tools to organize and share your shots. Adobe knows that most Elements users are working from home, so it includes a wide range of features that make it the Swiss army knife of photo software. You can use the software to sort and label your images and upload them to online services with drag and drop functionality.
This is just a quick look at what makes this program worthwhile. In the full Photoshop Elements 7 Tutorial Video you will learn not only how to use it effectively but also to appreciate it as a tool.
Add comment June 23, 2009
Adobe AIR – PHP Tutorial Videos
AIR – PHP Development Tutorial Video
This powerful Adobe AIR & PHP Development Training Video will introduce you to Adobe’s powerful desktop development framework and show you how you can create functional applications using familiar tools originally designed for use on the web
Adobe AIR & PHP Development Tutorial Video
Here’s an exciting Adobe AIR & PHP Development Tutorial Video that serious designers and coders should give a shot. Over a series of short, engaging videos, users can learn to write several types of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) for the desktop to meet personal and business goals.
Although it began as a simple way for people to share basic information, the internet has blossomed into a wilderness of technologies and ideas that have the power to shape the way people live their lives. As it has increased in complexity, the need for applications that bridge the gaps and take advantage of the web’s diversity has rapidly increased, and the Adobe Flex programming system and AIR deployment environment offers just that.
These videos cover the the design and implementation of applications using Zend AMF, ActionScript 3, and Adobe’s Flex Builder for developers on both PCs and Macs. You’ll learn how to adapt and enhance traditional web technologies for use as native desktop applications, and get the tools and knowledge to write software on the cutting edge of personal interaction with the web. PHP expert Richard Bates lends expert advice at every stage, and hands-on examples with sample files are included so you can follow along. The videos are available online through an unlimited subscription plan or for permanent purchase on CD / DVD.
Adobe Flex: A Versatile Development Solution
Adobe Flex is a widely available developer toolkit for creating Rich Internet Applications for the browser and the desktop alike. When paired with the competitively priced Flex Builder, users can easily write and debug web-friendly solutions on short timelines. There are several impressive features that people may not know about.
Flex makes it easy to adapt existing applications. If developers have an existing Java web application, they can mix and match functionality with the Flex framework. It’s especially helpful for Java developers to write the back-end in Java and have Flex handle UI features. And the Flex AJAX bridge also lets you get the best of two worlds in your app.
Flex is competitively priced. The Flex SDK is free, and the Adobe Flex Builder has a number of tiered discounts and pricing plans. Special rates for students make it a great option for those developing for the future. Pairing Flex with open-source development frameworks has also proven successful, as you can see in the tutorial course.
Flex has a place in the business and enterprise world. Developers have already begun to take Oracle applications and find ways to implement them with Flex. When combined with the versatility of Adobe AIR, this could mean a fast and efficient deployment framework for some pretty advanced stuff.
Flex is not difficult to learn, with a little patience and the right resources. This is perhaps the most important point, because it can be a major barrier for entry. With this Adobe AIR & PHP Tutorial Video, not only will you get a good primer on Flex but a thorough look at how it integrates with AIR on the desktop.
1 comment June 17, 2009
After Effects CS4 Tutorial Video
Adobe After Effects CS4 Tutorial Video
Learn how to create stunning special effects and jaw-dropping animation that bring your video products to life, these high quality After Effects tutorial videos quickly give you the skills to unlock the power and become ultra creative.
Adobe After Effects CS4 Tutorial Video
These example-based After Effects CS4 Tutorial videos will teach you how to get the professional look you’ve always wanted in your animation, video, and motion effects projects. With the included working files and a real-time video stream of the program in action, these video based tutorials make you an active participant in the learning process, teaching you by showing you techniques, and not just describing them to you.
Perfect for even the beginner, the tutorial starts with the basics, introducing you to the new After Effects user interface and walking you through essential elements and functions before moving on to the harder stuff. This step-by-step training approach allows you to learn gradually and at your own pace, providing you with a working understanding of the program’s fundamentals so that you can truly master its powerful feature set. For intermediate users, the unique video format of the training course allows you to easily skip ahead. Each specific lesson is a separate video, and you can start immediately with the tutorials teaching the specific skills you need, without having to sit through needless introductory material.
Because these videos come on CD / DVD or via the unlimited online subscription service, you can learn wherever you need to from the comfort of your own desk.
Impressive New Features in After Effects CS4
After Effects has been a useful tool for video and motion graphics professionals for years, and the new features in CS4 make it the most useful release yet.
Keyword-searchable timelines and a new graphical flowchart-style composition display allow easier access to elements within your projects than ever before. As advances in video and effects processing has provided more freedom to manipulate and enhance your raw sources, compositing projects have become increasingly hard to navigate. But these new features restore control to the user by making it easy for you to single out individual aspects you’re working with and make them just right. New support for XMP metadata gives you another level of organization for your files that will increase efficiency across your workflow.
Adobe After Effects CS4 also offers more in the way of integration. Now that Photoshop has the ability to work with basic 3D objects, the engineers at Adobe have made sure that you can easily import and work with your models into After Effects. Tighter project integration with Flash CS4 allows you to export fully layered projects into the web-standard video and animation program while preserving the integrity of your motion effects settings and allowing you to build on them, encompassing the power of Flash animation directly into you video products is no longer an arduous, complex task.
Other enhancements include better support for authoring projects for mobile devices, independent 3D-style keyframing, and a slew of new effects.
Having the Professional Advantage with excellent training
Adobe After Effects CS4 is a powerful program with a many versatile and complex post-processing tools. It can create dazzling effects and beautiful results, but only if you know how to use it properly. This tutorial video course can give you the understanding and the skills you need to take your projects to the next level.
Add comment June 9, 2009
MCAS Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Tutorial Video
Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Tutorial Video
Learn how to study for and pass the MCAS Exam from one of the world’s leading Microsoft trainers, from the comfort of your own desk using step-by-step instructional videos.
Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Tutorial Video
This MCAS Tutorial Video series is a great resource for business professionals preparing for certification in MS Office 2007 or Windows Vista. With special sections devoted to each of the exams 77-600 to 77-605, the tutorials cover Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Outlook and Vista and show you the skills you need to know to successfully pass the required tests.
Developed by professional business consultant and productivity software expert Lauri Matson, the course focuses on the specific demands of each exam and gives hands-on advice and tips on mastering the techniques and knowledge tested for certification. Broken down into several major units for each specific test, it’s easy for students to either skip around or follow the instructional videos in order.
Available online via the Apex Unlimited subscription service or as one package on CD / DVD, these video tutorials can be viewed from the comfort of your own desk or practically anywhere there’s a computer.
MCAS: Microsoft Word 2007
Because the testing is designed around skills required in everyday business environments, becoming a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist can help set your resume apart by assuring potential employers that you can deliver real results. Formerly known as the Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) credential, the program is a long-standing accreditation process recognized across multiple industries. Even users who have certified themselves in older versions of Office can benefit from bringing their credentials up to to date and showing that they understand how the latest release of the software works. Microsoft Word is a program that many people consider very basic but in fact is a powerful tool crucial to the way countless companies get their business done.
On the one hand, being able to deliver a message and express yourself is a no-brainer. However, many underestimate the significant impact a properly formatted document that properly utilizes visual elements can have. The Microsoft Word MCAS exam covers several topics, and this fundamental concept encapsulates the first three: Creating and customizing documents, Formatting your content, and Working with visual content.
The other concepts covered in the exam have more to do with what happens after you send your message out, during collaboration and delivery. Organizing content, Reviewing documents, and Sharing and securing content are each crucial when a workflow spans more than one author. By understanding how to use Word in professional collaboration, you find its advantages over other word processors and can start to use it as a true business productivity tool.
These tutorial video lessons offer a real advantage when studying for MCAS texts because of their ease of use. Microsoft offers many free resources on their site for learning how to use Office 2007, but it’s spread among many different pages and it’s up to you to find the ones that help you prepare for testing. Our videos are a powerful training solution with everything in one place, that start at the beginning and walk you through every aspect of the MCAS exams.
Add comment May 7, 2009
Data driven AIR Tutorial Part 2
Data driven AIR Tutorial Part 2: ORM, ActiveRecord-style
Adobe AIR provides a complete SQLite database engine, but no high level API to manage data out of the box. Enter ActiveRecord.js – a Javascript library that brings Rails’ ActiveRecord-style data interfaces to your AIR applications. No more writing SQL queries, worrying about database connections or dealing with persistence – building serious database applications in AIR is a cinch with ActiveRecord.js. In this tutorial, we’re going to build a simple client management system with AIR,
Introducing ActiveJS
ActiveJS is an open source project from Aptana that provides a series of Javascript libraries, notably ActiveRecord.js. ActiveRecord.js supports a number of database backends, including Adobe AIR, Google Gears, and Aptana’s own Jaxer platform.
We’re about to build a simple client management system, to demonstrate using ActiveRecord to handle database connectivity, persistence, model construction, relationships and basic data retrieval.
Getting started
To build our AIR application, we’ll be using Aptana Studio, the official free IDE for Adobe AIR development. If you’ve used Eclipse before, head over to aptana.com and download the release for your platform, then install the Adobe AIR plugin from inside Aptana. If you’re new to Aptana/Eclipse, run through the installation guide in the “A Powerful Tool for Building AIR Apps” section on another AIR article.
Creating the project
Fire up Aptana, make sure you’ve installed the AIR plugin, then open File > New > Project. Select “Adobe AIR Project” from the “Aptana Projects” folder, click Next, and give your project a name – I’ve called mine “ClientProjects”. Click Next, and you’ll be offered two screens to change application properties – the default values should be fine. Click Next twice till you come to “Import AIR Frameworks” – here, make sure you check AIR HTML Introspector and AIR HTML Menu Builder, then click Next. We’ll be using jQuery for some DOM work, so check “jQuery 1.3″ (or similar – 1.1+ will be fine) in the “Import Javascript Library” screen, then click Finish to create your project.
Your “Project” or “Navigator” view will now have a new entry with the AIR logo for your project name. Expanding it should display the above file tree.
Creating our application
We now have a basic AIR application template to work with. Aptana has included some sample code to demonstrate a handful of AIR features – we can safely clear this out to build our application. You can safely delete LocalFile.txt now. Replace the contents of ClientProjects.html with the following:
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"
"http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd">
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" />
<title>Client Database</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="sample.css" />
<script type="text/javascript" src="lib/air/AIRAliases.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="lib/air/AIRMenuBuilder.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="lib/air/AIRIntrospector.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="lib/activerecord/active_record.air.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="lib/jquery/jquery-1.3.2.min.js"></script>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Clients</h1>
<table id="target_clients" border="1">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Client</th>
<th>Contact</th>
<th>Phone No.</th>
<th>Projects</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
</tbody>
</table>
<script type="text/javascript" src="application.js"></script>
</body>
</html>
Note that we include a laundry list of Javascript libraries in our <head> – let’s make sure these are in place.
You’ll need to change the “lib/jquery/jquery-1.3.2.min.js” line based on the version of jQuery that shipped with your Aptana. Alternatively, replace the src value with http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.3.2/jquery.min.js – a copy of jQuery hosted on Google’s servers, and the same version I’ve used for this article.
If you aren’t using Aptana, you need to copy AIRAliases.js, AIRMenuBuilder.js and optionally AIRIntrospector.js from the frameworks/ folder inside the AIR SDK – this can be downloaded from the Adobe AIR tools page on Adobe.com. Make sure you reconstruct the file structure we have here, or modify the <head> section of the HTML to suit.
ActiveRecord.js can be downloaded from the Github repository – create a folder called activerecord under your project’s lib folder and save active_record.air.js there. I’m using the latest as of 2009-04-25.
Building the application framework
We’re going to keep our code in a Javascript file called application.js inside the main project folder, so create that now. The easiest way to create files in Aptana is to right click on our project – ClientProjects (or similar) – in the Project pane on the left, then select New > (file type). Aptana will take care of storing the file on the filesystem and keeping track of it within our project. Let’s start off our new application.js some basic structure – copy the following in:
application = {
models: {},
_init_database: function() {
},
_init_menus: function() {
},
events: {},
init: function() {
application._init_database();
application._init_menus();
application.draw_clients();
}
}
This will offer us some basic structure for our application. One global application object will prevent us from filling the mainspace, and we can easily see where our application logic is. In particular, note the models and events objects that are currently empty – we’ll use models to store our ActiveRecord models so that we have a centralised location for any application component to access them; events will simply store functions that respond to events.
Let’s start by configuring ActiveRecord for our database.
Up and running with ActiveRecord
Copy this over the _init_database function we created in application.js a moment ago:
_init_database: function() {
ActiveRecord.connect(ActiveRecord.Adapters.AIR, 'application_db');
var Client = ActiveRecord.define('clients', {
name: '',
contact: '',
contact_phone: '',
}, {
valid: function() {
if (application.models.Client.findByName(this.name)) {
this.addError('Client name already in use.');
}
}
});
Client.hasMany('projects');
var Project = ActiveRecord.define('projects', {
project_name: '',
client_id: 0,
});
Project.belongsTo('client');
application.models.Client = Client;
application.models.Project = Project;
application.models.Client.afterCreate(function (row) { application.draw_clients(); });
application.models.Project.afterCreate(function (row) { application.draw_clients(); });
application.models.Client.afterDestroy(function () { application.draw_clients(); });
},
We first start a connection via ActiveRecord to an AIR database by the name of ‘application_db’. This will be automatically dealt with on the fly – if the database does not exist, it will be created. Next, we define two models, Client and Project. Notice we don’t actually ask for these to be created – if the database tables need to be created, they will be, but ActiveRecord will handle persistence transparently and check to see if they already exist. ActiveRecord allows us to define validation on models, so for now we’ll just enforce unique names on any Client we add to the system. We also relate both these models to each other, using hasMany and belongsTo – we can now use getProjectList() on any client row, and access the client property on any project row. We add a few events to our models – we’ll look at these in just a moment.
We’ll keep these models in application.models for future reference.
Creating our menus
We’ll use the AIR Menu Builder framework, similar to our previous Data Driven AIR article. Create a new file in your main project folder called application_menus.xml, and copy over the following:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<root>
<menuitem label="Actions">
<menuitem label="New Client" onSelect="newClient" />
</menuitem>
</root>
We can now define our _init_menus() function. Head back to application.js and copy this over _init_menus:
_init_menus: function() {
var windowMenu = air.ui.Menu.createFromXML('application_menus.xml');
air.ui.Menu.setAsMenu(windowMenu);
},
Also, copy this into the very end of application.js:
function newClient() {
application.events.newClient();
}
This allows our AIR Menu Builder to find our application.events.newClient() function, which we’ll define in just a minute.
When we run our application, we’ll have a simple “Actions” menu – either a standard native application menu (OS X), a window menu (Windows). We don’t actually need an exit menu item in our application (system chrome / application menus provide the same functionality), but we can easily add one using the “Menu_exit” function from our last Data Driven AIR article.
Handling events
To create some “New Client/Project” buttons, we’re going to need to handle the events. We’ll point all our button handlers at functions inside the events object we added to application.js‘ application. Copy this code over the events: {}, line:
events: {
newProject: function(client_id) {
var params = {};
params.client_id = client_id;
params.project_name = prompt('Project Name');
application.models.Project.create(params);
},
newClient: function() {
var params = {};
params.name = prompt('Client Name');
params.contact = prompt('Client Contact');
params.contact_phone = prompt('Client Contact Phone');
application.models.Client.create(params);
}
},
Notice we don’t have to worry about any SQL – ActiveRecord will take care of actually validating and creating the database entry. We simply prompt the user for all field values, construct an object with properties matching column names, and hand over to the create method of our model. Models come with a number of methods like this – see this API documentation page for more details.
Constructing our table
We’re nearly finished – our backend is in place, now we just need to pull data out of our database and display it on the screen. This is where jQuery comes in.
In the HTML we started with, we had a table with a thead and tbody explicitly defined. In particular, the tbody was empty – we need to use jQuery to fill it with rows retrieved from our database. We explicitly define a tbody so that we can clear out the table before retrieving a new recordset from the database, without clearing the table header.
Create a new draw_clients function inside the application object definition in application.js – e.g. between events and init:
draw_clients: function() {
$("#target_clients tbody").empty();
var clients = application.models.Client.find({all: true, order: "id ASC"});
for (i=0;i<clients.length;i++) {
var client = clients[i];
var projects = client.getProjectList();
var project_cell = $('<td>');
for (i=0;i<projects.length;i++) {
$(project_cell).append(projects[i].project_name + '<br/>');
}
$(project_cell).append($('<a>').attr('href', '#').data('id', client.id).text('Add').click(function() {
application.events.newProject($(this).data('id'));
}));
$("<tr>").append($('<td>').text(client.name))
.append($('<td>').text(client.contact))
.append($('<td>').text(client.contact_phone))
.append(project_cell)
.appendTo("#target_clients tbody");
}
},
This is quite an intricate block of code, so let’s have a closer look.
var clients = application.models.Client.find({all: true, order: "id ASC"});
This line will simply fetch all clients in our database, and store them in clients, which is now an array of objects. Notice we use an “order” parameter – there are a number of options available for this method, but are not presently documented. A “limit” options is available, and takes an integer number of rows to retrieve, which is generally passed onto the database adapter as an SQL LIMIT clause.
var projects = client.getProjectList();
Given a single client in client, we can call the get(RelatedModelNameInCamelCase)List() method to retrieve related rows. This is one of the methods created by declaring the hasMany relationship earlier.
$(project_cell).append($('<a>').attr('href', '#').data('id', client.id).text('Add').click(function() {
application.events.newProject($(this).data('id'));
}));
Here, we create a link for our users to add projects using the events.newProject function we defined earlier. This function needs to know what client to add a project to, so we take advantage of jQuery’s data system to bind the correct client ID to the row without messy HTML attributes or other markup-based data storage.
The final cog
There’s just one line left – we need to set the wheels in motion for our application, by handing over to the init method that we defined when we first created application.js. Add this to the very end of application.js:
application.init();
And we’re done! Fire up the application using the “Run” (green play icon) button in Aptana:
The application appears, but it’s a little bare – let’s enter some sample data:
Add some projects to clients, and we’re ready to roll.
The best bit is, this is all automatically persisted – close the application, open it up again using the Run button, and all your data is still perfectly intact!
Wrapping up
Here’s our final code for application.js:
application = {
models: {},
_init_database: function(){
ActiveRecord.connect(ActiveRecord.Adapters.AIR, 'application_db');
var Client = ActiveRecord.define('clients', {
name: '',
contact: '',
contact_phone: '',
}, {
valid: function(){
if (application.models.Client.findByName(this.name)) {
this.addError('Client name already in use.');
}
}
});
Client.hasMany('projects');
var Project = ActiveRecord.define('projects', {
project_name: '',
client_id: 0,
});
Project.belongsTo('client');
application.models.Client = Client;
application.models.Project = Project;
application.models.Client.afterCreate(function (row) { application.draw_clients(); });
application.models.Project.afterCreate(function (row) { application.draw_clients(); });
application.models.Client.afterDestroy(function () { application.draw_clients(); });
},
_init_menus: function(){
var windowMenu = air.ui.Menu.createFromXML('application_menus.xml');
air.ui.Menu.setAsMenu(windowMenu);
},
events: {
newProject: function(client_id) {
var params = {};
params.client_id = client_id;
params.project_name = prompt('Project Name');
application.models.Project.create(params);
},
newClient: function() {
var params = {};
params.name = prompt('Client Name');
params.contact = prompt('Client Contact');
params.contact_phone = prompt('Client Contact Phone');
application.models.Client.create(params);
}
},
draw_clients: function() {
var clients = application.models.Client.find({all: true, order: "id ASC"});
$("#target_clients tbody").empty();
for (i=0;i<clients.length;i++) {
var client = clients[i];
var projects = client.getProjectList();
var project_cell = $('<td>');
for (j=0;j<projects.length;j++) {
$(project_cell).append(projects[j].project_name + '<br/>');
}
$(project_cell).append($('<a>').attr('href', '#').data('id', client.id).text('Add').click(function() {
application.events.newProject($(this).data('id'));
}));
$("<tr>").append($('<td>').text(client.name))
.append($('<td>').text(client.contact))
.append($('<td>').text(client.contact_phone))
.append(project_cell)
.appendTo("#target_clients tbody");
}
},
init: function(){
application._init_database();
application._init_menus();
application.draw_clients();
}
}
function newClient() {
application.events.newClient();
}
application.init();
You can download a working copy of the Aptana project here (suitable for import – extract the archive, then see File > Import : General > Import Existing Projects…).
Further reading
You might find these resources useful in exploring AIR databases, ActiveRecord.js, and general data peristence.
Add comment May 4, 2009
Digital Performer Tutorial Video
Digital Performer Tutorial Video
Learn how to use Digital Performer from one of the world’s leading Audio trainers, from the comfort of your own desk using step-by-step instructional videos.
The tutorials are written and narrated by Sam McGuire, a veteran audio engineer with experience creating music and audio for a variety of professional projects. McGuire provides plenty of real world examples throughout the training and throws in expert tips and techniques that even more experienced users will find helpful.
Clocking in at just over 7 hours, the course offers a comprehensive walkthrough of several of the application’s most useful features. Special attention is paid to the program’s redesigned interface and its added support for working with Apple’s Final Cut Pro. At the heart of the tutorial are three sample projects that allow the user to learn practical skills while working along with the video instruction. Files are provided at every point along the way and every step is shown in real time so following along is not a problem.
The tutorial video course is available is available online through the Apex Unlimited service or as one training package on CD / DVD.
Formats, Formats, Formats and Support
In the five first versions of the software, the native audio format for Digital Performer has always been Sound Designer II. While there’s nothing particularly wrong with the quality of the file type itself, it’s now considered a hold-over from the early days of serious digital audio. Industry support for it is limited, and a lot of other audio programs won’t even touch it. AIFF Broadcast WAV are more or less the new standards, but even in DP5, the files had to be imported and converted to SDII to be used.
With Digital Performer 6, change has arrived. Users can now work with both popular formats natively, with support for 32-bit floating-point files for powerful options for dynamic range. Needless to say, this makes DP play nice with other audio software, and that’s just the beginning. OMF and AAF formats often used to transfer projects between different sequencing software also have improved support.
Plug-ins have better compatibility than ever, with support for both MOTU’s MAS files as well as Apple Audio Units (AU). Digital Performer’s engineers have been in close contact with the hardware and software crews at Apple, and AU plug-ins aren’t just ‘compatible’ but actually work as they’re supposed to.
It’s clear that with version 6, serious work has been put not only into the Big Picture but many small details have been shored up, too. Whether you’ve worked with other versions of the program in the past or you’re a beginner wanting to learn one of the best software solutions for producing audio for video and film, this MOTU Digital Performer 6 Tutorial Video has something to offer. Other interesting posts on Digital Performer 6
Add comment May 1, 2009
Adobe Flash CS4 Tutorial Video
Adobe Flash CS4 Tutorial Video
Learn how to use Adobe Flash CS4 from one of the world’s leading trainers, from the comfort of your own desk.
Adobe Flash CS4 Tutorial Video – Training Series
With all of the new features Adobe has added to make Flash CS4 Professional easier to learn and easier to use, there’s never been a better time to pick up the software. The object-based design model gets rid of the complicated keyframe system of previous versions and significantly lowers the learning curve for the beginner.
This powerful Adobe Flash CS4 Tutorial Video series makes mastering the program even easier. With a hands-on teaching approach based on showing and not just telling, this instructional video course covers everything from the bare basics of drawing and handling images within the program to how to use sound, video, and animation to bring your project from the idea phase all the way through publication. The unique video format of the course allows you to learn at your own pace, moving from the one tutorial to the next only when you’re ready. You’ll learn how to use all of the new features as well as the old ones, whether your focus is on animation or video, for in-house presentations or distribution on the web. Both PC and Mac compatible, it’s a convenient and affordable way to truly have the advantage with Flash CS4.
Market Advantage
Despite Microsofts’s continued efforts to develop and spread the use of its Silverlight software, Adobe’s Flash is still the king of video and animation on the web. With the additional support Flash CS4 Professional provides for H.264 video encoding and the new animation features it brings to the table, it’s sure to leverage its immense popularity (which Adobe places at 99 percent of internet users) even further.
History and the Future
Since acquiring Macromedia in 2005, Adobe has sought to make Flash more compatible with the other design tools in its product line. These integration efforts begun with Creative Suite 3 have been taken even further in Adobe Flash CS4 Professional. In addition to unifying the appearance of the user interface across the entire productivity suite, Adobe has also made transferring work between programs virtually seamless, perfect for the increasing convergence of print and web design across traditional brick-and-mortar and internet-based industries.
While keeping the core vector graphics functionality that made Flash the market leader, Adobe has added more features to Flash that will ensure its relevance as a future player in premium content markets: a new design model that is object-based and more straightforward for the Flash beginner, additional support for high quality video, more robust tools for editing large amounts of text, and the new creation tools such as the Bones utility for implementing intuitive movement and chain-effects. Brand new 3D Translation and 3D Rotation features allow you manipulate 2D objects and images in three dimensions, and the Deco tool and Spray Brush features allow you to quickly apply decorative fills to give your animations more depth and style.
Add comment April 24, 2009
