Desktop guru shows you all his tips and tricks, from selecting the right equipment for the job to automating most steps. You also get priceless tips on common trouble spots and how to avoid them.
Needless to say, using type is an integral part of design work. Many aspects go into creating and producing type that people tend to overlook. But now, with the help of the former editor of Publish, you'll be privy to more than 110 time-and money-saving tips explicitly geared to designers and desktop publishers. As a bonus, four lessons and fundamental principles are spelled out to help you incorporate your newly learned knowledge. This comprehensive and user-friendly book promises to guide you through every step in creating and using computer-generated type.
Of course, to create good type, you must have the right equipment. In simple jargon, Felici lays out what you'll need in terms of a computer and accompanying equipment. Because of his knowledge of the field, he is quick to point out that one doesn't have to buy the most expensive equipment on the market. What he provides are experience-based recommendations.
Next Felici approaches workgroups, the problem of getting all the parts of your system to work together. He covers software, using a style guide, standardized procedures and so on. After this, some basic application tips are discussed, such as templates and tags for fast formatting.
There is a lot more valuable information included like typography, composition troubleshooting, printing tips and service bureau tips. A glossary is included for those ever-elusive terms some computer wizard coined.
Overall, you'll find it an easy-going tutorial by a leading computer writer and professional typesetter. If type seems attractive to you, but you're afraid to sink your teeth into it, this might be the ice-breaker you've been looking for.

-Neil Burns