Thursday, December 31, 2009

Mo' Money for CPAUG (or why we've joined Affiliate Programs)

We've realized that while we've been doing pretty good without any kind of cash funding for CPAUG, that it would probably make things a little nicer if we had a little bit of money to help fund the group. Currently, anything that isn't provide directly from Adobe or our generous book publishing sponsors is coming from, well, us: Your group managers.

So as a way to get a little extra funds (ie. soda money) for the group without causing hardship on the members or being overly intrusive, we've decided to join the Packt Pub and Amazon.com affiliate programs.

What that means essentially is that when we link out to items on our websites and emails such as Adobe books and software (like we would do anyhow) we'll be using our affiliate links to make a small percentage on any items you may purchase using that link.

If you're considering buying software or books, please consider going through our affiliate links or fancy Adobe-product customized CPAUG Amazon.com Store so that CPAUG may get a small percentage of your purchase in return.

All proceeds go back into running the group. Thanks for your support!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

ActionScriptHero.org Raffle: Win a Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium! Valued $1699

From their website: That's Right! ActionScriptHero.org wants to give you the gift of a shinny new Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium! Supported by Adobe that generously gives the prize!

CONDITIONS:
- You need to be member of ActionScriptHero Adobe User Group. We will cross check with the listing of our members
- You need to ask us the raffles URL and the password via the messaging feature inside our Contact @ Adobe User Group.

Once you win this great Creative Suite 4, Adobe will contact you with the details to claim your prize.

DEADLINE: December 31 2009 at 24:00 GMT+1 Paris-France Timezone
The winner will receive an automated email with instructions to claim the prize. Good luck!
The New Flash Platform Community Builder Makes You Smile

ENDING SOON: TechSmith - Snagit and Camtasia Special Offers

I just wanted to post a brief reminder that if you are looking to purchase Snagit and/or Camtasia, the special User Group discount ends December 31st.

- Promo codes available for Snagit and Camtasia Studio - Save $55 USD off MSRP
- Promo code available for Camtasia Studio - Save $30 USD off MSRP
- Promo code available for Snagit - Save $10 USD off MSRP

For details on how to receive the promo code, please visit http://groups.adobe.com/posts/266090503d

This is ONLY for registered CPAUG Members. No requests from other parties will be acknowledged.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Captivate 4 Winner & Happy Holidays!

Congratulations to the winner of our "Commit to a presentation in 2010" contest, Michael Dunmire, who has won a license for Adobe Captivate worth $799. He will be presenting on "Captivate 4" in February and "the OnOne Lightroom Plugin Suite" in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone who has agreed to present and remember that all presenters receive 5 extra tickets towards our bi-annual software suite raffle!

Our next meeting is January 11th on "Wii Flash Games." Click here for details.

May you all have a Happy Holiday and New Year!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Commit to a presentation, Get entered to win Captive 4 ($799 value)


THE RAFFLE:
We realize that presenting at a CPAUG meeting requires time and effort, so we thought we'd offer you some extra incentive to commit to presenting in 2010: A copy of Adobe Captivate 4 eLearning software (Windows only). Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to prepare you presentation! Sign up below to present in 2010 and we'll enter you into a raffle just for those who commit by December 18th to present in 2010. We're going to hold you to your commitment so please only enter if you are truly willing and able to present at a meeting. You are committing to presenting whether you win Captivate or not.


Presentation & Sweepstakes form:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHFCNmpDak5mY0ZVOHcxVjFkbHF0Q1E6MA

PRESENTATIONS:
Presentations should be at least 35-45 minutes and may run up to one hour in length. Just about any Adobe-related topic is fine, even third party tools/plugins, so long as it can be tied back into an Adobe product.

CAPTIVATE:

Go beyond screen capture to author rich eLearning experiences. Adobe Captivate 4 is a stand alone product and is not included in any of the CS4 Suites (yes, even Master Collection). RETAIL VALUE = $799.00. Not sure how to use Captivate? Never fear! The February 2010 CPAUG meeting presentation will be on Captivate by Michael Dunmire. For more about Adobe Captivate please visit:
http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/ CS4 DRAWING: Since Captivate is not part of any Suite, you can still be entered to win a CS4 Suite in our bi-annual raffles. And, don't forget that Presenters automatically receive 5 extra CS4 raffle tickets in the drawing!

FINE PRINT:
There will be one (1) winner. Winner will receive a license for Adobe Captivate 4 - Windows Platform. Must enter by midnight on December 18, 2009. Winner will be chosen and announced on December 19, 2009. Must be a registered CPAUG member. Winner will be notified by email. All entrants are agreeing to present their topic in 2010 and will be contacted via email to confirm their topic and presentation meeting month. Those who have already committed to a presentation in 2010 have already been automatically entered into this drawing. Any taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner.


Please take a minute to sign up to give back to the group and get entered to win Captivate 4.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHFCNmpDak5mY0ZVOHcxVjFkbHF0Q1E6MA

Cool Tool: How Much of Your Website Do People See? Google’s Got a Tool to Tell You [Mashable]

http://browsersize.googlelabs.com/

We already know that Google is obsessed with their own speed and efficiency, but the search giant is also trying to make everybody else faster on the web as well. Google Site Performance, for example, provides tips from Google on how to speed up your website, while Speed Tracer increases the efficiency of web apps by tracking performance.

The company is once again tackling the realm of website efficiency with a new tool that doesn’t track site speed or app performance, but the size of the browser window. The app, Google Browser Size, aims to help website owners solve one of the most fundamental problems in web design: How should I lay out and design my website for higher engagement and conversions?

Google Browser Size is very simple: It overlays a transparent image on top of any website, displaying what percentage of users (on average) will see your content without scrolling. Because people use various browser settings, monitor sizes and screen resolutions, it can be tough to know when a key button, like a “Donate” or “Subscribe” button, is visible and easily reachable by your users.

On the top and left are numbers depicting the length and width of the screen, in pixels. In the middle you’ll notice an array of colors and percentages. Based on research the company did during the 20 percent time of several engineers (this is time where Google engineers can pursue almost any project they please), they were able to extrapolate at what pixel height and width Internet surfers could see the page without scrolling, from 99 percent to essentially 0 percent.

What the company did to gather this data is rather fascinating (you can read more about it on the Google Code Blog), but the end result is a deceptively useful tool that will really tell you if you’ve designed your website efficiently or if you need to move key buttons around.

Try Browser Size out on your website, and tell us about the results. Will you be changing anything because of this tool? Let us know in the comments.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

45% off all ebooks you purchase direct from oreilly.com for a limited time

This is a note from our friends at O'Reilly Publishers:

Special offer for O'Reilly User Group program members: Along with your 35% discount off print books, you can now get 45% off all ebooks you purchase direct from oreilly.com for a limited time.

When you buy an O'Reilly ebook you get lifetime access to the book, and whenever possible we make it available to you in four, DRM-free file formats--PDF, .epub, Kindle-compatible .mobi, and Android ebook--that you can use on the devices of your choice. Our ebook files are fully searchable, and you can cut-and-paste and print them. We also alert you when we've updated the files with corrections and additions.

Just use code DSUG when ordering online at www.oreilly.com/store

Read more about our ebook formats and the ways to use them here: http://oreilly.com/ebooks

Monday, November 30, 2009

Cyber Monday - Get 10% off at the Adobe store when using Ebates.com

I'm a big fan of ebates.com (referral link) - if you do any online shopping you really need to sign up! It's about the easiest way to get online discounts (along with retailmenot.com). Today (Cyber Monday) ebates.com is offering 10% cash back on purchases from the Adobe store. Not a bad discount for clicking on a link! If you look online you can often find special sign up deals - PSECU has one for their members - so it's worth it to check before you sign up if you're a new member.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

JobOp: Design for a Cause! Governors Stables Non-Profit Website

Nonprofit organization "friends of governors stables" is looking for a team or individuals to work in a collaborative effort to create a website that will reach out to a diverse community. We are looking for people with experience in php, asp, cms, ajax, sql, mysql, css, seo and/or any combination of website development skills that would be willing to work in a small group and dedicate time and efforts in order to help complete our goals. If you or anyone you know would be interested in this opportunity to give something back to central Pennsylvania while expanding your skills and would like more information please contact Tim Rose at tarose@gmail.com with "friends of governors stables " in the subject line of your email. We look forward to hearing from you.

Friday, November 20, 2009

CPAUG Library Book Request and Renewal Form


Please fill out all of the information in this Book Request Form to request, hold or renew a library book. All requests must be received by 2pm on the CPAUG meeting day. Only pre-requested books will be brought to the CPAUG meeting for checkout completion.
View the CPAUG Library Book Inventory to see what books are currently available.

This information is available on the CPAUG website (AdobeGroups) just below the Upcoming Events list. It's also available on the CPAUG blog (http://cenpennaug.blogspot.com/) on the top of the right rail. It will be included in our emails on the right rail as well.

What is the CPAUG Library? It's a resource that we've made available just for CPAUG Members. The books come from our publishing partners, donations and fellow user group members. Members can request a book online and pick it up and return it at CPAUG meetings. All future books that we receive from book publishers go into the library for every one's use. Any duplicate books we may receive are raffled off at our meetings. Returning books are on the honor system.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

$50.00 Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 Windows Bundle w/ Digital Camera

http://www.buy.com/prod/adobe-photoshop-elements-8-windows-bundle-w-digital-camera/q/loc/105/212945934.html

BarCamp Harrisburg

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology will host BarCamp Harrisburg from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 10. The ad-hoc “unconference” will be filled with open, participatory events, discussions, and workshops where presentation content is provided by the participants rather than chosen speakers. The topics for this year’s BarCamp Harrisburg will be the Web with a track on education.

Attendance is free for those who register, but space is limited, so register early online at http://www.facebook.com/l/0b1fb;www.barcamphbg.org/what-is-barcamp/
Attendees arrive around 9-10 am, have breakfast, network, and post topics they would like to discuss on a schedule board (we’ll have markers and paper available to post topics). Following a brief kick-off meeting with the entire group, the day will consist of sessions broken down into 45-minute blocks. There will be a break for lunch, followed by afternoon sessions that will run until around 5 pm.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Recording of the After Effects presentation

Here's the recording of the After Effects presentation hosted by Dave Lambert.

http://experts.na3.acrobat.com/p72577150/

REMINDER: Tonight at 6:30 PM Connect session (webcast) - After Effects with Dave Lambert. Details at www.cenpennaug.com

Monday, November 16, 2009

Lightroom 3 Print Improvements [Digital Photography School]

"With Lightroom 3 Beta having just been released, the first thing that most people will do – as I did – is to look and see if the features that you’ve always wanted in the program have been added.

One of the areas that Lightroom 2 fell a little short on in my book was the Print module. I wanted to be able to print with a colored background without having to import a background to use as a Identity Plate to achieve the effect and I wanted to be able to assemble a single printed sheet incorporating multiple images but I didn’t want them to have to always be the same size.
Ok, so the good news is I am a very happy gal! Both these problems are fixed in the new Lightroom 3 Beta. In fact, the new print module in Lightroom 3 Beta totally rocks.

Over the next few weeks I plan to post on some of the new features in the Lightroom 3 Beta but today I just want to show off the new Custom Picture Package tool."


Read more:
http://digital-photography-school.com/lightroom-3-print-improvements?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=

CPAUG Meeting Location Update!

The Kline Branch of the Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) has agreed to let CPAUG use their meeting room free of charge. Therefore, we'll be using their room for our meetings in 2010 until the East Shore Branch is reopened (TBD).

The Kline Branch is located at 530 South 29th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104.

Specific meeting dates and information will be posted at: http://groups.adobe.com/groups/11e8f51bb7/summary

Sunday, November 15, 2009

TechWeds - November 18, 2009 : First Look at Lightroom 3

Date: November 18, 2009

Start time: 1:00pm ET (New York)

Adobe’s Product Manager for Lightroom 3 will show you what’s new with these public Beta products. You’ll get the deluxe tour through new tools, powerful updated features, and product enhancements.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta – Available Now on Adobe Labs

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom team is proud to introduce the third public beta of its application designed by and for photographers. For those that aren’t familiar with Lightroom, it is an intuitive digital darkroom and efficient assistant that offers serious photographers-amateur and professional- what they need to easily manage, enhance, and showcase their images from one application.
Adobe is offering a public beta release of the next version of Lightroom to give photographers a chance to preview some of the new features and enhancements that will be part of Lightroom 3, and to help Adobe gather valuable user feedback to be used to help Lightroom 3 be an even better digital darkroom and efficient assistant solution.
Key new features and advancements in the Lightroom 3 Beta include:
· Accelerated performance—work smoothly with growing image libraries

· Importing made much easier—see exactly where Lightroom will copy files off your card and then use import presets to get fast repeatable results

· New image processing controls, including powerful noise reduction and new film grain simulation

· New flexible watermarking—embed identities or other information in your images

· More flexible print package layouts—add as many different images in whatever configuration desired on a single page or multiple pages

· Ability to save slideshows as videos and include audio

· Integration with online photo sharing sites (may require third-party plug-ins)


This exciting Lightroom 3 public beta is available world-wide, in English only, and can be found on Adobe Labs. You don’t need to be a current Lightroom user to try it. As important members of Adobe’s partner community, Adobe would like you to experience the Lightroom 3 beta and provide Adobe with early feedback.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Try the new version of Safari Books Online during their Open House — no charge, no strings attached!

Try the new version of Safari Books Online during their Open House — no charge, no strings attached! O'Reilly Media founder Tim O'Reilly is enthusiastic about the benefits of this new release:

Tim O'Reilly"Safari Books Online 6.0 is a complete, bottom-to-top revamping of the original service. The new UI is slicker and faster, with the kind of drag-and-drop goodness that people expect from a modern web application. In addition, we've added some long-requested features that take advantage of the online medium in ways that aren't possible with standalone ebooks."

There has never been a better time to check out Safari Books Online:

icon books

Access 8,500 Books & Videos
Enjoy unlimited online access to more than 8,500 books and videos from the world's leading publishers, including O'Reilly Media, Addison-Wesley, Prentice Hall, Microsoft Press, Apress, Manning, Total Training, PeepCode and more.

icon bulb

Search Multiple Sources on One Platform
Quickly search across the entire library to pinpoint just the information you need. You can even save your favorite searches as folders you name that automatically update as new information is added!

icon rough

Read Books Before They are Published
Be the first to learn about cutting edge topics. Read pre-publication manuscripts and interact with the authors.

icon folders

Organize Your Favorites
Create your own Favorites Folders for the books and videos you use the most. Drag and drop titles into folders. Build your own custom digital library within Safari Books Online.

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Use Time-Saving Tools
Rate and review books, attach your own notes, assign tags, highlight sections and bookmark pages of books as you read them. You can then search across your highlights, notes, and tags or even build and print custom summary documents.

icon mobile

Get Information Where You Need It
Read mobile-friendly books directly from cell phones and mobile devices. Receive five download tokens per month to download chapters or full books to print or read offline.


Whether you need to stay on the cutting edge of your field, learn new skills, or prepare for certification exams, you can learn more and spend less with Safari Books Online.

See for Yourself.
Try the New Safari Books Online On Us


For a very limited time, try a Safari Library account on us -- no strings attached! Register during our Open House and test drive Safari Books Online for up to 10 days or 200 page views.*

Start Your 10 Day Trial Now

Thursday, November 12, 2009

45% Off Discount and Pizza & Beer Contest!

45% Off Discount and Pizza & Beer
Contest Extended!

uglyguyLast month, we launched our Pizza and Beer Contest. The two user groups who submit the most reviews will win $500 for their user group. Throw a pizza and beer party on us! We had a few submissions, but we decided to extend it one more month. You can see who's in the lead on our Pizza & Beer Contest Tracker.

Here's how to win
  1. Publish book reviews for any Manning new release or MEAP you've read in the month of November. They can be posted on your user group site, Slashdot, Amazon, or personal blogs. Book reviews must be at least 200 words and they can cover any 2009 release or MEAP.
  2. Each time a review is published, email stho@manning.com. In the body of the email, include the review URL, the user group name and the line "Give us some pizza and beer." You can send URLs as they are published.
45% Off All Manning Books

With the holidays coming up, why not spread some programming cheer? Share the gift of knowledge with your loved ones and colleagues with our Hello! Series. These books are designed to get newbies up and running on some common languages and platforms. And since so many of you took advantage of our 45% exclusive User Group Discount, we've extended it into November! Until November 30, get 45% off any Manning book using the code ug090945. You can distribute this discount code to your group freely or post on your group's website.

Hello World
Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners--In Print--Provides a gentle but thorough introduction to the world of computer programming. It's written in language a 12-year-old can follow, but anyone who wants to learn how to program a computer can use it. Hello World! uses the easy to learn Python programming language. [more]
Hello! Python--In MEAP--This fast, entertaining on-ramp to the world of Python programming is perfect for beginners--or for anyone looking for a snappy, smart tutorial. Fully-illustrated and full of examples, it's never been easier to get started with Python. [more]
hellopython
helloflex4
Hello! Flex 4--Print Edition in November!--Everything you need to know to get started with Flex 4 without obscure details or academic edge cases. In this entertaining, hands-on book, you'll quickly move from Hello World into the techniques you'll need to use Flex effectively. [more]
Hello! Silverlight--In MEAP--This is a fast-paced, entertaining guide that will have you creating eye-catching animations, slick visual transitions, friendlier user interfaces, and even rounded corners! [more]
hellosilverlight3
Also, check out these new releases
sqlservermvp
SQL Server MVP Deep Dives--New in Print!--This book brings together the world's most highly-regarded SQL Server experts to create a masterful collection of tips, techniques, and experience-driven best practices for SQL Server development and administration. [more]
JavaFX in Action--New in Print!--Create dazzlingly rich applications for the web, desktop, and mobile devices. JavaFX is a complete RIA system with powerful presentation and animation libraries, a declarative scripting language, and an intuitive coding model--all fully integrated with the Java platform. [more]
javafx

uglyguy2User Group special!
Save 45% on any print, ebook or MEAP edition


Use code ug090945 in your shopping cart at manning.com.
Offer Expires November 30, 2009.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The meeting room search continues - or "have you checked out this location....?"

UPDATE 11-15-09:

The Kline Branch of the Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) has agreed to let CPAUG use their meeting room free of charge. Therefore, we'll be using their room for our meetings until the East Shore Branch is reopened (TBD). The Kline Branch is located at 530 South 29th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104.


UPDATE 11-12-09:

  • Called the Lower Paxton Twp. Municipal Building and they only rent their rooms to non-profits.
  • Friendship Center "Social Hall" would be $75/hour
  • Called Wiedner Law - waiting to hear back on if they'd charge us a fee
  • Called Kline Branch of DCLS - waiting to hear back on if they'd charge us a fee. Does not have WiFi nor projector
  • Called & left message with Susquehanna Twp High School office.

=========================

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how our search for a new meeting location is going. We've received a lot of suggestions both recently and a few months back and we looked into each and every option. Unfortunately, finding a free & adequate meeting space is a much more difficult endeavor than one would think!

We've received a few emails from CPAUG suggesting that we try the Giant Foods Community Room for our meetings. While we appreciate the suggestion, it's an option that we've already looked into and, unfortunately, it would cost us $50 per meeting for our group to use that room as we are not a registered non-profit organization. Since we don't receive financial support from Adobe, nor do we charge membership fees, we really need to secure a meeting room in the long term that is free to use. We really like the idea of free membership and we'd like to keep it that way.

The East Shore Area Library, our previous meeting space, is currently under major renovation and they do not anticipate opening up the library to groups until about May 2010. They've had their meeting rooms closed to groups for since early 2009.

Additionally, we've contacted both HACC and Harrisburg University but both required at least group insurance (which we don't have) and HU had additional fees as well. The library in Camp Hill would charge our group $75 per meeting.

Please keep those suggestions coming and we continue to seek out meeting locations. Our needs for a meeting room are: No rental fees, free Internet access, a projector, Harrisburg area location, and availability in the evenings.

Thanks. We'll continue to provide updates as they are available.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: November Meeting & Meeting Location

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Due to unfortunate circumstances, we will no longer be able to meet at Computer Aid. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may be and we're currently researching other meeting location options. Therefore, we are holding the November 17th meeting at 6:30pm online via Adobe Connect. You will be able to communicate with everyone & ask questions via a Chat window.

Please log in using your home or office computer using this URL:
http://experts.na3.acrobat.com/CPAUG-Nov2009-AfterEffects

This meeting is open to anyone so feel free to invite friends and coworkers. Thanks!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

11-11-09 TechWeds: Introduction to Adobe's Open Source Media Framework by Sumner Paine

Title:
TechWeds: Introduction to Adobe's Open Source Media Framework by Sumner Paine
Date & Time:
1-2PM EST
Connect Link:
Description:

Date: November 11, 2009 (open to the public - feel free to share!)

Start time: 10:00am PT (Los Angeles) / 1:00pm ET (New York)

Join us for an overview of Adobe's open source media framework — what it can do and how you can use it in your current projects. You'll learn how OSMF can help you create rich media experiences online and how the new development framework can increase monetization opportunities with your media assets through direct integration with advertising services for tracking and reporting services. Developers can use this framework to create media viewing environments that drive longer view times and leverage the latest features such as Dynamic Streaming and DVR from Adobe Flash Media Server.

Speakers:
Sumner Paine & Company

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Limited-time offer: Purchase Adobe Creative Suite 4 at 10% off.

New creative features. Enhanced workflows. Incredible results. You’ve seen what Adobe® Creative Suite® 4 can do. Now see what you can do with the industry-standard software used by top creative professionals worldwide.

With 10% off on Adobe Creative Suite 4 Premium suite purchases, this is the time to make the move. Don’t wait too long, though — this special offer ends November 30, 2009.*

Or call 800-585-0774

Must use offer code Adobe10off

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Cool Tool: GTD Free AIR App

 Why Doit.im?
1. Doit.im is built on the Adobe AIR platform,
supports cross-platform usage,can work
well in OS of Windows and Mac
2. Doit.im is a powerful, clear and easy yet
free task management tool.
3. Doit.im adopts the principles of GTD,
guides you to enjoy working pressure-free
and efficient.
4. Doit.im for phones is coming soon. Take
your to-dos anywhere online. And Sync your Phone with the PC and work anytime without delay.
5. Doit.im support delegation feature, you can
collaborate with others in your task
management.


Check it out at: http://doit.im/gtd.jsp
Lifehacker article on AIR app for keeping GoogleVoice transcripts on your desktop: http://lifehacker.com/5390864/google-voice-air-app-keeps-voicemail-and-sms-on-your-desktop

Monday, October 26, 2009

Cool Tool: Livebrush

What is Livebrush?

Livebrush is a drawing application. It employs an easy-to-use brush tool that reacts to your gesture. By combining simple motion controls with brush styles, Livebrush offers a fun and unique way to create graphics.

How can I use Livebrush?

Use graphics you create in Livebrush within your existing projects. Create entire compositions in Livebrush alone. Share styles and see how others combine your brush with their ideas. Give it a try, or learn more.

Check it out at: http://livebrush.com/

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

CPAUG meetings - Every 3rd Tuesday!

UPDATE 11-10-09: THIS IS NO LONGER ACCURATE.
=========================================

I know that we've had some irregular dates for the CPAUG meetings lately but now that we've got our great new meeting location at Computer Aid, we've also managed to set a regular meeting schedule. We'll be meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except December when we're on break) from now until at least June 2010. So...mark your calendars!

We've got some great presentations we're working on lining up including topics such as After Effects, Flash with the Wiimote, Captivate, and using plug-ins to enhance Photoshop.

Hope to see you at the meetings!

October "Meeting Minutes" posted

You can find the "Meeting Minutes" for the October meeting at: http://groups.adobe.com/posts/a4d338aae5

I've posted my presentation notes (PDF) along with helpful links for Bridge.

Congrats to Shagufta who is our CS4 Software Suite winner!


Cover survey for new book series - Enter to win Amazon gift card / book from InformIT

Visit www.informit.com/promotions/promotion.aspx?promo=137411 and select your favorite design. It's a simple, quick survey to give your feedback on book covers.

CPAUG book library is a GO!

UPDATE 11-10-09: THIS IS NO LONGER ACCURATE. BOOKS WILL BE HOUSED AT MEGAN'S HOME SO ALL REQUESTS NEED TO BE MADE BY 3PM THE DAY OF MEETINGS.
=========================================

You've voted and we heard you: We'll be starting a CPAUG book library in January 2010.

Art has graciously offered to let us store the library in his office at Computer Aid but I'd still like to have you request any books via email (cpaugManager@gmail.com) ahead of time in case there's a wait on it. You may request books at the meeting too but since it's his private office, you won't be able to actually browse the books. I'll have a list of inventory with me at each meeting and it will be available online too (TBA).

Have a book in mind that you'd like to have in the library? Request books from Peachpit Press or Focal Press here and I'll do my best to procure it from our monthly free book that they send us. You can being requesting "wish list" books immediately at:

Of course, if you have a newer book that you'd like to donate to the library, we'd love to have it. Just bring it to a meeting with you.

Here's to making the CPAUG library a success!

O’Reilly wants to help with your computer book clutter (via Unclutterer)

O’Reilly, one of the foremost publishers of technology books, is currently running a promotion to allow owners of paper versions of their books to buy ebook versions at a substantial discount of only $4.99 per book.

To take advantage of this offer:
  • Visit oreilly.com and log in to your account, or create a new one.

  • Register each book you own using its 13 digit ISBN number.

  • Find one of your registered books in the O’Reilly store and add the ebook version to your shopping cart.

  • Enter the discount code 499UP during checkout.

The promotion runs through the month of October.

Full article from Unclutter: http://unclutterer.com/2009/10/20/oreilly-wants-to-help-with-your-computer-book-clutter/


Monday, October 19, 2009

Flex Builder 3 / CS4 Promotion


Get a copy of Adobe® Flex® Builder 3 Standard at no additional charge

Adobe Creative Suite® 4 software provides the tools you need to deliver extraordinary online projects. With your order of Creative Suite 4 Master Collection or Creative Suite 4 Web Premium, you are eligible to download Adobe Flex Builder 3 Standard software—the ideal tool for building highly interactive, expressive web applications—at no additional charge. Flex Builder 3 enables designers and developers to rapidly create engaging, cross-platform rich Internet applications.

How to get your copy of Flex Builder 3 Standard:

1. Go to www.adobe.com/go/freeflexforcs.

2. Register to receive a Flex Builder 3 serial number. Your Creative Suite 4 serial number will be required.

3. Download Flex Builder 3.

Offer is valid September 15, 2009, through April 30, 2010.

Training also available at no additional charge:

To get started with Flex Builder 3 and the open source Adobe Flex framework, access online training and learning resources at http://developer.adobe.com/flex at no additional charge. To learn more about Flex, visit www.adobe.com/flex.


Friday, October 16, 2009

CPAUG Members: Vote for a CPAUG Book Library!

In the past, group members have expressed an interest in having a CPAUG library. The library would work as such: Members would be able to request a book online and pick it up and return it at meetings. All books that we receive from book publishers would go into the library for everyone's use. Any duplicate books we may receive would be raffled off at our meetings. Returning books would be on the honor system. We would start this in January 2010 to allow time to set up the database and catalogue books.

Please take a minute to vote and let us know if you'd like a user group library or not.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEV6ME5fZmdDSnd1dWhoazdBMW5UeUE6MA

Scott Kelby's Photoshop® for Digital Photographers - Philadelphia

Monday, November 2, 2009
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Room 103
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 800-428-9000
$99 Regular, $79 NAPP Members
Details & Registration: http://www.kelbytraining.com/product.html&id=392

Scott Kelby's Photoshop® for Digital Photographers

This new tour, developed and taught by Scott Kelby (the world's leading Photoshop author and author of the all time #1 bestselling book on digital photography), focuses on nothing but the most-requested, and most-important Adobe Photoshop techniques for photographers.

Although we cover everything from getting your color right, to the pro's secrets for sharpening images, this one-day seminar covers so much more---including everything from today's hottest Photoshop special effects for photographers to how to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently in Photoshop.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Adobe Flash Catalyst - Beta download

Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ is a new professional interaction design tool for rapidly creating expressive interfaces and interactive content without writing code. Create interactive portfolios, product guides, microsites, site navigation, interfaces for RIAs and more.

Friday, October 9, 2009

ALERT: Vulnerability Discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader

http://mashable.com/2009/10/09/acrobat-vulnerability/

Mobile Photoshop for iPhone

http://mobile.photoshop.com/iphone/

Adobe Photoshop on the iPhone

Hey Look, It's Adobe Photoshop on the iPhone [del.icio.us] - iPhone & iPod touch tips and tricks | TouchTip

Yep, Photoshop on the iPhone. At first glance, it's not much different from other light iPhone photo editing apps, except that it's tied to their online service, but the effects and interface look above average.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

55 Adobe Illustrator Icon Design Tutorials (via Noup)

"Every graphic designer will end up, at some point, with a client who needs an icon designed. Going into the project, your first idea would be to use your experience, training and creativity and dive straight into the project gung-ho. In some occasions, doing this could be disastrous. Ideally, you should learn the basic principles of icon design first, the importance and functions of icons on web sites and in user interfaces, the difference between icon and logo designs, and most importantly, how to use your imagination and creativity to reflect the characteristics of the icon effectively."

Monday, October 5, 2009

Applications for iPhone Demonstrations

http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashcs5/appsfor_iphone/

These are the example applications that you can test now if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch:

Chroma Circuit
Trading Stuff
Ficklebox
Just Letters
South Park
That Roach Game
Red Hood

More about Flash Professional CS5

What did Adobe announce at MAX regarding Flash Professional?
Adobe previewed an early version of the next major version of Flash, Adobe Flash Professional CS5. Adobe also announced that a public beta of Flash Professional CS5 will be available for download from Adobe Labs later this year. That beta will include support for the ability to compile ActionScript 3® projects in Adobe Flash Professional to run as applications for iPhone. Interested designers and developers can go to Adobe Labs to sign up and to be notified when the beta is available.

What are the new features of Flash Professional CS5?
There are many new and exciting features in Flash Professional CS5. These include
• New text capabilities via the Text Layout Framework (TLF). Get unprecedented control and creativity with text in Flash projects. Advanced styling and layout, including right to left text, columns, threaded text blocks let you work with text in Flash like never before.
• XML based FLA files let you manage and modify project assets using source control systems, and enable teams to easily collaborate on files.
• Code Snippets panel provides pre-built code that can be injected into projects for greater interactivity and also reduces the ActionScript 3 learning curve. The panel includes code for timeline navigation (ie: click to go to the next scene) actions (ie: drag and drop), animation (ie: move with keyboard arrows), audio and video, event handlers (ie: mouse events) and loading and unloading of assets.
• Flash Builder integration. Use Flash Builder to write ActionScript code within Flash projects.
• Improved ActionScript editor, including custom class code-hinting and completion

When will the Flash Professional CS5 beta be available for download?
The beta will be available for download from Adobe Labs before the end of 2009.

How much will Flash Professional CS5 or Creative Suite cost?
We are not announcing any pricing at this time.

Where can customers go to be notified when the beta is available?
You can sign up to be notified:
https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/mmform/index.cfm?name=fpcs5_notify

More information about applications for iPhone

Q: When will Adobe Flash Platform tooling support building applications for iPhone?
A public beta of Flash Professional CS5 including support for building applications for iPhone is planned for later this year. Sign up to be notified when the beta is available.:
https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/mmform/index.cfm?name=fpcs5_notify

Q: How does the Flash Platform tooling update help developers?
The tooling update allows developers to use Flash technologies to develop content for iPhone and iPod touch, devices that were previously closed to them. Developers can write new code or reuse existing web content to build applications for iPhone. Because the source code and assets are reusable across the Flash Platform runtimes,—Adobe AIR and Flash Player—it also gives developers a way to more easily target other mobile and desktop environments.

Q: How is this different from Adobe Flash Player 10 coming to iPhone? Will iPhone users be able to view web content built with Flash technology in the iPhone browser?
The new support for iPhone applications in the Flash Platform tooling will not allow iPhone users to browse web content built with Flash technology on iPhone, but it may allow developers to repackage existing web content as applications for iPhone if they choose to do so.

Flash Player uses a just-in-time compiler and virtual machine within a browser plug-in to play back content on websites. Those technologies are not allowed on the iPhone at this time, so a Flash Player for iPhone is not being made available today.

Flash Professional CS5 will enable developers to build applications for iPhone that are installed as native applications. Users will be able to access the apps after downloading them from Apple’s App Store and installing them on iPhone or iPod touch.

Q: Can applications for iPhone built with Flash Platform tooling be delivered through Apple’s App Store?
Yes. Developers can deliver applications built with Flash Platform tooling just like any other iPhone application. This will require the developer to be a member of the iPhone Developer Program and follow the program guidelines.

Q: Do developers need to participate in Apple’s iPhone Developer Program in order to develop or deploy applications for iPhone using the Flash Platform tools?
Yes. A developer certificate from Apple is required in order to test and deploy applications to iPhone. Apple provides information on its developer programs at
http://developer.apple.com/iphone/.

Q: Are applications for iPhone built with Flash Platform tools interpreted at runtime?
No. IPhone applications built with Flash Platform tools are compiled into standard, native iPhone executables, just like any other iPhone application.

Q: Can applications load SWF files or other code at runtime, such as a module from a website?
No. iPhone applications built with Flash Platform tools are compiled into standard, native iPhone executable packages and there is no runtime interpreter that could be used to run ActionScript bytecode within the application.

Q: Which version of the iPhone SDK/operating system is supported by the applications?
Applications can be built targeting iPhone OS 3.0 and later.

Q: Will applications built with Flash Platform tools work on iPod touch? iPhone 1.0? iPhone 3G? iPhone 3GS?
Applications should work on all iPhone and iPod touch devices. However, as the hardware specifications of the devices are widely divergent, content performance may vary between devices and device generations.


• Adobe News Room (http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/)
• Information about apps for iPhone on Adobe Labs
(http://www.adobe.com/go/iphone)
• Information about Flash Professional CS5 on Adobe Labs
(http://www.adobe.com/go/flashprobeta)