I have no trouble buying a book for Dummies when it come to my lack of skills with the Adobe design programs and am happy to take any help I can get. And while this all-in-one book covers all of the programs from InDesign CS4 to Photoshop CS4 to Dreamweaver CS4 to Flash CS4, it is at least somewhat helpful in navigating the programs. Unfortunately, I run into the same problem in this text as I have with others available online- a lack of adequate information to tell me if this is an appropriate guide to one who is new to the Adobe programs. They all tout themselves as the perfect tool for beginners, but the reverse is usually true. Either that or I am an unredeemable dummy.

I find that if I read carefully through the chapters of each program I am interested in, I can understand the basic nature of that program. But when I want to do specific tasks, I can not get that information. For example, when I wanted to draw a line across the top of a page, I had to use the right terminology- a "line" is a "stroke". But I had no way to know that until informed year old vocabulary and these programs are written in a new language. I have the most trouble navigating from one task to another, applying tools in the proper manner, going from Index to chapter in hopes of solutions. Sometimes I find them, sometimes I don't. At least this book helps me navigate the logic behind the programs if not the nuances. I welcome any information about helpful texts for beginners from those conversant with these programs, especially InDesign CS4. Luan Gaines/2009.

Pros: Good reference book. Has a lot of information in it that helped me learn a few things about the program.

Cons: Needs a disk shipped with it that provides the same info as they use in they're lessons. With out any information given from them its a little hard to fallow along and figure out how to do it the way they do it.

Over all: Good for people who know a bit about how to use the programs all ready or how to wright/type code for web designing or know a bit about how to draw for illustrator. In my honest opinion, I think it would be a lot better if it was like the Head First Labs books where they provide practice material, instead of just presuming u have all the materials needed to do their exercises. Again this is just my honest opinion on it.

This book has done wonders for me so far...I had to purchase the Creative Suite Software for a college course I am taking, and this book has turned out to be a better learning companion than my classroom materials!