IN THIS APPENDIX
Accessing source files for step-by-step exercises
Installing plug-ins and applications
Troubleshooting
This appendix provides information on the contents of the CD-ROM that accompanies this book and the system requirements for using the sample files and trial applications that enhance the text content of the book.
Note
For the latest version of this appendix, including any late-breaking updates, refer to the ReadMe file located in the root directory of the CD-ROM.
Warning
If your CD-ROM is missing from the book when you purchase it, return it to the store where you bought it and get a copy of the book that has a CD-ROM included. If you lose or damage your CD or it gets stolen, your best option is to contact the publisher (Wiley) and tell them your story — they may be able to help you, but there are no guarantees that you'll get a free replacement. The phone and e-mail contact info for Wiley Publishing is provided at the end of this appendix.
Here is what you will find on the CD-ROM:
Source .swf and .fla files for step-by-step exercises
Reusable ActionScript
A listing of relevant applications and software trials
Before loading the CD-ROM, make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements listed in this section. If your computer doesn't match up to most of these requirements, you may have a problem using the contents of the CD-ROM.
For Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7:
PC with a Pentium 4 or faster processor, including Intel Centrino, Intel Xeon, or Intel Core Duo (or compatible) processor
Windows XP with Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (certified for 32-bit editions) or Windows 7
At least 1GB of total RAM installed on your computer (note that you need additional RAM to open other programs with Flash)
2.5GB available hard-disk space (additional required during CS5 installation)
16-bit color monitor capable of 1024 × 768 display recommended
A CD-ROM drive (DVD-ROM drive required for Creative Suite installer discs)
For Macs:
PowerPC G5 or later running OS X 10.4.9 and later, running at 1 GHz or faster
1GB of RAM
2.5GB available hard-disk space required during installation
1,024 × 768 monitor resolution
A CD-ROM drive (DVD-ROM drive required for Creative Suite installer discs)
CS5 applications also require an Internet or phone connection for product activation.
Note
Some features of Flash CS5 require the latest version of QuickTime. During the installation of QuickTime, select the "Recommended" installation type to install the components Flash requires. To download a trial or purchase the latest version of QuickTime, go to www.apple.com/quicktime.
Many of the examples I discuss in the text and in step-by-step tutorials are included in the relevant chapter folder on the CD-ROM. Opening the Flash movie (.swf) is the quickest way to see how the finished example is supposed to look. The fonts should display correctly, and as long as you haven't moved the file to a new location, any loaded assets should also work.
When you open a Flash document (.fla), you may get a warning about missing fonts. This warning simply means that you do not have the same fonts installed on your machine as the original author of the file. Select a default font and you will be able to review and edit the Flash document on your machine. However, without the proper fonts installed, the layout may not appear as it was originally designed.
To download the Mac and Windows trial versions of Flash CS5, go to www.adobe.com/downloads. Additional plug-ins and trial versions of applications discussed in this book can also be found online, in most cases. The links.html file included on the CD-ROM is a good reference for finding these Web resources.
The CD-ROM included with this book aids you with many examples and tutorials by providing relevant files, including the following:
Custom components for image loading and effects, scripted by Robert Reinhardt and integrated with project examples in Chapter 17
Just about every .fla and .swf file that is discussed in the book, including many shown in examples from guest experts
Note
Other applications or utilities discussed in the book can be found online. For a list of relevant Web links, refer to the links.html document included in the main directory of the CD-ROM.
Shareware programs are fully functional, trial versions of copyrighted programs. If you like particular programs, register with their authors for a nominal fee and receive licenses, enhanced versions, and technical support. Freeware programs are copyrighted games, applications, and utilities that are free for personal use. Unlike shareware, these programs do not require a fee or provide technical support. GNU software is governed by its own license, which is included inside the folder of the GNU product. See the GNU license for more details.
Trial, demo, or evaluation versions are usually limited either by time or functionality (such as being unable to save projects). Some trial versions are very sensitive to system date changes. If you alter your computer's date, the programs "time out" and are no longer functional.
If you have difficulty installing or using any of the materials on the companion CD-ROM, try the following:
Turn off any antivirus software that you may have running. Installers sometimes mimic virus activity and can make your computer incorrectly believe that it is being infected by a virus. (Be sure to turn the antivirus software back on later.)
Close all running programs. The more programs you're running, the less memory is available to other programs. Installers also typically update files and programs; if you keep other programs running, installation may not work properly.
Reference the ReadMe: Please refer to the
ReadMefile located at the root of the CD-ROM for the latest product information at the time of publication.
If you have trouble with the CD-ROM, call the Wiley Product Technical Support phone number at 800-762-2974. Outside the United States, call 1-317-572-3994. You can also contact Wiley Product Technical Support at http://support.wiley.com. John Wiley & Sons provides technical support only for installation and other general quality-control items. For technical support on the applications themselves, consult the program's vendor or author.
To place additional orders or to request information about other Wiley products, call 877-762-2974.