There are as many ways to learn a new software as there are learners. Sometimes, all it takes is reading a book. But when it comes to Adobe^R Flash^R, a book is not enough. To really understand Flash you need to "get your hands dirty". This training course, Adobe Flash CS4 Step by Step Training from Noble Desktop, is a good way to do just that.

Flash CS4 is such a huge software program it is impossible to cover everything in one course, especially one with an exercise-based format. However, Noble Desktop has carefully assembled the lessons in this "workbook" to cover many of the common Flash projects encountered in the workplace.

So as not to overwhelm the learner, each lesson teaches only one or two simple tasks and each lesson increases in difficulty as you progress through the course. I especially liked the way that the authors included two versions for some of the lessons. The first, more simple version introduces the basic concepts of Flash and the second version increases the complexity and scope of that lesson by including programming with ActionScript.

The course begins with an introduction to Flash symbols and the Flash Library panel. Next, you learn how to transform and animate these symbols in different ways. You start with a simple straight line animation, add a Motion Guide and then fine-tune your animation with the Custom Ease panel.

Flash effects are introduced with lessons on Shape Hints, Shape Tweens, Filters and Text animation. Once you get a handle on Flash Tweening, you are ready to create advanced symbols. You first build a simple button and then work with nested movie clips and sound to build more advanced buttons. You also learn to build advanced special effects using Masks.

One project that carries over several lessons is the mini Flash website including the navigation links. These lessons teach the concept of adding user interaction to your project with the Flash Script Assist and Behaviors panels. You also learn how to build a simple preloader, add video and import external files into your main project. Other lessons include building an invisible button, a toggle button, a photo slideshow and an ad banner.

Noble Desktop, LLC has been training students since 1991 and is an Adobe Certified Training Facility. This workbook is used for onsite training worldwide.

* Noble Desktop provided a review copy of this book to me free of charge.