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Multimedia Software: Getting It Right
The First Time
Review Date: March 2006
Reviewed By: Terry Wilhite
While seminars are certainly one way to learn these applications, I recommend
a company called Total Training. Long-time
readers know that I am a big fan of this company and have reviewed its' products
numerous times. Some of you may be saying, “Wait, we can't even afford
the software, much less the training!” Please hang in there with me.
Usually the biggest limitation to quality training for those of us in ministry
is not the absence of money, but the lack of creatively managing our resources.
Why not go in with other churches to purchase these training products? Many
conventions, associations and denominational “headquarters” already do this
for local churches. If this is not offered in your area, you should ask for it or
spearhead the cost-saving effort yourself.
Here's an idea, why not get all the people who contribute digital photography
at your church to go in together to purchase Total Training's Digital Photography
and Adobe Photoshop DVD or Adobe Photoshop Tips and Tricks? Either
title is just $49.95.
Regarding the concern for the cost of the software, the good news is that
“lite” versions of the full titles can sometimes be purchased at a fraction of the
price.
For example, when it comes to video and audio editing software, my pick
is the Adobe Production Studio Premium which includes Adobe Premiere 2.0
(video editing), Adobe Audition 2.0 (audio editing), Adobe Encore DVD 2.0
(DVD writing), Adobe Photoshop CS2 (photo correction and manipulation),
Adobe Illustrator CS (graphic design) and Adobe After Effects (video special
effects). Granted, this package is $1,700. However, you can purchase just the
titles you need, greatly reducing the price, or buy Adobe Premiere Elements
and Adobe Photoshop Elements for around $150. I hope you see that you can
stick with industry standard software, but at the same time save a great deal of
money!
I have found Total Training's DVD-based titles to be exceptional. Each
one allows you to work alongside Adobe specialists. These trainers are industry
legends in their respective fields.
Another Total Training title that I have reviewed and recommended is
Adobe Creative Suite – From Design to Delivery. This resource covers the
Adobe Creative Suite 2, my pick for print design. It includes Adobe InDesign
CS (page layout and design), along with Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0 (PDF
creation and editing), Adobe Illustrator CS2 (graphic art design), and Adobe
GoLive (web site design). My preference is Macromedia's Dreamweaver over
GoLive, but because Adobe purchased Macromedia last year, these web design
resources will only strengthen. Total Training's Dreamweaver training is super.
I highly recommend it and my advice to you is not to use Dreamweaver
without it.
In summary, our message deserves the best presentation. By sticking with
industry standard software titles, you can use precious financial resources
wisely, save a great deal of valuable time, reduce your learning curve significantly,
and most importantly, communicate clearly.
View original at Christian Computing Magazine
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