Microsoft Expression Web 3 In Depth

Customer Reviews

• Amazing response from author - great book!  Oct 15, 2009 (17 of 17 found this helpful)

  This book has been great in helping me design my website! I'm new to all of this and was afraid I would get lost in all the terms and tech stuff I don't understand. Jim did a great job of explaining Expression to me in a clear and simple without talking down to me. After reading this I was able to use CSS in my site and I was even able to use the Asp.net controls to create a login page! I thought the book was organized just right for getting me from the beginning of my site to the more advanced topics. The book has a lot of tips in it that I have found to be great and Jim even warns you about things that might get you in trouble. I was really impressed by the book and I can't recommend it enough.
  
  I have to share one more thing. I had a problem with Expression giving me an error I didn't understand so I emailed Jim using the email address he gives you in the book. I wasn't expecting much since the problem wasn't related to his book. I was really surprised that Jim replied quickly, and he also spent a lot of time with me figuring out what was wrong and helping me fix it. In a world where customer service is pretty much dead, I thought this was very refreshing.
  
  

• A Lagniappe of a book - Jim Cheshire at his best  Dec 4, 2009 (7 of 7 found this helpful)

  Jim starts off the book with a overview of the features of EW which lets you know just what is available within the program if you have not used it before.
  
  Authors are told they have to cover all aspects of the program, so whilst Jim has had to cover frames he points out what a folly it would be to use them in the normal course of web design in a very diplomatic way - way to go Jim.
  
  If you really want to push yourself to the next level then Jim's book helps you do just that. On the other hand to my mind IT IS good for newbie's. When I approach something new I like to have all the information before me, but explained in a nice simple way. I don't want to have go do further research to find out where I can find the information that's missing. Its fine to have a bare bones book with the basics, however I want all information right there in front of me this book gives me that, so I think it covers all three levels of experience. I specially commend the publisher on having a mighty fine index, there is nothing worst than having a large (or even a small) book and having to rifle backwards and forwards throughout just to find some essential. Having a good index saves you so much time.
  
  In my book there were fuzzy photos, but that was a printing error run. Not everything goes right. I took the time to ask the author what the problem with that was, as his other books had really good photos, so that's not the authors fault (or responsibility I might add) and not something he should be dinged for, he assured me that the next run would be better and he was considering redoing the photos now the service pack 1 was out and he could arrange for a lighter colour scheme through
  windows colours. I would go for that if I were you Jim it will make the next printing run much better even if there are no printing faux pas by the printer.
  
  I was surprised that the book cover was not as stiff as previous books, but Jim explained to me (again I took the trouble to ask) that;
  
  "We printed the book on recycled paper. Even the cover is recycled paper. Yes, it doesn't have the firmness and slickness of non-recycled paper, but we didn't cut down trees to print my book. Every little bit helps!"
  
  So I applaud Jim for this extra attention to detail and his concern for the environment and the book pages and cover are not that flimsy at all.
  
  Jim believes in giving extra and he has created lagniappe's (a gift or bonus) throughout with even more information should you wish to pursue it. This book truly gives you comprehensive and in-depth information and what's more advice. I like books that not only tell you basic facts but that give you insights and tips and tricks that only an experience author can give you and all explained easily and simply. This is why Jim's books continue to be my favourite I would rather have too much than too little.
  
  The only thing I could wish for more of is a starter kit and covering of different scenario's for SuperPreview - I think its fine to find the problems and know how to use SP but having some true life examples really really helps. Perhaps Jim might cover this in a series of articles on his websites?
  
  You can also get access to a free online edition for 45 days through Safari Books Online not only for this book for all the others in the Safari stable. The coupon is in the back of the book.

• Thumbs Up - Excellent Reference  Nov 18, 2009 (5 of 5 found this helpful)

  I have been using Expression Web since it was first released as a beta program, so Jim Chesire's Microsoft Expression Web 3 in Depth, will serve as more of a reference book for me. The book is 600+ pages including a detailed index. Jim does not assume you are going to read the book from beginning to end like a novel, so you can start anywhere. I would recommend that anyone new to Expression Web begin at the beginning. Jim's writing style is easy to read, clear and concise and he uses cross-references throughout the book. If he mentions something, he gives a reference on where to go (in the book) for more details.
  
  He has used sidebars with Notes that include additional technical information or links for more information on that topic; tips that make a feature easier to use; and most importantly cautions that might keep you from pulling your hair out. Pay attention to the Cautions. The end of each chapter includes some bonus material.
  So if you are new, begin at the beginning with Jim's overview of the Expression Web program itself. He explains the workspace with the various panels and toolbars which allow you to create your sites as well as all of the various tools available to you. Tips are included to help you set up the program with references to a later chapter for greater detail. Pay particular attention to these. The information is presented in a clear, concise manner with plenty of screenshots so you can see what is being discussed. I would keep a highlighter handy to mark those passages of particular importance to you.
  
  After you have learned how the program works and how to set it up, Jim covers how to create your content. The book is technical and may not be for everyone but it is a book you can refer back to again and again as you gain in experience in working with the program. All aspects of using the program are covered with examples of how to do things and those things to avoid.
  He devotes two chapters to working with style sheets and the tools within Expression Web for creating and working with styles. Client side scripting, working with php and asp.net are also covered.
  
  For me, Expression Web 3 In Depth is a book I will keep close at hand to refer to when I run into problems or am ready to tackle working with php and asp.net. If you are new to the Expression Web 3.0, then start at the beginning and work your way through the book. As you become more confident in using the program and creating your sites, use the index and skip around to find what you want. This book gets a "thumbs up" and my recommendation as an excellent reference book. The In Depth series of books is geared more for the Intermediate to Advanced Users rather than a complete newbie. It is still one I recommend to anyone who is going to use EW 3.0
  

• Jim Buffington of jimbuffington.com  Oct 18, 2009 (5 of 5 found this helpful)

  I just bought Jim's Expression Web 3 In Depth two days ago, but after having spent a few hours with it, I can already tell that it is typical Jim Chesire - everything is written in a way that enables the reader to grasp details effortlessly. I look forward to using EW3 In Depth as a reference many, many times as I develop websites.

• A Must Have Book  Dec 9, 2009 (2 of 2 found this helpful)

  Although the In Depth series is reportedly not for newbies, after a few days/weeks with EW3 you're not gonna be a newbie anymore so buy this book. It's comprehensive, logically laid out, easy to read and you will find yourself going back to it time and time again.
  
  I've been using FrontPage and EW since it was in Beta and I've learned a thing or two from Jim, his books, and his software over the years; he knows what he's talking about and you'll find Expression Web 3 In Depth a valuable addition to your library.
  
  They may call it a reference book, but I found myself reading it cover to cover...you will too.
  
  I understand that the few fuzzy images will be fixed soon, although I didn't find them unusable to begin with.