There is no one way to learn software application. Everyone learns software differently. Some people prefer to have a book to consult, some rely on the help menus, and some search the web for tutorials. I do not require any one way to learn the software used in class. It is up to individual students to understand their best method for learning and to seek out appropriate resources.

One of the best ways I've found to learn a software application is to try to recreate a design I've seen.

Although I will provide some short demos during class time, I do expect students to seek out the resources they are most comfortable with. What I can offer are recommendations.

1. Adobe offer its help system in a special website called the Adobe Design Workshop, which provides mini-Flash movies of various techniques for learning most of its software.
2. The UNO library offers acces to Safari Books Online, a resources favored by many designers today.
3. I have found the Peachpit Press books to be well written and easy to follow. Generally, they cost anywhere from $20-$35, but I have seen quite a few used copies on amazon.com. You could probably get away with purchasing CS3 versions, but it will not include instruction about some very cool new features. Peachpit press offers PDF versions of their manual for a lower price. I've also used the Bible series.

Other Resources

Many websites also offer free tutorials online. Some are good and some are bad. Use search terms like "Photoshop CS4 tutorial" or "Dreamweaver CS4 Instructions." Here are a couple of websites I found, but I have not used them and cannot attest to their value.

psd tuts+ (various tutorials for the Adobe Creative Suite 4)
Grafx-Design.com
Adobe Developer Connection

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials
50 Stunning Photoshop Text Effect Tutorials
Photoshop Background Turtorials

Best Web Designz (Dreamweaver)
Google Videos (search term "Dreamweaver CS 4 tutorial" & other software)

InDesign CS4 Overview Tutorial
Layers Magazine (InDesign and many others)

And many more. Try your own search and let me know if you find some good tutorials. I'll create links to them here.