The reader requires a copy of Jasc Software's Paint Shop Pro 8.

OS: This is a Windows-only application.

This book is very basic and does not cover many things this software can do. I eventually purchased two other manuals to help me through photo editing. It does give a nice step by step approach to doing some basics, but can be very limiting as a basic reference.

I agree with the other reviews. This is the only book you need if you are trying to make Paint Shop Pro 8 do something other than stare back at you. PSP 8 is not that intuitive at first and you will waste a lot of time (like I did) trying to figure it out by yourself.

Each chapter is a mini-lesson with clear instruction. Want to know how to use Filters? Masks? Layers? or what the Freehand selection tool is for?
Its all here. Although I would recommend going through the book from start to finish, its not necessary as you can just turn to the bit you want to learn.

The book doesn't cover everything but after reading the book and working the exercises, you should be able to find your way around PSP 8 fairly easily.

Although Adobe's Photoshop is the industry standard, it's expensive and takes a long time to learn. Hence, there are still a lot of PSP 8 users around.

This is the only reference book I have on PSP 8 and I highly recommend it.

If you've tried using PSP 8 and have nearly tore your hair out because you couldn't figure out how to do even the simplest things - this is the book for you. Excellent step by step, with graphics and detailed explanations so that you're not the "monkey on the motorcycle." Covered more advanced features that I probably will not used - with the same detail, explanations and graphics.
Job well done to all involved.

This is one of the few specialty books that specifically addresses some of the image issues that I have found when using PSP 8: ie., the number of pixels per image when printing and using appropriate selection tools. As with other books written to solve some of the problems for users, not all issues can be addressed and the book covers what the authors feel is pertinent, facilitating user-friendly navigation of Paint Shop Pro 8. Be sure to read the Table of Contents to ascertain that this book covers your particular concerns.

Zero to Hero offers a variety of websites for those seeking help or clarification and these sites can serve to further answer specific questions. This book is worth purchasing for these resources alone. The program is too complex for one book alone to cover all the aspects, but since each artist brings his own perspectives, often the basic knowledge offered is enough to point in the right direction. Zero to Hero also engages in troubleshooting issues, clarifying some of the complications.

I buy these books looking for solutions when I can't seem to get enough information from the help section of the Paint Shop Pro program. That is where how-to books, like Zero to Hero, enable me to get past the problems with visuals that make more sense to me when I can see the process. Any book that offers solutions, like Zero to Hero, and I have bought many, complements some of the others in my growing library. In Zero to Hero the websites have been particularly helpful and I have accessed some, as well as received responses. Luan Gaines/2004.

What a fabulous foundation Sally and Ron have put together regarding PSP8.. worth the $'s spent. It is my opinion that this book is a must read for anyone that is interested in PSP8 and it's potential. What I enjoyed about this book, you get a good feel of each of the newest features and a little tutorial on how to accomplish a task.

Each section offers a new quest and learning curve... I may know a lot about PSP8... but this book fills in those questionable areas... This book seemed to add that extra punch I needed to get on that next level of expertise. Well written... No CD's.. You have to buy the book and read if you want the extra's that compliment each chapter.