Using the CD-ROM This appendix provides information on the contents of the CD-ROM that accompanies this book, and the system requirements for using the sample files and trial applications that enhance the text content of the book. Note For the latest version of this appendix, including any late-breaking updates, please refer to the ReadMe file located in the root directory of the CD-ROM. Caution If your CD-ROM is missing from the book when you purchase it, return it to the store where you bought it and get a copy of the book that has a CD-ROM included. If you lose or damage your CD or it gets stolen, your best option is to contact the publisher (Wiley) and tell them your story - they may be able to help you, but there are no guarantees that you'll get a free replacement. The phone and e-mail contact info for Wiley Publishing is provided at the end of this appendix. Please do not contact the authors with your missing CD-ROM stories - although they have been entertaining at times and we would like to help, we just don't happen to have a warehouse full of extra CD-ROM disks! Here is what you will find on the CD-ROM: * System requirements * Example .swf and .fla files * Reusable ActionScript * Tips for installing and using plug-ins and applications * A listing of relevant applications and software trials * Bonus material from Part X, "Expanding Flash," and two appendixes as PDF files Before loading up the CD-ROM, make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements listed in this section. If your computer doesn't match up to most of these requirements, you may have a problem using the contents of the CD-ROM. For Windows 2000 Windows XP: * PC with a Pentium III processor (or equivalent) and later, running at 800 MHz or faster. * At least 256 MB of total RAM installed on your computer; for best performance, we recommend at least 1GB. Note that you need additional RAM to open other programs with Flash - we recommend 1 GB for running multiple Studio 8 programs simultaneously. * 16-bit color monitor capable of 1024 x 768 (32-bit recommended) display recommended. * 710 MB of available hard-disk space to install applications. * A CD-ROM drive. For Macintosh: * PowerPC G3 or later running OS X 10.3 and higher, running at 600 MHz or faster. * At least 256 MB of total RAM installed on your computer; for best performance, we recommend at least 1 GB for running multiple Studio 8 programs simultaneously.. * Thousands of colors monitor capable of 1,024 x 768 (millions of colors) display recommended. * 360 MB of available hard-disk space to install applications. * A CD-ROM drive. Note Some features of Flash Professional 8 require the latest version of QuickTime. During the installation of QuickTime, select the "Recommended" installation type to install the components required by Flash. To download a trial or purchase the latest version of QuickTime, go to www.quicktime.com. Reviewing Example .swf and .fla Files Many of the examples we discussed in the text and in step-by-step tutorials are included in the relevant chapter folder on the CD-ROM. Opening the Flash movie (.swf) is the quickest way to see how the finished example is supposed to look. The fonts should display correctly, and as long as you haven't moved the file to a new location, any loaded assets should also work. When you open a Flash document (.fla), you may get a warning about missing fonts. This warning simply means that you do not have the same fonts installed on your machine as the original author of the file. Select a default font and you will be able to review and edit the Flash document on your machine. However, without the proper fonts installed, the layout may not appear as it was originally designed. Note The only font files included on the CD-ROM are Craig Kroeger's vector-based Miniml fonts, described in Chapter 8, "Working with Text." Other fonts are copyrighted material, and, as such, cannot be distributed on this CD-ROM. Installing and Using Plug-Ins and Applications To download a Windows or Mac trial version of Flash Professional 8, go to the Macromedia web site at www.macromedia.com. Additional plug-ins and trial versions of applications discussed in Part X of this book can be found online. The links.html file included on the CD-ROM is a good reference for finding these Web resources. Web Resource For more information on using the server-side scripts provided on the CD-ROM and discussed in Chapter 29, "Sending Data In and Out of Flash," visit www.flashsupport.com/mailscripts. Applications The CD-ROM included with this book aids you with many examples and tutorials by providing relevant files and software trials, including the following: * Limited edition versions of Craig Kroeger's vector-based fonts from www.miniml.com, as described in Chapter 8, "Working with Text." * Custom components for image loading and effects, scripted by Robert Reinhardt and integrated with project examples in Chapters 20, "Making Your First Flash 8 Project," and 35, "Building an Image Gallery Component." * Just about every .fla and .swf file that is discussed in the book, including those shown in examples from guest experts. Web Resource Other applications or utilities discussed in the book can be found online. For a list of relevant Web links, refer to the links.html document included in the main directory of the CD-ROM. Shareware programs are fully functional, trial versions of copyrighted programs. If you like particular programs, register with their authors for a nominal fee and receive licenses, enhanced versions, and technical support. Freeware programs are copyrighted games, applications, and utilities that are free for personal use. Unlike shareware, these programs do not require a fee or provide technical support. GNU software is governed by its own license, which is included inside the folder of the GNU product. See the GNU license for more details. Trial, demo, or evaluation versions are usually limited either by time or functionality (such as being unable to save projects). Some trial versions are very sensitive to system date changes. If you alter your computer's date, the programs will "time out" and will no longer be functional. Troubleshooting If you have difficulty installing or using any of the materials on the companion CD-ROM, try the following: * Turn off any anti-virus software that you may have running. Installers sometimes mimic virus activity and can make your computer incorrectly believe that it is being infected by a virus. (Be sure to turn the anti- virus software back on later.) * Close all running programs. The more programs you're running, the less memory is available to other programs. Installers also typically update files and programs; if you keep other programs running, installation may not work properly. * Reference the ReadMe: Please refer to the ReadMe file located at the root of the CD-ROM for the latest product information at the time of publication. Customer Care If you have trouble with the CD-ROM, please call the Wiley Product Technical Support phone number at (800) 762-2974. Outside the United States, call 1(317) 572-3994. You can also contact Wiley Product Technical Support at http://support.wiley.com. John Wiley & Sons will provide technical support only for installation and other general quality control items. For technical support on the applications themselves, consult the program's vendor or author. To place additional orders or to request information about other Wiley products, please call (877) 762-2974.