Chapter 1. FIREWORKS BASICS

When I start learning a new application, I'm always in a rush to get started. I open it up and begin to explore. It's the same way when I pick up a book about the application—I never start with the first chapter. I don't want to read about buttons, fields, and controls—especially if I'm already familiar with other programs from the company such as Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, and Macromedia FreeHand.

No, I rush right into the middle chapters of the book.

However, after a few hours of slogging helplessly through the book, I eventually realize there are many things I don't understand about the program. I recognize I'm a bit confused. So I come back to the first chapter to learn the foundation of the program.

Of course, since you're much more patient than I am, and probably wiser, you're already here—reading the first chapter.