In this appendix:
What you'll find on the CD
System requirements
Using the CD
Troubleshooting
The following sections are arranged by category and provide a summary of the items you'll find on the CD. If you need help with installing the items provided on the CD, refer to the installation instructions in the "Using the CD" section of this appendix.
All the files provided in this book for completing the tutorials and understanding concepts are located in the Project_Files directory. The following directory structure is used:
| Scene files and shading networks |
| Background and HDR images |
| Texture bitmaps |
| Sample QuickTime movies |
The scene files included on the CD have been saved as Maya 8.5 .ma files. The files have been tested with versions 8.5 and 2008. In addition, all the techniques discussed in the book have been tested with versions 8.5 and 2008; any significant differences between the two versions have been noted in the text.
A number of files saved on the CD contain shading networks. When opening a file, you may be surprised to find it void of geometry. Nevertheless, you can access the contained shading network through the Hypershade Materials, Textures, or Utilities tab. If the network is exotic and difficult to access, instructions are included in the text.
An "Additional Techniques" chapter is included and contains advanced techniques that cover a wide range of topics. Although none of the techniques is mandatory for successful animation, reading this chapter can strengthen your knowledge and allow you to be more flexible when solving lighting and texturing problems. Each section is numbered to correspond to the chapter that is most closely linked to the topic. For example, sections 4.1 and 4.2 cover additional applications of the Ramp texture, which was initially discussed in Chapter 4.
The Bonus Chapter requires Adobe Reader to view, so we've also included a link to download the latest version from Adobe's website at http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/.
Make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements shown in the following list. If your computer doesn't match up to most of these requirements, you may have problems using the files on the companion CD. For the latest and greatest information, please refer to the ReadMe file located at the root of the CD.
A PC running a valid license of Autodesk Maya 8.5 or higher. Maya 8.5 requires one of the following operating systems: 32-bit Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 or higher), 64-bit Microsoft Windows XP (SP1 or higher), Microsoft Vista, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 WS (U5), or Fedora Core 5. Maya 8.5 has additional hardware requirements, which are listed on the Autodesk website (search for "Maya Qualified Hardware" at
www.autodesk.com).A Macintosh running a valid license of Autodesk Maya 8.5 or higher. Maya 8.5 requires the operating system to be Apple OS X (10.4.8 or later).
An Internet connection
A CD-ROM drive
To install the items from the CD to your hard drive, follow these steps:
Insert the CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive. The license agreement appears.
Note
Windows users: The interface won't launch if you have autorun disabled. In that case, click Start > Run (for Windows Vista, Start > All Programs > Accessories > Run). In the dialog box that appears, type
D:Start.exe. (Replace D with the proper letter if your CD drive uses a different letter. If you don't know the letter, see how your CD drive is listed under My Computer.) Click OK.Note
Mac users: The CD icon will appear on your desktop; double-click the icon to open the CD and then double-click the Start icon.
Read through the license agreement, and then click the Accept button if you want to use the CD.
The CD interface appears. The interface allows you to access the content with just one or two clicks.
Wiley has attempted to provide programs that work on most computers with the minimum system requirements. Alas, your computer may differ, and some programs may not work properly for some reason.
The two likeliest problems are that you don't have enough memory (RAM) for the programs you want to use, or you have other programs running that are affecting installation or running of a program. If you get an error message such as "Not enough memory" or "Setup cannot continue," follow one or more of the following suggestions and then try using the software again:
- Turn off any antivirus software running on your computer
Installation programs sometimes mimic virus activity and may make your computer incorrectly believe that it's being infected by a virus.
- Close all running programs
The more programs you have running, the less memory is available to other programs. Installation programs typically update files and programs, so if you keep other programs running, installation may not work properly.
- Have your local computer store add more RAM to your computer
This is, admittedly, a drastic and somewhat expensive step. However, adding more memory can help the speed of your computer and allow more programs to run at the same time.
If you have trouble with the book's companion CD, 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://sybex.custhelp.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.