DirectX is a set of programming technologies used for the creation of 3D games, sound and multimedia for the Windows platform, Most popular games on the market today are created with DirectX technologies, including best-selling titles such as Quake2, Unreal, and Tomb Raider, with thousands more in development. With the release of DirectX 6, DirectX technology is now integrated into Windows 98 and the upcoming Windows 2000, as well as Internet Explorer. The days of DOS game programming are quickly going to the wayside as DirectX technology charges forward. "The installed base of 3-D-enabled computers will exceed 100 million by year end. DirectX 6.0 is a significant development that will enable the 3-D display capabilities and improve performance of those computers, " said Jon Peddie, president of Tiburon, Calif. -- based Jon Peddie Associates, a leading multimedia consulting firm.From the first hour, Teach Yourself DirectX 7 in 24 Hours has readers creating their own DirectX-enabled applications. Robert guides the readers through the complicated DirectX APIs, empowering them to create their own DirectX powered applications featuring smooth 3D graphics and sound. In addition to laying the COM-based DirectX foundation, Robert covers topics including
-- animation
-- DirectSound
-- DirectMusic
-- direct3D
-- Control Deevice
-- Force feedbackcontrols
-- Multi-user games
Making an ideal starting point for the programmer who wants to hone his DirectX skills quickly and easily.
