This eagerly anticipated update to the popular Maya 5: Visual QuickStart Guide uses a combination of task-based instruction and strong visuals to teach beginning and intermediate users how to liven up their 3D graphics with Maya. Best-selling author Danny Riddell takes readers step by step through all of today's Maya's essentials: Character animation and setup, polygonal modeling, dynamic interaction with Windows, and more. Both beginning users, who want a thorough introduction to the topic, and more advanced users, who are looking for a convenient reference, will find what they need here--in straightforward language and through readily accessible examples. By the end of the volume, users will be fully versed in Maya 5. Note: Maya Complete is available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X users for $1999. Maya Unlimited, for Linux and Windows only, costs $6999. Maya Personal Learning Edition is FREE. This book covers the Maya Complete and Personal Learning Edition, and covers select features of Maya Unlimited.