Software utilities

Macromedia, and now Adobe, Dreamweaver is one of the most used web design tools on the market. Each release The new CS3 version integrates the program with the Adobe Creative Suite, (CS, used in every Adobe Creative Suite program) . You can also buy only this component to use Dreamweaver, but if you try it out you will consider it fundamental for you website design work This new version of what has become an old standard stands on its own as an integrated Web development tool and even casual Web geeks may find it irresistible. It’s not free at $399.00 but you might find it indispensable. If you have an earlier version the upgrade is only $199, and they say that the instructor/student discount is about 50%.

Dreamweaver CS3 has an even easier GUI!interface than the previous versions, and of course has more options built in. The casual Web developer may never use all the tools available in this program, but on the other hand, you may need just the one tool that is in this newer version that wasn’t in the version that you have. People in the Web development field either like to have the latest and greatest or tend not to update their software until they have to. This is one upgrade that should work to override the parsimony gene in most developers, and move them to their preferred outlet for a shiny new copy. Among the flashy (pun intended) new features is a very neatly integrated flash tool. The info page at http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/?sdid=TIRZ has a little video that gives you not only some instruction on how to put flash into your page, but the video also gives you a good view of the GUI and how it works. It may be worth a few viewings if you want to see everything. A trial version of the software is also available: trials are a good way to check out the features without putting cash on the line. The other benefit, besides checking out the S/W is checking if it is time to buy a new computer. Your old PC might be good enough for browsing the Web, but may fall short of what you need to produce the Web pages you, or your customer, wants/needs. Dealing with thousands of pages, and using templates to change them all, can be a resource.consuming task, but also a great way to change completely the structure of your site without modifying all the pages manually. The look and feel of Dreamweaver has also been improved, which makes this tool one of my favourite in the web design field! .