CTCH 603
Software Review
Kim Saunders
December 12, 2003
Software Title: Macromedia Dreamweaver MX
Review:
Macromedia Dreamweaver MX is a
popular HTML editor that professionals for designing, developing, and coding
Web pages/sites. I would suggest to anyone
wanting to purchase and use Dreamweaver as a software package towards web
applications, that they download a free tutorial and preview version.
There are several sites that offer web editor software tutorials or limited time free trials. A few such examples are:
These sites mention over and over how Dreamweaver is favored over many other web editors because it is compatible with software such as Flash and Shockwave. On the downside, Dreamweaver does not come equipped with web graphics like Front Page and NetObjects software. Thus, small businesses and individuals typically favor Front Page over Dreamweaver. Recently there has been an influx in the release of web editor software. For example BBedit is popular with MAC users. Then there is Microsoft and Adobe software that many large companies utilize. Web developers who are not impressed by those software packages typically feel comfortable using Dreamweaver.
Dreamweaver is utilized by large companies and organizations and allows dynamic HTML coding and layers of options. It is not a software package for novice users like myself. In fact, it is one of the most expensive web editor packages with a beginning cost of about $300 (on discount). Nevertheless, I use Dreamweaver for my office website. Feel free to review the site at http://www.gmu.edu/student/msaf/.
The third edition of Dreamweaver has 10 palettes that make the software package easy to use. The three basic default palettes are:
These three palettes alone allow the developer to control the content and launch all the other palettes that can further modify the web page. For example, the properties palette allows you to modify text blocks, alignment of paragraphs, style of lists, and headings. While the launcher palette controls the tasks-specific palettes such as the site, library, styles, behavior, time line and HTML.
One palette called the check target browser command allows the developer to test compatibility with other browsers (by individual page or entire web-site). This palette will generate an entire HTML compatibility report per browser review. An area called the site window allows the developer to gain a view of the entire site while info is being uploaded use a built-in integrated FTP client. Another exciting feature is the slick visual tools, which allows the developer to edit and create tables and frames. Here, the developer can pick the coding rules and change or leave imported HTML tags “as is” or alter them.
Dreamweaver is a software tool that operates with simultaneous windows, allowing you to see all properties and various pages at the same time. The recent version of Dreamweaver allows for the designer to have access to four DHTML features:
I selected this particular software to review because it is highly recommended in our unit of the University. We have a good technical support team at George Mason University who teach, install, and serve as consultants and /or help desk contacts for our troubleshooting moments. All the sites that utilize Dreamweaver stand out over the rest, as the images seem realistic and wording is readable. I recommend this software web editor to all. However, I do find Front Page, for beginners, user friendly.