Macromedia has updated its Web developer's suite: we review the key elements -- Flash, Fireworks and Dreamweaver.Last year, Macromedia impressed us with a high-calibre suite of Web-design, content-management, graphics-creation and site-building tools called Studio MX. This year, the dream package gets a face-lift.
The all-in-one Web design suite bundles Dreamweaver MX 2004, Fireworks MX 2004, Macromedia Flash MX 2004 (or a brand-new offering, Flash MX 2004 Professional), FreeHand MX and ColdFusion MX 6.1 Developer Edition. Of those, only FreeHand MX is not new. Individually, each program costs several hundred dollars, but Studio MX supplies them all for AU$1729. Studio MX and the individual packages will be available in September.
We've reviewed the big three -- Flash, Fireworks and Dreamweaver. Whether you're ready to start your Web development career or improve your existing projects, there's definitely something here for everyone.
| Flash
MX 2004 The grand master of Flash animation programs is now more powerful, requires less programming and includes better help. |
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| Fireworks
MX 2004 Fireworks MX 2004's simple design and powerful tools make it the best Web graphics application for both novices and professionals. |
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| Dreamweaver
MX 2004 If you need the latest and greatest in Web site development, Dreamweaver is the best investment; but it's overkill for casual users. |
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