A Repackaged Dreamweaver
By MIKE BERMAN
Scripps Howard News Service
November 20, 2002

During the past year I've been a slave to my Web site - constantly updating it so that visitors see something new and interesting on a weekly basis. Because of this, I've become dependent on using the right software so I can accomplish this feat with a minimum of effort.

When the folks at Macromedia introduced Dreamweaver many moons ago, it was hailed as the most comprehensive Web creation tool on the planet. More comprehensive than most of its competitors, Dreamweaver became the Cadillac of Web design tools, blowing away the competition.

Not believing in the adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," Macromedia has repackaged Dreamweaver, giving it a new look and making it part of one of the most comprehensive Web creation and design packages on the market today.

Macromedia Studio MX ($799) combines the power and flexibility of Dreamweaver with the company's premier illustration tool - Freehand - to give Web designers a complete package featuring everything they need to make their jobs easier.

Also included are Fireworks, ColdFusion and Flash, which have become synonymous with delivering great content on the Internet, from simple graphics to the creation of the most complex online databases.

One of the first things I noticed after I installed this suite of products was that it gave me a choice of working with an older, more familiar desktop - giving me a warm, comfy feeling of familiarity - or a more streamlined version.

The second was its seamless integration of all the products, making it easy to move from one to the other while still working with the same interface - a welcome improvement over having to fire up several separate programs to accomplish the same tasks.

Among its other features are:

- An integrated Windows interface with fully dockable panels and tabbed document windows.

- Panels can be collapsed or expanded as needed.

- An integrated file explorer enables quick browsing for assets and files on the desktop or network without having to use a separate utility.

- A new document toolbar gives you quick access to commonly used commands.

- An Answers Panel links you directly with the Macromedia support center.

- The insert panel and document toolbar are now completely customizable.

- A new site setup wizard guides you through everything you need to know about setting up.

- Compatibility with any site creation language, ranging from XML to PHP.

The list goes on and on.

Add to all this Freehand 10 and other programs and you have a Web creation powerhouse on your desktop.

To see what can be done just working with a few simple tools and a huge ego, check out my site at www.jocgeek.com.

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