Web Design Software

[achie25]

I just bought a Powerbook last month and I need to do a web design for a project for school. I am in a Master of Education program and I am going to do a webquest for part of my thesis project next summer.

What is a good web design software program? Dreamweaver? Go Live?
Also if someone could clarify pro/con of buying just Dreamweaver vs. Studio. or Go Live vs. CS2.

I have minimal experience creating websites, but this is something that I really want to get into and learn. I plan on using this software for personal websites as well for school.

I can get a big discount on the software packages since I am a teacher.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[mduser63]

I haven't used GoLive much, but I like Dreamweaver quite a bit. As for Dreamweaver vs. Studio, I think Studio is a better deal. I use Fireworks a lot, and Flash is also very valuable, depending on the kind of work you plan to do. IIRC, Dreamweaver 8 is $199 (academic) while the whole studio is $299. It's pretty clear that Studio is a better deal.

 

[Bern]

I have both and I much prefer Dreamweaver. Go Live is akin to MS IMO, it's an easy to do web creation tool that doesn't always provide 100% result. Dreamweaver ,and the entire Macromedia suite for that matter, on the other hand is a pro web design application that is specifically designed for better web design and gives a much more accurate result.

Think of it this way, Adobe CS2 is a suite design for photographers and graphic designers with a web tool pegged on the end of it so these people can create a web page if they need to. Macromedia Studio is a web designer specific suite for creating better web sites.

 

[varmit]

I second going with Dreamweaver. Its pretty simple to use, and your school probably has it install some where if you have website design cources (ask your teacher were they are). If you use them on the schools computer first, then see that you like it and you plan on using it a lot, then buy it. But if you don't plan on putting it to use often, then I would stick to the schools computers.

If you are really into doing websites, and want to do a little flash or graphic work, then buy the full Studio.

 

[ipacmm]

I use Dreamweaver and it is good, some things I wish it could do but it doesn't...If you were to get it I would order the Sudio 8.

 

[robx2]

Established opinion is that with Adobe's taking over Macromedia, GoLive will most likely be phased out in favor of Dreamweaver. Also, if you're planning on collaborating on projects, most others will be using Dreamweaver as well.

I'm a grad student in a multimedia program and we have several Ed students getting into web development and Flash. Definitely will be a good skill to add to your portfolio.

What the hell is a webquest?

 

[carlos700]

I've used Studio 8, Studio MX 2004, Studio MX, and Dreamweaver + Fireworks Studio 4. Every version gets better. I agree that GoLive is for photo pros who need to create a website.

Get Studio 8. It is the best.

 

[achie25]

Established opinion is that with Adobe's taking over Macromedia, GoLive will most likely be phased out in favor of Dreamweaver. Also, if you're planning on collaborating on projects, most others will be using Dreamweaver as well.

I'm a grad student in a multimedia program and we have several Ed students getting into web development and Flash. Definitely will be a good skill to add to your portfolio.

What the hell is a webquest?

A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web. WebQuests are designed to use learners' time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it.
It is a good way for teachers who are a little tech-savy to build an online learning activity that engages students in their learning. check out http://webquest.org/ Then click on find a webquest on the left hand side of the page.

 

[mcmillan]

If you're inexperienced, I recommend RapidWeaver (google it), zero effort needed, and it's just $35. It makes great looking websites with no need to know HTML coding.

 

[macdon401]

FREEWAY!

Everyone mentions the USUAL SUSPECTS Dreamweaver, GoLive, etc...
these are all good programs....BUT....probably WAY more app than you need!
These are PRO programs that can create very intensive websites with all the bells and whistles you could ever want...if your a PRO!
And the learning curve is fairly steep if you are new to code and actions.
Do yourself a favour go to Softpress.com, download a free fully functional version of Freeway ... its FREE and you will be publishing your site within the day!!!! This fantastic program is always overlooked....its like dont buy Photoshop CS2 if you can get almost the same results from Elements!
Have fun!
R

 

[YS2003]

Dreamweaver & Fireworks VS. Dreamweaver & Illustrator

Is it recommended to use Dreamweaver and Fireworks together for web site works? I have MX2004 with Flash Pro and when I installed it on my iBook, I only installed Flash & Dreamweaver (to save on the disk space). I have the full suites installed on my PB, though. Fireworks is for vector graphics, I believe. I have Adobe CS2 Standard already and I am wondering if Illustrator and Dreamweaver work together well.

 

[kiwi-in-uk]

If you're inexperienced, I recommend RapidWeaver (google it), zero effort needed, and it's just $35. It makes great looking websites with no need to know HTML coding.

I second that!

Almost zero learning curve.

It uses customizable templates, with a fairly broad range of templates available from the software house, and fairly good integration with iPhoto, and it "feels" like a bit of Mac software.

Once I understood how the program worked it took 20 minutes to put together a very simple site (including cut & paste text, frame links to other sites, photos, video, pdf download, and a simple structure of 10 or so pages). Then another 20 minutes to upload to a .Mac site (one button plus .Mac log on info).

Their website is here .

It might or might not be as powerful as some of the "pro" tools (I don't know) but it is EXACTLY what I need.

 

[20rogersc]

Everyone mentions the USUAL SUSPECTS Dreamweaver, GoLive, etc...
these are all good programs....BUT....probably WAY more app than you need!
These are PRO programs that can create very intensive websites with all the bells and whistles you could ever want...if your a PRO!
And the learning curve is fairly steep if you are new to code and actions.
Do yourself a favour go to Softpress.com, download a free fully functional version of Freeway ... its FREE and you will be publishing your site within the day!!!! This fantastic program is always overlooked....its like dont buy Photoshop CS2 if you can get almost the same results from Elements!
Have fun!
R

Freeway is good, I am a user of Freeway Express (got it free with a magazine subscription), however, the free bit is only intended as a trial, it's $89 (or $99 with a box). And for just a bit more you would beable to get an eductaional disc on Macromedia Studio 8 (£80 in England, not sure about America), which seems worth it as it is a PRO application.

Not at all slamming Freeway, just stating that facts.

::20ROGERSC::

 

[achie25]

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