The recent release of Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 has brought a higher level of comfort and efficiency to web developers around the world. However, what I find more important is that the update also provides a great deal of support and assistance to people with no prior web development experience in using the Macromedia programs. Macromedia did a great job of giving professional web developers all that they wanted, but they also did a wonderful job in taking the hand of everyday computer users and leading them to the promised land of web design. Macromedia's new package, Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8, includes Dreamweaver 8, Flash 8, Fireworks 8, Contribute 3, and FlashPaper 2.

Macromedia Studio 8 Box

Most of Macromedia's success throughout the years can be attributed to the fact that they are the only company who has made a real effort to make the seemingly confusing and muddled mess of html and other codes a little more palatable for people who have no experience in web design or creation. They have built their empire on taking the time to bring outsiders into the web development fold. This is apparent in all of Macromedia's products, but shines most bright in its latest update. Aside from Flash 8, every other program in Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 comes prepared to hold the hand of its user and guide them through the twists and turns of web development. It is especially apparent due to the slew of new web codes that have come out since HTML. Macromedia went the extra mile in including these to their programs and making sure that their customers won't get lost in the now, more then ever, expansive and winding world wide web. Each program is built with careful and cautious thought for the person who isn't a web development genius, but not in a way that slows down those who are. This is what puts Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 far ahead of its competition. It gives the geniuses a reason to buy it in the speed and simplicity it offers, and the everyday person can take advantage of its instructions and guidelines to make what would have otherwise been obfuscated jibberish into something they can understand, work with, and enjoy.

Contribute 3's Easy Page Editing

The updates to their Flash program have led to significant increases in the creative abilities of professional Flash users. It is probably the most advanced update in the Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 package, and I recommend that beginning users get a hold of Dreamweaver and the other programs first. They should thoroughly study the extensive guides and support information before they dive into Flash. For those already experienced with Flash the new updates make it easier and provide a greater scope digital animation and high quality motion creation.

New Flash 8 Filters

Fireworks 8 gives real creative control to its user with editing and creating web images. The new additions make it easier then ever for people without any program skill at all to learn quickly how to start putting images up on the internet in the form of animation or web graphics.

Fireworks 8 Image Preview

Contribute 3 makes web publishing and organization easier than it has ever been before. Working closely with HTML, the most basic web coding to learn, it gives a great opportunity for beginners to get associated with web pages and to learn the easiest way to publish on the internet.

FlashPaper 2 works closely with Microsoft Office to convert any of your office files to PDF or Flash files in an instant. In the blink of an eye anyone can transform their word, excel, or PowerPoint documents on their own personal computers into documents accessible to anyone on the World Wide Web!

Lastly, is the most powerful of the Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 programs, Dreamweaver. As told in the own words of Macromedia's, 'From Roundup graphics editing in Fireworks to importing Flash elements, to creating templates for contribute, Dreamweaver 8 is at the heart of the cross-product overflow.'

Dreamweaver 8 Box

Dreamweaver 8 allows a greater ability to work between MAC and Windows. Page design does not focus as much on HTML but now onto the flurry of new web design technologies. The diverse server variety allows Dreamweaver compatibility with Coldfusion, PHP, ASP, ASP.NET, and JSP. Due to the obvious changes of technology in website design, Dreamweaver 8 provides just what is needed in order to stay on the cutting edge. With improvements that include XML embedding and CSS style sheets and design, Dreamweaver is a great way to stay on top of the rapidly changing world of web design. The expansion of Dreamweaver's functionality into CSS and XML was necessary, and in order to keep up with the rapidly evolving world of web design Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 came out just in time to bring web designers using Dreamweaver to the top of their game.

New XSL Coding

When I first opened up Dreamweaver, it gave me the choice between working for web design or web coding. Since most of my experience comes from design, I chose the 'blue pill', and was immediately escorted throughout all the steps I would need to begin.

I think the greatest strength Dreamweaver and Macromedia has always had is its user friendliness. Each program is riddled with guides and tips that lead you through every step you need to take. One of the greatest benefits of owning any Macromedia product is the initiation to the community that takes place. As soon as you buy Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8, you become a 'card carrying member' of the Macromedia club that opens you up to training, seminars, certification programs, and hundreds of online support sites and forums.
 
It soon became very clear to me what a huge step Dreamweaver 8 has taken since its last update. Its programs were extremely easy for me to understand and they made working with the new design codes like XML and CSS just as simple as HTML. With their reference content and drag and drop abilities success a click away. Adding flash video is now a snap and with a few simple clicks of the mouse, you have the power of flash video on any of your own websites. Another extremely impressive aspect of the new Dreamweaver was their CSS paneling and visualization. The new interface makes it simple to see style cascading, defining attributes, and quick editing.

The New Unified CSS Window for Dreamweaver

Overall changes that are impressive include small tweaks that make dealing with Studio 8 as a whole easier, including opening and closing panels and deleting ASOs. The updates to their flash type technology have also made things easier to resize and position. With other great additions to coding, file comparison and transferring, workspace layouts, and greater support for new technologies, Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 certainly has earned its worth. Whether or not you are upgrading or just starting to use Dreamweaver, Dreamweaver 8 is by far the simplest and best web design and program out there and is certainly worth the moderate price tag of $399 for the full product or $199 for the upgrade. The full price for Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 is $999 for the full product of $399 to upgrade and especially after Macromedia's recent merger with Adobe, I highly recommend that anyone wishing to be successful in the field of web design pick up or upgrade to Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8. Almost any starting web design job requires knowledge of Dreamweaver and there is no better time after the new upgrade to start learning. With the simplicity of the new upgrade, there is really no reason why anyone with an interest in web design should not own Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8. Just like Studio 8 itself, it's that simple.

For more information on Adobe's Macromedia Studio 8 please visit http://www.adobe.com/products/studio/

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