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Dreamweaver MX 2004 Review

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Ever since the first version Dreamweaver funcionality, ease of use and interface have improved. This is not different with release of the new Dreamweaver MX 2004 version. To begin with, with the new style look-and-feel of the new relase has become very attractive. Also, startup screen with options to access recently opened files, type of the documents you want to work on and other options was added. In functionality two of the most important updates for us was table handeling and CSS support.

Creating layouts using tables is still very popular among webmasters. The new Insert Table option makes this more automated, and easier. For those of us who use CSS to create layouts, the improved CSS support makes it more efficent, safe and easier. For example, the page properties like margins are now done in CSS instead of HTML tags used in previous versions. Also, editing external CSS documents has become easier with Dreamweavers MX code-hint support. Below is complete list of new key features.


New Features

  • New Dynamic Cross-Browser Validation
  • Richer, More Powerful CSS Support
  • Built-In Graphics Editing
  • Secure FTP
  • Increased Support for Today's Technologies
  • Seamless Integration with External Files and Code
  • Tighter Integration with Other Macromedia Tools
  • Improved Support for the Basics
  • Enhanced Coding Tools
  • Streamlined Design and Development Environment

System Requirements

Windows

  • 600 MHz Intel Pentium III processor or equivalent
  • Windows 98 SE (4.10.2222 A), Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003
  • 128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
  • 275 MB available disk space

Macintosh

  • 500 MHz Power PC G3 processor
  • Mac OS X 10.2.6 and later, 10.3
  • 128 MB computer RAM (256 MB recommended)
  • 275 MB available disk space

Conclusion

As we said in our previous version review, Dreamweaver MX can be overwhelming for novice users, and that is still true. Even though the ease of use has improved, Dreamweaver MX 2004 is packed with so many features that make it overwehlming. All those features are very useful but not necessery for low end user. Dreamweaver MX 2004 is a web developer tool therefore, If you are planning on career in web development/design it is a tool you should get confortable with.

One of the downsides is that the programs seems to be running slower on Mac machine and the other is it's cost. It runs between $200 - $400. Check the price on amazon.

Use of various tutorials to get familiar with the interface and use software is always recommended. To get you started you can try one of these great books: