Find The Right Web Graphics

Adobe Flash CS4 Professional

Flash becomes friendlier and more fun to explore as CS4 introduces a faster approach to animation, making this a worthwhile upgrade for both beginners and seasoned programmers.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, 1 GHz or faster (Windows), Intel Multicore 1 GHz, PowerPC G5 (Mac), DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, Internet connection, 1 GHz or faster (Windows), Intel Multicore, PowerPC G5 (Mac), 1 GHz, Windows, QuickTime 7.1.2

Microsoft Expression Web

Microsoft Expression Web is a solid Web site layout program that replaces FrontPage and offers tools for dynamic designs, although we'd like more help for newbies.

Specs: License, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1 or later, Intel Pentium 700, 700 MHz, SVGA monitor, Intel Pentium 700, 700 MHz, Windows

Adobe Flash CS3 Professional

Adobe has improved the speed of Flash and its integration with other CS3 apps, although flashy new features are few. Plus, Flash now works natively on Intel-based Macs.

Specs: Intel Pentium 4, Intel Xeon, Intel Core Duo, PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5, DVD-ROM, Intel Pentium 4, Intel Xeon, Intel Core Duo, PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5

Namo WebEditor Suite 2006

A terrific Web editor for the price, Namo 2006 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to move up from basic freeware.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 550 MHz, XGA monitor, 550 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 4.0 or later, Netscape Navigator 6.2 or later

Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003

If you need a midlevel Web site design app, Microsoft FrontPage 2003 is a good choice, but professionals should use Macromedia Dreamweaver instead.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3 or later, 180 MB, Intel Pentium 233 MHz, 128 MB, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Intel Pentium, 233 MHz, Windows

Macromedia Fireworks 8

The upgrade to this top-flight Web graphics editor makes Fireworks 8 easier to use, but newbies will confront a steep learning curve.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.3, Apple MacOS X 10.4, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Pentium III, PowerPC G3 600 MHz 800 MHz, 600 MHz, 8, XGA monitor, Pentium III, PowerPC G3 600 MHz, 800 MHz, 600 MHz, MacOS, Windows, Netscape Navigator 5.x, Internet Explorer 5.0 or later

Macromedia Dreamweaver 8

Faster, easier to use, and more powerful than the previous version, Dreamweaver 8 is a worthy upgrade for professionals, but amateurs should stick with a less complicated app, such as HomeSite.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.3, Apple MacOS X 10.4, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, 800 MHz, 600 MHz, 8, XGA monitor, 800 MHz, 600 MHz, MacOS, Windows

Adobe GoLive Creative Suite 2.0 (Mac)

GoLive CS2 may not win over converts from market leader Macromedia Dreamweaver, but this upgrade plays up its strengths, namely integration with other Adobe software.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.2.8 - 10.3.8, CD-ROM, Internet connection, MacOS, QuickTime 6.5

GoLive CS2

GoLive CS2 may not win over converts from market leader Macromedia Dreamweaver, but this upgrade plays up its strengths, namely integration with other Adobe software.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP1, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, CD-ROM, Internet connection, Windows, QuickTime 6.5

Adobe GoLive CS2 - ( v. 8.0 ) - media

GoLive CS2 may not win over converts from market leader Macromedia Dreamweaver, but this upgrade plays up its strengths, namely integration with other Adobe software.

Specs: Media, 8.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, MacOS

Adobe GoLive CS2 - ( v. 8.0 ) - media

GoLive CS2 may not win over converts from market leader Macromedia Dreamweaver, but this upgrade plays up its strengths, namely integration with other Adobe software.

Specs: Media, Microsoft Windows XP SP1, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, 8.0, CD-ROM, XGA monitor, Windows

Adobe GoLive Creative Suite 2.0

GoLive CS2 may not win over converts from market leader Macromedia Dreamweaver, but this upgrade plays up its strengths, namely integration with other Adobe software.

Adobe Atmosphere

Atmosphere is a decent prosumer app for small businesses and educators who want to promote an interactive Web experience.

Adobe GoLive CS

GoLive CS is a solid Web-site creation option for designers, but only as part of the Creative Suite package from Adobe.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3 or later, 200 MB, Pentium III, 128 MB, CD-ROM, Pentium III, Windows

Macromedia 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.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.3, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Apple MacOS X 10.2.6 or later, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, 600 MHz, 500 MHz, CD-ROM, 600 MHz, 500 MHz, MacOS, Windows

Macromedia Contribute 2.0

Macromedia Contribute makes it easy for nonprogrammers to work on Web pages, but beware of sluggish performance and limited editing features.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.1.5, Apple MacOS X 10.2.5, Apple MacOS X 10.2.6, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 60 MB, 128 MB, 2, CD-ROM, MacOS, Windows

Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004

Fireworks MX 2004's simple design and powerful tools make it the best Web graphics app for both novices and pros.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Apple MacOS X 10.2.6, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, 600 MHz, 500 MHz, CD-ROM, 600 MHz, 500 MHz, MacOS, Windows

Macromedia Contribute for Windows

If you or your employees must regularly update a Web site but can't comprehend most Web-creation tools, consider Contribute.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 40 MB, Pentium II 300 MHz, 64 MB, CD-ROM, Pentium II, 300 MHz, Windows

Flash MX

If you're a sophisticated developer who needs the powerful options Flash offers, turn to Macromedia Flash MX. But for a program that's just as hefty, much easier to use, and significantly less expensive, try Adobe LiveMotion.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 85 MB, Intel Pentium 200 MHz, 64 MB, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Intel Pentium, 200 MHz, Windows

Namo WebEditor 5.0

Although Namo WebEditor has a WYSIWYG view, its lack of HTML help and its strong site-management features make it more suitable for experienced Web builders who are looking for a cheaper alternative to Adobe GoLive.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 12 MB, 64 MB, 5, CD-ROM, Windows