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| Software Review | 
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| Title: | Dreamweaver 2 |
| Version: | Windows 9X |
| Manufacturer: | Macromedia Inc. |
| Computer Tested On: | Generic 586-300 |
| Operating System: | Windows 98 |
| Reviewed By: | Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: | May, 2001 |
| Rating: | 
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OVERVIEW
Dreamweaver 2 is a software package to create and maintain an internet site. The software is contained on a CD-ROM and also includes a printed manual and a copy of Homesite version 4.0. The Dreamweaver software can be used alone or in conjunction with Homesite.
This package has numerous features that are extremely helpful for maintaining HTML documents. All of the basic HTML codes are supported, and a relatively inexperienced user can create professional looking HTML documents in just minutes. Menu support rapidly marks up text with bold, italic, color, and size characteristics. One advantage of this program over other similar systems is that it does not have to alter the original code when editing. This is an absolute necessity when third-party HTML source and scripts are used that must be placed exactly as written.
Numerous
advanced features are supported in this package as well. The software can be
used in a stand-alone mode or in conjunction with another HTML editor, and the
other HTML editor can be defined within the Dreamweaver program to allow quick
launching of the desired editor. Tables and forms are available on the menubar
for insertion and editing. Direct support is available for applets, ActiveX,
XML, and other plug-ins. A launch bar provides one click access to the HTML
source code, style settings, and behaviors.
Once a site has been properly setup in the software, this program also provides a simple-to-operate management tool that simplifies FTP access to and from the site. A hierarchial tree of the local and remote site is displayed, with one button connect for file uploading and downloading. A page can be also be launched from the management tool to allow quick editing changes when necessary.
The Homesite software included with Dreamweaver 2 allows a novice publisher to quickly create or edit HTML pages alone or in conjunction with Dreamweaver. It includes quick templates for creation and can be defined as the third-party editor within the Dreamweaver package.
STRONG POINTS
Reliable operation - few program or system errors were encountered during installation or operation
Documentation - It is refreshing to see a manufacturer that still appreciates the value of a well-written printed manual for the user of the software
WEAK POINTS
WYSIWYG Support - Making changes to the font sizes, styles, or faces does not always display in a fashion corresponding to how it will look when viewed with a web browser
FTP Transfer - Occasionally has trouble with transferring large HTML documents on slow connections without timing out
COMMENTS
This package provides a wide range of solutions for those people that work with HTML markup language day after day. The level of integration of various web components and third party editing software gives this program a broad appeal because of the ease with which it can be customized.
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