Adobe creative suite 3???

[golddust1234]

Hi all. I recently saw advice on this site that a good way to learn web development skills is on the w3schools website. I started to do this and have learnt HTML and CSS so far during this method. The problem I have is that I am not using what I have learnt so am worried I am going to forget it. What do the experts on this site think about the best way of learning and using the information. I intend to start doing some freelance work along with my full time job. The hope is that eventualy I can turn it into a full time occupation. I was intending to buy dreamweaver but then saw the Adobe creative suite 3 packages. Is this any good and does anyone know which package is the best for web developers. I was thinking that the web premium appeared to be comprehensive enough or is it best to go straight in and buy the master collection? Any help on this will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[ray326]

Get yourself a free website and continue to work out ideas there. The old rule of thumb for tools is "don't buy it until you need it." Keep your HTML/CSS knowledge fresh using the simple free editors available to you unless you have a specific job in mind for which some IDE like Dreamweaver is required.

[Tweak4]

Adobe Creative Suite 3, if I'm not mistaken, contains Dreamweaver as a component. If you're considering it, look at the other components and try to determine what you might actually use- there is no need to buy the entire package if you'd only use one part.
Additionally, if you're just starting out, you may want to look for a free program to get your feet wet before jumping right in with the high-priced software. You may also consider trying to find older program versions at a discount. Personally, I use Dreamweaver 8 frequently, since my company bought a site license, and it does everything I need it to.

[Tom Fullen]

As an Adobe Service Bureau I am closely involved with the CS Suites as well as the Production Studio Suite. However, I do not work for Adobe. I have used them relentlessly. I pay for it.

The acquisition of Macromedia certainly seems to be, if not surely is, a step in the evolution of Adobe products. Adobe's GoLive will be upgraded, once more, and then move into a more robust support of DreamWeaver, perhaps, if not surely phasing out GoLive. Not only that, but Flash seems to be slated for a definite integral part of the Adobe Creative Suite for now and beyond.

NEWS FLASH! I wouldn't be surprised if they integrate Flash it into PhotoShop as they did ImageReady. Think about it for a minute...wouldn't that be a huge product release and resell boom?

There is nothing wrong with utilizing free, freeware, and old outdated software to get the job done. They work just as well in some cases. However, If you plan to market yourself, and be proficient you might consider Adobe as a source.

Their programs are closely integrated, work well together, and the Adobe support and recognition is superb. After 20 years + in the commercial publication business I have relied on Adobe time and again. GoLive, DreamWeaver, Flash, Acrobat, Illustrator, and InDesign, I'm ready for it all an prove it every day standing on the line.

So, if you plan to evolve to a full-time occupation, you may want to consider the your foundation...and what your time is worth.

Mind you, this is just my opinion...it's worked for me over time. Good luck my friend.

Tom

[golddust1234]

Thank you for your advice. I do like the look of the Adobe Creative suite and with my very limited knowledge at this time it does impress me but it is expensive and maybe I should start with the cheaper or even free software and then progress from there. Do yo know what free software is worth using and where it is available. I never new it was possible to find free web programs. I am learning on Notepad at the moment but am not sure how much I will be able to do with this as i am still at HTML stage of learning.

Thank you again for your help and if you are aware of the free programs and can advise further I would really appreciate it. Thank you very much.

Mark

[ray326]

For Windows I like HTML-kit (http://htmlkit.com). On Linux there's Quanta Plus, Bluefish and Screem. Or you could go with a souped up text editor like jEdit on both.