Webpage Editors
Expression Web Professional is Microsoft’s answer to Adobe Dreamweaver. Expression Web Professional replaces Front Page 2003 and offers users a multitude of great features. Currently, Microsoft Expression Web supports XHTML, XML, CSS, and W3C accessibility standards. It also integrates its software with Visual Studio. Many claim this web editing software is a solid web design software.
Although Microsoft Expression Web gets great reviews from many users, one common flaw seems to be its lack of assistance to new web designers. Microsoft’s Front Page 2003, which was replaced by Expression Web offered help with web design, had user friendly features, and even provided technical support from Microsoft. Another set back from Expression Web is the fact that it is only supported by Windows. Those wishing to use Expression Web must install Windows XP SP2, Vista, or Windows 7.
Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 Student and Teacher Edition is the current leader in website design software and there are many reasons why. Dreamweaver is often credited with being user friendly, offering a multitude of start-up templates (more than Expression Web), and useful shortcuts. Moreover, Dreamweaver is supported by Windows and Mac which may validate its popularity. Dreamweaver has enhanced many of its features since its CS4 version including improvements to its Live View function with dynamic content, and helpful tools for fixing and interacting with CSS. Dreamweaver is so popular with web designers that Microsoft created its Expression Web software using a similar format.
Those using Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 will notice a couple setbacks. Some of the features included in the CS5 version might be difficult to use for beginners. In fact, some reports claim Adobe might lose new users to Microsoft’s Expression Web due it is welcoming layout. Also, the steep price tag can also be a problem, many retailers sale Dreamweaver CS5 for as much as $400.00. Those fortunate enough to have the CS4 version can purchase the upgrade version of CS5 for nearly $200.00 less. In short, like its predecessor Dreamweaver CS5 is great for advance users but may be too costly for lightweight/new web designers who are looking for easy to use software.
Web Plus X4, a product from Serif comes highly rated and at a reasonable cost. Web Plus X4 retails for less than $100.00 and users are sure to get their money’s worth. Web Plus X4 lies right in the middle of new users entering the world of web design and advance users who are looking for lots of control and options. This software helps the user create highly customizable websites with attractive and energetic layouts. Web Plus is able to do this through its template-based, wizard-driven program. There are over 50 fully customizable templates to start from in 6 categories and many come with pages already developed.
Naturally, Web Plus X4 is not without its faults. Those wishing to embed photos into a website may find it more difficult to do then with other web design software. Additionally, it can take quite a while to become familiar with the software’s layout and to master all the available features. This can be especially prominent to users who are used to Adobe’s Dreamweaver or similar web design software layouts. Also, some users found the software difficult to install in Windows 7 operating systems. Users of Windows XP or Vista did not share the same concern.