Flash

      Macromedia Flash is probably one of the most important programs a new website designer should learn.  You can add quite a dramatic effect by adding a little flash to your website.  Since Macromedia made Flash it will of course be the main program you'll use, but there are two programs that make flash files easily.  So here is the review of all three.

Macromedia Flash MX
Rating:
Cost:  $499

Review:  The cost on this one is probably prohibitive to many people that just do web pages as a hobby, but if you're looking to learn more about Flash and use it as a possible career in webpage design then the cost will seem like nothing compared to the benefits.  So, what's to say about Macromedia Flash, it isn't easy to learn, but as with all Macromedia products their tutorials and help directory makes even the most complex tasks seem easy or at least possible.  It took me a little while before I got used to making flash files, but once you get the hang of it you're able to do things you never thought possible on a website.  So, this is a definite get if you're into making professional web pages, its the future of what pages will be like and you need to learn it if you want to keep up.  You can download a trial of the software here Macromedia Flash MX

Swish 2.0
Rating: 
Cost:  $50

Review:  Just an amazing program!  That's almost all I can say about it, but that's what it is.  You can create quick attractive looking flash animation without having to learn Flash and without having to pay the huge $499 price tag on Macromedia Flash MX.  I have to admit, if I had known about this program before I bought Macromedia Flash MX I might not have bought it or at least I would have delayed the purchase.  For $50 this is a must have program...even now that I know how to use Macromedia Flash I'll use Swish to create quick files when I'm too busy to take the time to use Macromedia...Great product and well worth the price.

CoffeeCup Firestarter
Rating:
Cost:  $50

Review:  This is a pretty decent program and it will give you some basic flash layout and can also make some nifty quick flash on the fly type files, but it isn't as good as Swish.  That's about it...It just isn't as good, not as many features, Swish uses a format similar to Macromedia so it will give you a good idea how the full program will work if you upgrade in time.  If you get Firestarter as part of a bundle of software or something like that, don't delete it and if it wasn't for Swish I would probably recommend this program, but it just falls short of Swish and at the same price I have to say go with Swish 2.0.  If you would like to download a sample of this program for a free trial you can get it here  CoffeeCup Firestarter.