Software
During this class, we will be using three main pieces of software to construct our Web pages—Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Fireworks. Dreamweaver, a powerful site editor that allows you to construct and manage your HTML pages, has been upgraded to version CS3 in our classroom this semester and can be purchased in the ISU Campus Bookstore for around $80 (academic version). Photoshop CS3, the leading graphics program used to make images for the Web, has also been upgraded and is also available in the campus bookstore; however, it is considerably more expensive than Dreamweaver, so hold off buying it. We'll also be using Fireworks, a web image optimizer and prototype application. My recommendation is to pick up a personal copy of Dreamweaver, if you can afford it, and then use Photoshop and Fireworks in the campus computer classrooms only when you need them. If you can afford all three, then buy them.
All three programs can be fairly complicated to use, but many of their features are fairly simple to learn. We'll learn those simple features first, then move on to more advanced capabilities in each program. Below, I've listed some online resources for both programs as well as links to general HTML utilities available for both the Macintosh and Windows platforms. If you locate any additional sources or software that you think need to be added to this page, please let me know.
Dreamweaver
A. General Resources
- Dreamweaver Design Center - a ton of resources and tutorials, including videos. Also check out the Developer Center for more in-depth information about backend features.
- DW Training Center - a variety of tutorials on Ajax and CSS tricks.
- Basic Tutorials - Vineyardesign provides basic tutorials on how to start a new site, set up a CSS, and make templates for the entire site.
- Video Tutorials - basic video tutorials for DW CS3 from lynda.com; covers mostly program workspace.
B. CSS Design Basics Tutorials
- Learning about doctype
- Styling (X)HTML elements
- Margins and padding
- Defining and using class selectors
- The ID selector
- Defining and using descendant selectors
C. Advanced CSS Design Tutorials
- Understanding CSS design concepts
- Defining style properties and working with floats
- Using CSS Positioning for site layout
- Styling headers and main content
- Building site navigation
- Using Dreamweaver CS3 compatibility checks for browser compatibility
Photoshop
- Photoshop Developer Center - lots of good stuff, as above, including the videos.
- PS CS3 Resource Center - a portal for all things PS CS3.
- Tool Palette Quick Reference - just pass your cursor over each segment of the new tool palette and see the tools beneath. Click the individual tool for a full explanation of the tool.
- Video Tutorials - a variety of video tutorials for PS CS3 from lynda.com.
Fireworks
- Fireworks Developer Center - same as for the other two software programs above.
- Beginner Tutorial - Vineyardesign provides a beginner tutorial on how to create a simple page layout.
- Fireworks Community - Articles, tutorials, and extensions.
- Video Tutorials - basic video tutorials for FW CS3 from lynda.com.