There are many options when it comes to choosing Web design software, from simple, bare-bones programs that can be downloaded for free, to Adobe Creative Suite, which contains multiple programs and comes in several versions that can cost up to $2,500. With the wide range of options available, choosing a software can seem confusing, but asking the right questions will help.

1. Decide what sort of websites you want to build. For a simple personal website that consists of a few pages, it is probably not necessary to purchase an expensive program or suite of programs. Free software will likely be all that is needed. If, however, the site needs to be more professional and is commercial in nature, then purchasing software will likely be a good investment.
2. Step 2

   Assess your abilities. If purchasing software is necessary, be honest about how much time and effort can be spared and exactly what features will be necessary to complete the intended project. Don’t buy the luxury model when the economy model will do. There are many software programs that can create graphics and video for the Web, but there is no need to buy and expensive package like the Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection if most of the programs will go unused. Decide if each individual feature is right. If you can’t draw a straight line, an art program like Adobe Illustrator, which comes with some Adobe software bundles will not be very useful. If, however, a more complex set of programs seems like something that may be useful, be aware that there will be a steep learning curve and a significant investment in time to learn the programs included

3. Step 3

   Try before buying. Free Web design software can be downloaded without cost, and most commercial Web design software will offer a trial version that users can test before buying. Download the trial or order trial CDs for any program before spending money. It may even be helpful to narrow the choice down to two or three programs and then test them all side by side.

The Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3) for Mac is a large collection of software programs. Once installed, it creates multiple files in a variety of locations. It cannot be removed by simply dragging the application folders to the trash can on your desktop. Uninstalling Adobe CS3 properly will ensure you do not have any unwanted files on your computer and that you are able to install future Adobe products without problems.

1. Shut down all applications, including word processing programs and Internet browsers.
2. Step 2

   Locate the Adobe Installers at Applications > Utilities > Adobe Installers. Select “Add or Remove Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications.” Enter an administrator password in the prompt.

3. Step 3

   Select “Remove Adobe Creative Suite 3 Components” from the installer menu. Click Next. Check off all of the CS3 programs to remove everything from your computer. Make sure the option to remove all application preferences is selected. Click Next.

4. Step 4

   Confirm all of the details are correct on the next page and click “Remove components.” A window will inform you when the CS3 components and preferences have been removed. Click Finish to close the program.

Adobe programs work together without having to navigate between differing brands of design software. For publications of any kind, Adobe Creative Suite (CS) includes programs that can tackle one part of your project at a time and pull it all together in a single document. Images can be sized in Photoshop, converted into line drawings in Illustrator and included within a book layout in InDesign, for example. The options with Adobe CS allow you to pull from Microsoft programs, as well, to minimize cutting and pasting.

1. Open the Adobe Creative Suite programs. In InDesign, choose “File,” and in the drop-down menu click “New” and then “Document” or “Book” (depending on the size of your project) and set the parameters, including margins, single or facing pages, orientation, number of columns and gutter width, and whether you want to set a master page or text frame.
2. Step 2

   Using the Type Tool, on the toolbar, draw out your text boxes. A blinking cursor will appear to begin typing. You can also import text from a Microsoft Word document by going to the File menu and choosing “Place.” A dialog box will open allowing you to choose the document your wish to import. Double-click on the document, and return to InDesign.

3. Step 3

   Format the text you just imported using the tools under the “Type” or “Text” menu, depending on which version of Adobe Creative Suite you are using. You can also change the size of the text box by clicking on the black arrow cursor on the toolbar. Under the “Window” menu, make sure “Color” is checked to open the color palette box if you plan to use color text.

4. Step 4

   Use the Rectangle Frame Tool on the toolbar to draw out areas for photos or other graphic elements. You will see an X inside the graphic boxes to distinguish them from text boxes.

5. Step 5

   Under the “File” menu, choose “Place” and double-click a graphic from the dialog box and return to InDesign. The graphic you chose is placed in the graphic box. Use the “Object” menu to transform, or right-click on the image for easy fit options. You can also right-click and choose “Edit Original” to open your graphic in its original program, such as PhotoShop or Illustrator. This allows you to make alterations. InDesign will automatically update the graphic.

6. Step 6

   Name your document, and save your work when you are finished by clicking “File” and “Save As.” If everything is as you want, go to “File” and click on “Package.” This will pull all your fonts and graphics into one folder and alert you to any possible compatibility issues.

7. Step 7

   Print your document according to your printer’s settings from InDesign, or choose another publishing option from the “File” menu, such as “Export as PDF” or “Export as HTML” for Web publication.

For many computer users, installing Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium Version is as simple as following the instructions included with the software. For others, repeated attempts yield only a series of “component fail” errors. This guide walks you through several common solutions to this installation problem.

Troubleshooting Adobe CS3 Web Premium Installation

1. Step 1

   Follow the instructions included with the Creative Suite 3 software. If the installation fails due to a “component fail” error, try each of the steps below, then attempt to reinstall the software suite.

2. Step 2

   Backup your current registry configuration by clicking “Start” then “Run.” Type “%SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe” in the dialogue box and then click “OK.” On the next page, click “Create a restore point” then “Next” and type a name for the restore point. Click “Create” then “Close.”

3. Step 3

   Log in to your XP system as an Administrator, not as a user with administrator privileges. Consult your Windows Help system if you are unfamiliar with Administrator mode.

4. Step 4

   Launch the registry edit by clicking “Start” then “Run.” Type “regedit” in the dialogue box and then click “OK.”

5. Step 5

   Edit each of the following registry keys. If you are not familiar with editing registry values, consider consulting a Windows IT expert for assistance. When finished, exit the registry edit.
   1. \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AcroIEHelper.AcroIEHlprObj\CLSID
   2. \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\CLSID\{06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3}\InprocServer32
   3. \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\TypeLib\{5F226421-415D-408D-9A09-0DCD94E25B48}\1.0\FLAGS

6. Step 6

   Insert the installation DVD into your computer’s optical drive. If an installation dialogue window opens, cancel the Abode CS3 installation.

7. Step 7

   Copy the installation DVD to your computer’s hard drive. In Windows Explorer, select the DVD icon and ctrl + drag the icon to your desktop. This will copy the disk to your desktop.

8. Step 8

   Launch the system configuration utility by clicking “Start” then “Run.” Type “msconfig” in the dialogue box and then click “OK.”

9. Step 9

   Under the “General” tab, select “Selective Startup” and uncheck all the boxes beneath “Selective Startup” except “Load System Services.” Be sure “Use Original BOOT.INI” is selected.

10. Step 10

    Under the “Services” tab, click “Disable All” and then make sure that “Windows Installer” is checked. Click “OK” to exit the system configuration utility.

11. Step 11

    Restart your machine when prompted. Your machine should reboot in Selective Startup mode.

12. Step 12

    Install Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium following the package’s instructions.

13. Step 13

    Complete the installation and then launch the system configuration utility by clicking “Start” then “Run.” Type “msconfig” in the dialogue box and then click “OK.”

14. Step 14

    Under the “General” tab, select “Normal Startup.” Click “OK” to exit the system configuration utility.

15. Step 15

    Restart your machine when prompted. If installation problems continue, contact Adobe Technical Support for assistance with your machine’s unique setup.

In order to use any application from the Adobe Creative Suite collection of design programs, you must first activate your software license. Even if you used an authentic Adobe disc to install the suite, you still need to activate your software with Adobe’s servers. If your software package has become deactivated, you can use any Adobe CS program to reactive your license.

1. Open any program from the Adobe Creative Suite package. On a PC, you will find the Adobe programs in the “All Programs” list of the Start menu. On a Mac, the Adobe programs should be located on your Dock.
2. Step 2

   Open the “Help” menu at the top of the screen and select the “Activate” option.

3. Step 3

   Choose the “I have a serial number” option in the pop-up window.

4. Step 4

   Enter the 24-digit license key for your Adobe software in the “Serial Number” field, and then click “Next.” If you have already activated the software on your computer previously, the serial number could be saved and will show up automatically. Otherwise, you will need to consult the documentation that came with the Adobe software to find the serial number.

5. Step 5

   Click on the “Activate Now” button to begin reactivating the Adobe software. The reactivation process should take less than a minute to complete, and once it finishes, a confirmation message will appear on your screen.

Adobe Creative Suite 3 is made up of several program titles from the popular Adobe line of products. Depending on the exact Creative Suite 3 package you purchase, the programs are going to vary, however the installation software comes with more than one CD. This is due to the amount of programs and memory the software takes up. Often the software won’t function correctly if you don’t install all of the CDs.

1. Insert the first Creative Suite 3 installation CD into the computer. In a moment the installation wizard loads.
2. Step 2

   Select an installation language, click “Next,” then read through and accept the license agreement.

3. Step 3

   Check off all of the programs you want from the Creative Suite 3 package installed on your computer. You have the option to not install a specific program if you don’t want it on your computer.

4. Step 4

   Type in the product code when prompted. This is found on a white, cardboard card in the software’s packaging. Click “Next” once finished.

5. Step 5

   Leave the installation name and location as the default settings, then click “Install.” The first installation CD begins to import content to your computer.

6. Step 6

   Eject the first CD when informed of the disc being complete. Remove the CD and insert the second CD. Momentarily the installation continues. Once finished a prompt appears stating the Adobe Creative Suite 3 package has finished its installation.

Macromedia Flash, now known as Adobe Flash, comes in two forms. A free player is available for using and interacting with flash-based web content. And a flash creator usually comes packaged with Adobe’s Creative Suite Software. Flash software is used for moment-based graphical websites videos, and animations.

Downloading and Installing the Flash Player

1. Step 1

   The Macromedia (now Adobe) Flash player is a free download on Adobe’s website. Navigate to adobe.com and click the “Get Flash Player” icon.

2. Step 2

   The next page should have a “Download” button, which will prompt a download pop-up. Save the file to your Downloads or Desktop folder.

3. Step 3

   Once the Flash player has downloaded, you need to install it. Open the file to begin installation.

4. Step 4

   Follow the on-screen instructions to install Flash player. There is no activation necessary for this type of free software.

Installing Flash Creator (Flash Professional)

5. Step 1

   Obtain a copy of Adobe Creative Suite. You can find a copy at your local software-selling stores, or purchase and download a copy from Adobe.com.

6. Step 2

   Insert the supplied disc or discs to install Creative Suite. Adobe Flash Professional has taken the place of Macromedia Flash.

7. Step 3

   During installation, you probably will be prompted to type in an activation number, which is inside the Creative Suite box. Enter it to activate your copy of creative suite and Flash Professional.

Designing a computer suite is an excellent way to keep all the servers, routers and other computer equipment protected, but it is important to design that computer suite properly. Computer rooms have a number of specific requirements, and it is important to accommodate those requirements into the design of the room. Building those designs in from the start is a lot easier than retrofitting the room, so be sure that your computer room meets all your needs before starting to build.

1. Determine which room will be the best choice for the computer suite. A good computer suite will need to be large enough to accommodate all of the computer equipment you need to house.
2. Step 2

   Write up a list of requirements for the room, using either a piece of design software or a simple tablet. Be sure that the room you design has at least three or four electrical outlets on each wall–you will need to have plenty of power to plug in all the power supplies, servers and other devices.

3. Step 3

   Make sure the design includes raised floors to provide additional airflow and make working on the electrical components in the room easier.

4. Step 4

   Include a dedicated air conditioning unit in your design. It is important for all computer suites to incorporate quality air conditioning as computer equipment generates a great deal of heat.

5. Step 5

   Sketch out the location of the server racks on your computer suite design. When determining where to place the server racks, it is important to leave enough room behind the server racks to disconnect and reconnect network cables, power cords and other pieces of equipment. It is also important to leave sufficient room in front of the racks for IT personnel to check the status of all hard drives, servers, power supplies, routers and switches.

Designed by Adobe Corporation, ImageReady is a software program that incorporates all aspects of image creation for websites into one program.
ImageReady lets the user create links, rollovers and animations, and it optimizes graphics for the web. The program also creates HTML pages and includes all the necessary code, image maps and JavaScripts to implement a web site. According to Bjarne Stroustrup, author of “C++ Applications,” ImageReady was written in C++ language programming.

History

1. Prior to ImageReady, web designers had to go through many steps in different programs to create web-ready images. Adobe Systems released ImageReady graphic editing software in July 1998, as a stand-alone product so users could create images for websites using one program.
   In 1999, Adobe began packaging ImageReady with Photoshop. In 2007, Adobe replaced ImageReady with Fireworks in its Creative Suite 3. Fireworks is a bitmap and vector graphics editor, which was developed by Macromedia. Adobe bought Macromedia in 2005.

System Requirements

2. ImageReady requirement for Macs: Macintosh OS 9.1 or greater; Power PC (G3/G4/G4 dual); 128MB RAM; 320MB free hard disk space; and color monitor.
   PC system requirements: Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME/XP/NT4 with service pack 6a or greater, or Microsoft Windows 2000 with service pack 2; Pentium III or 4 processor; 128MB RAM, 280MB free hard-disk space; and color monitor.

Significance

3. ImageReady has been discontinued, and ImageReady files cannot be read by Fireworks. According to Adobe technical support, it’s important to note that raster-based programs include Photoshop and ImageReady, and vector-based programs include Flash, Fireworks and Illustrator.
   Fireworks has incorporated most of the functions of ImageReady, but not all. In order to maintain ImageReady files, it is necessary to keep Adobe Creative Suite 2 in addition to later versions of Creative Suite.

Benefits

4. ImageReady carries some benefits over Fireworks. ImageReady makes it easier to build advanced rollovers into a website and can automatically generate tables and store individual graphics with its own compression settings. The program also can create background tiles, making a design appear seamless.

Drawbacks

5. ImageReady uses raster graphics, known as bitmaps. Raster formats include BMP, PICT or compressed formats such as GIF and JPEG. Raster images are locked into a specific size so they cannot be scaled without losing clarity.
   The JavaScript code that ImageReady generates is not compatible with Dreamweaver JavaScript. Slicing in ImageReady is a slow and tedious process. ImageReady is better for more intricate page layouts and complex rollover slicing.

When working with photos and graphics, jagged edges are a common problem. Jagged edges are caused by image over-compression, over-sharpening and other factors. Text can appear jagged without the smoothing effect of anti-aliasing. Jagged edges can also appear when separating a visual element from its background. One of Adobe Photoshop’s defining characteristics is its flexibility. You can use a variety of techniques to achieve one goal. Easily remove jagged edges in Photoshop Elements 2 with Blur and Feathering techniques, which are ideal for line art or photographs.

Blur Technique For Line Art

1. Step 1

   Open Photoshop Elements 2 and open the image file you want to fix. Open the Layers palette, right-click on your image and choose “Duplicate Layer.” Click on the duplicate layer to make it active.

2. Step 2

   Click on the Lasso tool and select “Magnetic Lasso Tool.” Use this tool to trace around the perimeter of the element you want to make smooth. Click the open square at the beginning of the selection when the open circle appears to close the selection.

3. Step 3

   Click on the Filter drop-down menu and select “Guassian Blur.” Adjust the slider to blend the edges to the degree of smoothness you’d like. Experiment with the slider to meet the needs of the image at hand.

Feather Edges Technique For Photos

4. Step 1

   Complete previous Steps 1 and 2 to duplicate then select and isolate the photographic element you want to smooth. Enlarge your photo past 200 percent to make a precise selection if you are working with a smaller photograph.

5. Step 2

   Right-click inside your selection and select “Feather.” Set the Feather Radius between 1 and 3 pixels, and click “OK” to smooth the jagged edges around your selection. Right-click on the selection again and select “Later via Cut.”

6. Step 3

   Delete the two layers beneath the newly smoothed selection. Replace these layers with any background you’d like.