Expressions Web versus Dreamweaver?

[bridgmon]

I'm looking for information to help me choose a replacement program for my FrontPage website that has about two hundred pages, mostly text, and a few graphics.

I understand that DW is the industry standard among webpage designers, but that Microsoft has created Expressions Web as the "true" replacement for FrontPage. There's no workshop yet for EW and I am reluctant to switch to this product unless there's going to be support for it. Any information would be helpful.

Thanks,
pam

[emurphy1]

I don't know much about Microsoft's Expressions line of products. It looks like Expressions Web (http://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/overview.aspx?key=web) is their replace for Frontpage. Microsoft says Expressions Web retails for $299 (single license) or you can buy a Frontpage upgrade for $99.

Dreamweaver (http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/) has been around a long time and is widely used among web designers and developers. It is now an Adobe product and is part of the CS3 Suite.

If you are wondering what people are using on campus I know many folks use Dreamweaver. OSCR has Dreamweaver 8 workshops (http://www.oscr.arizona.edu/workshops?view=23).

As far as using Expressions Web on campus. I'm sure some people will adopt it. It's still very new so I don't know of anyone using it yet. As far as teaching workshops on Expressions Web there are no current workshops. However, if there is enough demand we may create an Expressions Web workshop. If you go with Expressions Web now you will have to rely on the guides and tutorials on the Microsoft site for your learning.

[catalano]

Have you heard of the program NVU? It is a free web page creator and is considered an alternative to Frontpage and Dreamweaver. It is also compatible with Mac and Windows.

http://www.nvu.com/index.php

As far as support goes, there is an online forum, wiki, and a live online chat room with other NVU users

[schneidd]

Watch out for Vista and Dreamweaver though...

A lot of Adobe products are having some problems with Vista, Dreamweaver 8 included. I haven't had any experiences with it, and Adobe assures "Dreamweaver 8 works well for most users on Vista, but some users have reported problems." But, it's something to be aware of.

http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb400787