Macromedia Flash 2.0 Bringing Animation to the Web Brad Mills
Macromedia Flash is one of a new series of software designed using the latest in web technology like ActiveX and Shockwave. This is one of the most complete packages of software on the market today.
Flash's tutorials are fantastic and are actually fun to use. You navigate through the extensive tutorials with ease, as it lets you actually do the processes yourself, learning as you go. Its drawing capabilities are incredible with features like Shape Recognition which turn your messy shape into what it should look like, or your best shot at a straight line truly straight. This technology also applies to curved lines. The onion skins let you see previous frames and future frames which allow you to properly execute the animation.
Features
With features like Shape Recognition, up to 200 undo/redo's and impressive state-of-the-art button creation, it's easy to see why this product is a winner. The tutorials can't be underestimated. Their impact on the new user is significant, and after browsing through them, it's very easy to create your first animations. But not only does this software do animations, it also creates fabuolous buttons which accent any web page quite nicely. If an impressive banner for advertising is needed using an animated .GIF, there is no other piece of software more valuable.
Summary
This product is outstanding in its simplicity and completion. Animations are a breeze, and new Shockwave and ActiveX technology is brought to the foreground with this product. If your web page needs that extra something, try Macromedia Flash.