What Web Design software should I use?

I am totally new to web design, and just currently passed the CIW course, which was based around MX 2004, do you think that software is out of date and maybe I should upgrade?

If so I would like a little help on deciding which software to upgrade to.

I want to be a freelance designer and design websites for small businesses, and maybe some multimedia also.

I need your help on deciding what software I should use!

Is studio 8 that much different from the new CS3?

Do you mean Dreamweaver MX 2004? If so, I would upgrade to the new Dreamweaver CS3. I'm about to move from DW8 to DWCS3. 8 is so much better than MX2004 so you definitely want to upgrade. But why not upgrade to the latest. The new CS3 has AJAX components which I have no idea about but am anxious to learn.

Did you school teach you to handcode or did they teach you to design using the WYSWYG screen and tables? Hopefully they taught you to handcode using XHTML/CSS!

Good luck in the future!

Heres a thread on HTML editors that might help you.

http://www.webforumz.com/html-forum/...ml-editors.htm

Linda... when are you going to learn to hand code? It's so much more satisfying?

It's we Morlocks that want the code clean. Designers just want it to look right.

PS:
I've seen job ads for web developers that require Dreamweaver.:censored:

PPS:
(If anyone thinks that should be "us Morlocks", I am available for proof-reading.)

Ryan Ryan Ryan .... I do handcode you pest! I use Dreamweaver's code view! How many times do I have to say it! You've seen some of my work.. you tease!

Thanks for advice, I am currently using the Studio MX 2004 software suite...don't really know how I am going to afford CS3!
I done a homeworking course, I was taught through CBT's and then had to go to an assessment centre to do multiple choice exams which were really easy, I was never really graded on how I designed websites.

It was more of a theory based coursem I think

Can anyone tell me if CIW is a good qualification to have???

I would keep working with Dreamweaver. Upgrade to the latest version. It is worth it. Dreamweaver tends to have better support of CSS than all other editors. Dreamweaver makes life a lot easier for you.

I use Dreamweaver 8 and its so much better than DW MX 2004. It is easier in all aspects and has some easier to use features.

Well allow me to repeat what everyone else has said. 8 is way better then MX2004, and I am sure CS3 is much better then 8. I would upgrade to the latest version! You can get an educational discount if you are a student or teacher.

8 is better thne MX 2004, or CS3 would be best.

CS3 would be the best, as everyone said...lol.