Standard Web graphics

The Bottom Line: Flash becomes friendlier and more fun to explore as CS4 introduces a faster approach to animation, making this a worthwhile upgrade for both beginners and seasoned programmers.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise SP1, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, 1 GHz or faster (Windows), Intel Multicore 1 GHz, PowerPC G5 (Mac), DVD-ROM, XGA monitor, Internet connection, 1 GHz or faster (Windows), Intel Multicore, PowerPC G5 (Mac), 1 GHz, Windows, QuickTime 7.1.2

The Bottom Line: Microsoft Expression Web is a solid Web site layout program that replaces FrontPage and offers tools for dynamic designs, although we'd like more help for newbies.

Specs: License, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1 or later, Intel Pentium 700, 700 MHz, SVGA monitor, Intel Pentium 700, 700 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: If you need a midlevel Web site design app, Microsoft FrontPage 2003 is a good choice, but professionals should use Macromedia Dreamweaver instead.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3 or later, 180 MB, Intel Pentium 233 MHz, 128 MB, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Intel Pentium, 233 MHz, Windows

The Bottom Line: If you or your employees must regularly update a Web site but can't comprehend most Web-creation tools, consider Contribute.

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 40 MB, Pentium II 300 MHz, 64 MB, CD-ROM, Pentium II, 300 MHz, Windows

Specs: 1 workstation, Complete package, 3.0, DVD-ROM, Windows

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 550 MHz, XGA monitor, 550 MHz, Windows, Internet Explorer 5.0 or later

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Apple MacOS X 10.4.10 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1, 1 GHz, 500 MHz, 2.0, DVD-ROM, Keyboard, XGA monitor, 16 MB video memory, Mouse or compatible device, 1 GHz, 500 MHz, MacOS, Windows, QuickTime 7.5 or later

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, CD-ROM, Windows

Specs: 1 user, Complete package, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, 166 MHz, 3.0, CD-ROM, 166 MHz, Windows

Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Windows, Internet Explorer 6.0