Microsoft Expression Web

Pros: Easy to use, includes a 1 hour training DVD

Cons: Doesn't have access to an integrated photo editor like Macromedia

Summary: When I installed Expression Web, I wasn't really sure what I'd be getting. I was pleasantly surprised to see a clean, fast interface upon launch. The layout looks somewhat like Dreamweaver but there's much more information and there's a great built-in CSS expression and link checker, and when there's a mistake, in code view, the errors show up in red. I had been a hard-core Dreamweaver/Fireworks user since v.4, but after Adobe bought Macromedia, the product and support went downhill. I hate the way Adobe feels compulsed to fatten up all its programs with extra coding that slows down the performance of the computer. Up until they bought it the program ran fine. Well, not the case with Expression. It runs fast and clean, without errors. I really like it. I'm not a professional web designer for occupation, but I know my way around pages, and I really like the way Expression is laid out. What reviewers don't mention is that there's a complimentary 1 hour DVD that hand walks you through all the basics of website design that was produced by Total Training, a company that specializes in video software training. There's also a handy pocket reference and a CSS Selectors book that stands up like a tent-sign. All in all a great product with extras that only a large company like Microsoft could afford to add to the software. I'm not going back to Dreamweaver ever! I also forgot to mention that this program creates lean and mean coding, not like its old predecessor FrontPage. My only complaint is that I wish Microsoft put out a Photo Editor that integrates with Expression Web the same way Fireworks integrates with Dreamweaver. Because I had a previous version of FrontPage, this upgrade was only $99. A new Dreamweaver suite is $500-900. An obvious choice! Try it, you'll like it.