Mac

Windows

New – 30-day trial

This XML Spy Suite trial includes the IDE (Integrated Development Environment), Document Editor, XSLT Designer, Spell-Checker with all major language dictionaries, Examples, Online Help, and Tutorial.

Use the XML Spy IDE for developing software applications based on eXtensible Markup Language (XML) technologies – SOAP, XML Schema and XSL enable unprecedented application interoperability. The XML Spy 4.4 IDE includes full support for the W3C XML Schema 1.0 final recommendation and also adds complete ODBC database access functionality, specific support for Oracle 9i and SQL Server 2000, a flexible 3rd party developer plug-in architecture, and enhanced user interface customization.

The XML Spy XSLT Designer automates the generation of XSLT stylesheets for XML to HTML transformation, eliminating the need for manual coding. It provides an easier visual approach to rapid prototyping and development of XSLT stylesheets for generating dynamic content. XSLT enables the decoupling of application data from presentation markup, to be used by any client, including a Web browser, wireless device, or remote process.

Web link: www.xmlspy.com

30-day trial

An easy-to-use Weblog tool that runs on your desktop, so it's fast and ready to go when you are. Radio UserLand automatically builds your site, organises and archives your posts, and publishes your content. This program is one of the 'blogging' tools mentioned in this month's magazine feature.

Note: requires 128Mb RAM.

Web link: www.userland.com

Free

This Perl development editor provides all the tools you need for creating Perl scripts. The three paned interface comprises an explorer for bookmarks, subroutines and project files, a main script editing window and an output pane where debugging information is displayed. A built-in subroutine library provides a place to store all of those code snippets and routines you use on a regular basis and the project manager allows you to group multiple scripts, HTML files, and other files together for quick and easy editing. A drag-and-drop FTP client is included as well as a basic but functional HTML editor. The LE version only allows editing of scripts up to 350 lines long. Purchasing the Pro version will enable various other features.

Web link: www.perlscriptingtool.com

Free

Note: requires MS IE v3.02 or later.

1st Page 2000 is a fully-featured HTML and script authoring tool that includes just about all of the functions you would expect. Features include: tag highlighting; automatic image sizing; HTML tag stripping; document compressing; source formatting; JavaScript rollover effects, object tree, and wizard; spell checking; thesaurus; LiveSpell (check spelling as you type); TidyHTML; XML converter; FTP client; and support for up to four external browsers.

The program also features real-time split-screen page previewing; project management capability; keyboard shortcuts and a customizable toolbar; Flash/Shockwave support; DHTML layering; ASP, SSI, CFML, and WebTV tags; a table sizer; bookmark support; an integrated file explorer; and much more.

Also included are: 450 JavaScripts, 15 DHTML scripts, 17 Perl scripts, 6 HTML scripts, 2 CGI Scripts, and a 100+ page step-by-step Web design guide and references for the latest HTML 4.0/SSI/CSS standards.

Web link: www.evrsoft.com

Free

PHP-Nuke is designed to establish Web Portals, News systems, online communities and similar systems. The goal of PHP-Nuke is to have an automated Web site to collect and distribute news and articles among users. There are loads of features for both users and administrators – please read the magazine feature and visit the PHP-nuke Web site for more details.

To use PHP-Nuke you need an SQL database server (such as MySQL), Apache Web Server and PHP version 4.x installed and running.

Web link: http://phpnuke.org

30-day trial

Now Macromedia's Dreamweaver MX allows every member of your development team to work in a single integrated environment to create, build, and manage Web sites and Internet applications. Dreamweaver MX combines its very popular visual layout tools with the rapid Web application development features of Dreamweaver UltraDev and the extensive code-editing support of Macromedia HomeSite.

Dreamweaver MX is a powerhouse of Web development tools, with features supporting all Internet standards. Where Dreamweaver can't do a job, it can integrate seamlessly with other applications. For more details, read the Internet Magazine reviews and features, or visit Macromedia on the Web (see link below).

Note: 128Mb RAM is recommended.

Web link: www.macromedia.com

30-day trial

Adobe GoLive is an industry standard Web development application that should satisfy allmost all your needs. Now in version 6, it's even more powerful and offers greater productivity. GoLive is geared towards collaborative, networked development environments and can also deliver content to wireless devices.

Some new features in version 6: Custom Workspace and Palette Stashing allow you to reposition the program components on the screen so you can work more as you wish; context menu options have been expanded; custom text formatting styles at your fingertips; Source Code Editor view while laying out pages; CSS Editor has been streamlined; Syntax Checker to help conform to standards; integrates seamlessly with other Adobe applications; project design diagramming has been greatly enhanced; many new advanced workgroup features; extensive wireless authoring capabilities; support for ASP, JSP and PHP.

Web link: www.adobe.com

30-day trial

Flash MX brings a whole new approach to building Macromedia Flash content and applications – it is much more than just an upgrade to Flash 5.

There is new native support for video playback and dynamic loading of JPEG and MP3 files at runtime. Work more efficientlly and faster with the new Free Transform tool and pixel-level snapping control. Color Mixer enhancements make creating, editing, and using colours and gradients easier than before, with consistent colour selection models and interfaces.

Flash MX offers a complete environment for developing data-driven Web applications and you can integrate your Flash applications with any application server that uses URL-encoded or XML data.

User interface enhancements include collapsible panels and a new context-sensitive Property Inspector. With named anchors, Flash MX content can now be bookmarked, allowing for the use of the browser Back and Forward buttons. Macromedia Flash Player 6 (included in the Flash MX package) now supports technologies such as screen readers. In addition, Flash MX now integrates tools for creating accessible content. To add descriptive text to animations and user interface elements, select an item and enter the appropriate description – users with disabilities will be able to experience your content.

Accelerate development with a core set of pre-built, customisable components for common application interfaces, including scrollbars, rich text fields, input buttons, radio buttons and check boxes, and list and combo boxes.

Although Flash MX will run on a machine with a minimum of 64Mb RAM, you are advised to have at least 128Mb of RAM.

Web link: www.macromedia.com

Mac OS

NOTE: The Mac programs are mostly in archived 'HQX' (BinHex) files – they can be extracted with several applications, including Stuffit Expander (which is on the CD...). Clicking on the links below should set the process in motion. You may receive a message that the file cannot be loaded into Simple Text — if so, start Stuffit and then open the HQX file you want from within Stuffit.

Radio Userland
v8.0.8
(OS 7.5.5+)
30-day trial

An easy-to-use Weblog tool that runs on your desktop, so it's fast and ready to go when you are. Radio UserLand automatically builds your site, organises and archives your posts, and publishes your content. This program is one of the 'blogging' tools mentioned in this month's magazine feature.

Web link: www.userland.com

30-day trial

Now Macromedia's Dreamweaver MX allows every member of your development team to work in a single integrated environment to create, build, and manage Web sites and Internet applications. Dreamweaver MX combines its very popular visual layout tools with the rapid Web application development features of Dreamweaver UltraDev and the extensive code-editing support of Macromedia HomeSite.

Dreamweaver MX is a powerhouse of Web development tools, with features supporting all Internet standards. Where Dreamweaver can't do a job, it can integrate seamlessly with other applications. For more details, read the Internet Magazine reviews and features, or visit Macromedia on the Web (see link below).

Note: 128Mb RAM recommended.

Web link: www.macromedia.com

30-day trial

Adobe GoLive is an industry standard Web development application that should satisfy allmost all your needs. Now in version 6, it's even more powerful and offers greater productivity. GoLive is geared towards collaborative, networked development environments and can also deliver content to wireless devices.

Some new features in version 6: Custom Workspace and Palette Stashing allow you to reposition the program components on the screen so you can work more as you wish; context menu options have been expanded; custom text formatting styles at your fingertips; Source Code Editor view while laying out pages; CSS Editor has been streamlined; Syntax Checker to help conform to standards; integrates seamlessly with other Adobe applications; project design diagramming has been greatly enhanced; many new advanced workgroup features; extensive wireless authoring capabilities; support for ASP, JSP and PHP.

Web link: www.adobe.com

30-day trial version

Note: needs CarbonLib 1.2.5 or later if not using OS X.

Flash MX brings a whole new approach to building Macromedia Flash content and applications – it is much more than just an upgrade to Flash 5.

There is new native support for video playback and dynamic loading of JPEG and MP3 files at runtime. Work more efficientlly and faster with the new Free Transform tool and pixel-level snapping control. Color Mixer enhancements make creating, editing, and using colours and gradients easier than before, with consistent colour selection models and interfaces.

Flash MX offers a complete environment for developing data-driven Web applications and you can integrate your Flash applications with any application server that uses URL-encoded or XML data.

User interface enhancements include collapsible panels and a new context-sensitive Property Inspector. With named anchors, Flash MX content can now be bookmarked, allowing for the use of the browser Back and Forward buttons. Macromedia Flash Player 6 (included in the Flash MX package) now supports technologies such as screen readers. In addition, Flash MX now integrates tools for creating accessible content. To add descriptive text to animations and user interface elements, select an item and enter the appropriate description – users with disabilities will be able to experience your content.

Accelerate development with a core set of pre-built, customisable components for common application interfaces, including scrollbars, rich text fields, input buttons, radio buttons and check boxes, and list and combo boxes.

Although Flash MX will run on a machine with a minimum of 64Mb RAM, you are advised to have at least 128Mb of RAM.

Web link: www.macromedia.com