Macromedia Studio 8 users, look no further! Special Edition Using Macromedia Studio MX is the ultimate comprehensive reference book for users of Macromedia's suite of web design and development tools. Updated to include all new features of the new release, you will focus on the integration of the suite of software programs. This will assit you in enhancing your productivity by choosing the correct tool or combination of tools for each and every task you are out to complete.

The book includes in-depth coverage of wireframing web sites and creating vector-based art with Freehand; creating and editing graphics with Fireworks; using Flash to create useful interfaces and exceptional animations; working with ActionScript; using ColdFusion to generate reports and serve as a back-end for dynamic web sites; building data-driven Web sites with Dreamweaver; and truly integrating the elements of the suite into a productive workflow. A series of exercises at the end of each chapter will provide you with experience in using each of the applications in tandem to create a web site. You'll also be able to practice with the supplemental materials and references on the included CD-ROM, including an ActionScript reference, sample files, plus trial versions of software.

About author

Sean Nicholson is an intranet administrator for Williams Lea, a corporate information solutions provider to the legal and financial industry. Sean is currently designing and implementing intranet-based solutions for the largest law firm in Kansas City and is leading Williams Lea's Knowledge Management initiative for the firm. In addition, Sean owns a private consulting company and offers contract and consulting work on database and web development for organizations and individuals.

Prior to his move to Williams Lea, Sean served as the network administrator and web developer for the Career Services Center at the University of MissouriKansas City. At UMKC, he developed departmental websites and websites for nonprofit organizations, and led projects including the creation of UMKC's CareerExec Employment Database and their online Virtual Career Fair.

Sean has a juris doctorate from UMKC, but opted to follow a career path in technology rather than law. Sean has been working with computers since the day a shiny new Apple II computer showed up at his house when he was 12 (a long time ago). Sean began building web pages with simple text editors and has been developing sites in Dreamweaver since version 1.0 was released. In addition, he has used DrumBeat, UltraDev, and now Dreamweaver extensively in both web-based and intranet-based projects.

Sean's technical publications include Discover Excel 97, Teach Yourself Outlook 98 in 24 Hours, Inside Dreamweaver UltraDev 4, Dreamweaver MX Magic, and Dreamweaver MX 2004 and Databases. He has also written several legal articles ranging in topics from Canadian water rights to the protection of historic artifacts lost at sea.

During his free time, Sean can be found traveling with his family or riding his motorcycle to biker events nationwide.