5 comments about Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Master Collection [OLD VERSION].

1. Adobe CS3 is the most powerful seamlessly integrated creative suite EVER. There is nothing that even remotely compares to this suit. To list feature by feature would take volumes and would not do it justice.
   
   If you are SERIOUS about ALL aspects of web production including multimedia video and audio, special effects, animation, and authoring, this suite does it all.
   
   This is powerful software. You will need a solid system. Because this software is so integrated you will often want 2 to 4 hefty programs running for one project.
   
   For example, I often have Photoshop, Premier, and After Effects running as well as Adobe Bridge. Adobe Bridge is what brings the whole package together. Not only does it make file organization a breeze, it allows you to move a single project from application to application.
   
   I'm running CS3 on a Dell XPS 710 w/ twin 10k hard drives, a 2.4GHz Intel duo core, an NVIDIA 8800 GTX video card and 2GB ram. It handles it, but I will be upgrading to 4GB ram so it will handle it better.
   
   Bottom line, Adobe CS3 AMAZING.



2. This baby was required for my Graphic Arts class. My first thoughts were "What's wrong with my Abode Photoshop 7? & why do I NEED a $965 piece of software?" Well, it turns out that my school's supplier was charging less than half of the retail price, so I shut up.
   .......................................................................
   When it got here, I wasn't happy that I had to install 8 dics that wanted 32 gigs of RAM or that it had more system requirements than a high-end video game. But it does make sence, concidering you're getting InDesign, Illustrator (which I've been wanting), Acrobat 8, Flash (been wanting that too), Dreamweaver (heard good things about it), Fireworks, Contribute, After Effects, Premiere, Soundbooth (if it's like Sound Forge, it's a boon), * Encore as well as Photoshop, so I'll be exploring this stuff for months.
   ....................................................................
   On the plus side, there are Flash tutorials on how to use this stuff; great for people who learn best by watching, doing, & hearing & get distracted when reading. Who knows what kind of cool artistic things I can make, I can even learn to make webtoons!



3. We did discover that the installation of the DVD did not work properly and that the hacks published on Adobe's website did not apply to us. For us to install it we had to put a CS3 map into the root of the station with exactly the same name as on the CD. It is important to maintain exactly the names and all files of the first three application DVD's. You don't have to copy all the other data to that folder, just the application directory content. From there you can run it. All other tips and tricks simply didn't work but this one did. After the intial application install you can add the other components at will directly from the DVD's.
   
   The software itself, well what can you say. It delivers what it stands for and is the #1 in this area. We rather use this then the free ware or cheaper alternatives to save money at the end of the day.
   
   I hope this is helpful for others. GZ



4. If you have Production Studio Premium or other such suites this really is not worth the massive difference in price. Adobe CS3 Master Collection is more hype and fluff then substance. I might have upgraded to this suite from my modestly priced Production Premium $799.00 upgrade if Adobe had not slapped such an outrageous $1999.00 price tag onto it for doing so. Come on, $1999.00? I paid less then that for my original full version of CS Production Studio Premium! Seriously Adobe, $1200.00 more for 5 or 6 added programs of which 2 or 3 I will probably never use? Give me a break! No, I mean it, give us ALL a break! Save your money and just go with CS3 Production Studio Premium, minus Adobe Audition 3.0 of course, you'll have to pay extra for that one since Adobe felt compelled to replace it with Soundbooth, a lesser quality program (thanks a lot Adobe!). In the end I'll say this, Adobe makes some of the best software for film, animation, entertainment, graphics and web design, they just need to work a little bit on better customer service and work ethics and a good place to start would have been making the upgrade for CS3 Master Collection a lot more affordable.



5. Anyone who gives the Master Collection less than five stars obviously doesn't know the product. I spent 4 months in a CS3 Illustrator class in college just learn advanced basics of Illustrator alone.
   User friendly, intuitive and the industry standard over ANY Microsoft product, CS3 Master Collection if for serious geeks like me.
   I cannot imagine trying to handcode HTML or XHTML without the wonders of Dreamweaver. I am much more productive and can crank out large websites in a matter of days instead of weeks. For serious Web designers, this product will pay for itself in the time you save hand coding and such. Worth every penny.
   I would, however, recommend buying Adobe's "Training from the source" books to go along with the software. You can get them cheap used on Amazon or eBay. The books are invaluable in learning the software.

5 comments about FileMaker Pro 7.

1. As a novice user, with practically no knowledge of computer programming and scripting, I would like to say that Filemaker is one of the easiest databases I have ever used. I started out using Filemaker4 - this had its limitations, but the fact that I could easily and efforlessly create a whole database with functional buttons and easy links to other layouts was so great!
   
   It is relatively foolproof for those who do not wish to overload their minds with programming data that they will probably never use (and they only need to pay the cost of the package instead of the programmers they would probably need to employ in order to keep their database up and running flawlessly; with no disrespect to you programmers out there - I wish I could BEGIN to understand the way it all works, but some of us are not blessed with the time or technological knowhow that some take for granted - but I do understand why you are frustrated by the simplicity - remember that for those who need it, Filemaker does the basic database job, in a more simplified manner).
   
   I give 4 stars because, although user friendly, there are annoying limitations that have been noted before - ie: multiple layouts for manual change each time IS annoying, auto saving with no "undo" option is dangerous for larger databases etc.
   
   In summary, I feel that Filemaker is an excellent ready-prepared database solution for any individual or business that requires the "quick-fix" Filemaker offers so easily.



2. FileMaker is perhaps the easiest application to use for creating a simple database. But, there are a few quirks about this software that really bug me:
   
   1. Danger of storing layouts, scripts, and data in the same file
   
   Layouts and scripts are stored in the same file as the data. If FileMaker crashes while editing a layout or modifying a script, the whole file including the data may become corrupt and unaccessible. A better design, in my opinion, would be to keep the data separate from the layouts and scripts, so the data would be protected in an event of a crash.
   
   2. Danger of linking to wrong external relational files
   
   Filemaker links to externally related files by an unusual search algorithm. If there exists copies of files with the same file name on the server, on the local hard disk, or hosted on other hosts, then which file is linked becomes ambiguous. The wrong external file may be linked.
   
   3. Danger of opening the wrong file
   
   Each Filemaker application can host files. If a user were to host a file that has the same name as a file hosted on the server, other users may open the wrong file.
   
   4. Danger of deleting your entire database
   
   The "Delete All Records..." option is one of the most dangerous features of FileMaker. Many databases were wiped out because a user accidently chose the "Delete All Records..." rather than the "Delete Record..." option -- the two options are placed next to each other in the menu, inviting disaster.
   
   5. Cumbersome queries
   
   The querying feature of FileMake can be a pain to use. To create a query such as (Field1 = "criterion1" and (Field2 = "criterion2" or Field3 = "criterion3" or FieldN = "criterionN")), FileMaker requires you to break down the above query as N-1 queries: (Field1 = "criterion1" and Field2="criterion2"), new query (Field1 = "criterion1" and Field3 = "criterion3"), ..., new query (Field1 = "criterion1" and FieldN = "criterionN"). There are other queries that can be easily posed as a SQL statement but not so easily done in FileMaker.
   
   6. Spaghetti code paradigm
   
   Variables for your scripts in FileMaker are stored in global fields. You'll have to keep track of which scripts are using what global fields -- the script and the variables are not kept together. Passing parameters to scripts is a cumbersome sequence of setting the global fields one-by-one, then calling the script. Most modern programming languages have procedures with calling convention such as p(x,y). In FileMaker it's set x, set y, perform p. To debug, you'll have to read the code of p to see that p really references x and y. Also, their is no hierarchy or encapsulation of scripts, so you'll have to devise your own way for organizing.



3. 
   A good deal of what people have written about this product simply isn't true, particularly negative observations such as not being able to import/export or that security is non-existent. Why people with only cursory knowledge speak with such authority has always puzzled me. So I offer an objective, if lengthy, review.
   
   I've been using FileMaker since 1990. Developing FileMaker applications has been my primary source of income for almost as long. I develop in Mac OS X (Virtual PC with Windows 2000 Pro for testing). I've also tech edited an upcoming advanced book on FileMaker 7.
   
   Version 7 is a huge upgrade over 6 (I'd call it a 'crossgrade', as in switching to similar but different product). As such, converting solutions from 6 to 7 can get really hairy, and it may be that a complete re-write is more efficient. That said, many FileMaker solutions that people have developed or inherited over the years weren't written following "correct" database rules (this is why IT types hate FileMaker), so a re-write may be a good thing. Generally, an upgrade to 7 is brought about by a need for larger file sizes, to increase the number of simultaneously open files or to consolidate data. If you've got a solution that works fine in 6 or earlier and you're not a developer, I'd think two or three times about upgrading; it's not something you want to do for the sake of it.
   
   For users, that is people who enter data, the changes in 7 aren't apparent. It's the back end, for us developers, where the changes are significant, plentiful, and very welcome. If you're just getting started in the world of FileMaker, forget all about any earlier versions. The rules have changed in 7, and it's almost more difficult to unlearn what you know from 6 than to start fresh in 7.
   
   FileMaker has a scalar learning curve. That is, it's easy to learn and get up and running in really no time at all (and there are plenty of free sample files to take apart and learn from). As your database becomes larger, more complex and gains a need for multiple simultaneous users or interaction with other systems, knowing the normalized rules of relational database structures becomes increasingly important, and that's where the learning curve steepens. But don't let anyone fool you, this is true of *any* database development software.
   
   Building a database is a lot like being the architect of a building. You have to have a good idea of what it's going to look like in the end, before you start. For example, if you know your one-story house is one day going to be a 4-story mansion, you want to have a good foundation. If you know you might want the ability to relocate a bathroom to the other side of a floor, you've got to build in some room at least for plumbing, electricity, maybe some windows. It's not a realistic analogy, but it usually helps people understand the thinking involved around creating a database.
   
   I firmly believe FileMaker is the easiest of any to learn, use and maintain, that can also handle whatever complexity you throw at it. Further, it's cross-platform and things like networking your databases and making structural changes (even remotely, without bringing down the system) are really a breeze compared to programs like Access.
   
   Lastly, one of the neatest things about FileMaker is its developer community, which is today thriving and strong. Almost like an open-source coummunity, we seem to really enjoy helping solve each other's problems (no one person knows everything about FileMaker, even at FileMaker, Inc), so we're always learning. There's plenty of free community support available that, I've found, is often better than the company's own tech support, although the folks at FileMaker are really great and genuinely into supporting the developer community. And...there's plenty of money to be made as a FileMaker developer the world over. We're certainly in demand and have been going strong for nearly two decades.
   
   You can read FileMaker's feature list to find out about all the new features. Here are my likes and dislikes:
   
   What I like most about 7:
   
   * Multiple tables in one file (with an 8 terabyte limit per file; formerly 2GB).
   * Multiple windows from the same file, and the ability to manage their placement dynamically, down to the pixel.
   * The ability to separate data from logic (for example, keep your data in one file, and all your scripts and interface elements in another...changes and solution upgrades to your clients are much easier to facilitate this way).
   * Much improved security and account management (that supposedly plays well in authenticated corporate environments...I'm just getting started in this area).
   * The ability to use PNG images with transparency, which greatly improves what you can do with your interface.
   
   
   What I DON'T like about 7:
   
   * All my complaints boil down to FileMaker's interface. I strongly believe a complete overhaul is way overdue (if it were like Omni Graffle, I'd be in heaven). There are plenty of little annoyances because I use a Mac. For example, I have a Microsoft 5-button optical mouse. The scroll wheel, which works in every single application (even on FileMaker for Windows using Virtual PC on my G5), doesn't work at all in FileMaker for OS X. This is ironic because FileMaker is wholly owned by Apple, but development for the Mac seems have been an afterthought. Much of this will change in the next version, just around the corner. I wouldn't dream of developing primarily in Windows, largely because of the way Windows OS handles windows and value lists within FileMaker; you have less room to work with.
   
   * The relationships graph, which sort of looks like an ER (entity relationship) diagram but is not, can get messy very quickly, and they've taken away the ability to look at relationships in a straight text list (I'd like both). This can get frustrating, especially if you've inherited someone else's mess. The fact that FileMaker has implemented a certification program for developers, and is working actively on releasing development standards will help reduce confusion and frustration in this area.
   
   * The inability to move tables, fields, script steps, etc. from one table or file to another. Improvements in this area are expected in the next version.
   
   * The inability to see how elements are related to each other. For example, it's not possible to see all the elements that call a script (i.e. a parent script or button, etc.). There are software tools that can analyze FileMaker files and expose this information, and they work great, but it would be nice if it were integrated into the program itself.
   
   * It's a minor complaint, but worth addressing here: A number of things don't work like you'd expect or want them to, so you have to create workarounds. This appeals to the geek in me; I usually like the challenge, but sometimes it's frustrating because you'll think it's silly that something simply doesn't work like you want. That said, over the years there is nothing, really nothing in terms of complexity that I have not been able to achieve with FileMaker by itself or with the help of a plug-in. People ask me "Is it possible in FileMaker to..." I always answer yes before they're finished. It's sometimes a "Yes, but..." answer. For the snotty programmer types, I challenge anyone to name database development software that is impervious to workarounds, OR that does not have a high learning curve. If you don't have a background in databases, FileMaker is a great path. If you do have such a background, open your mind and you'll find that no, FileMaker is not the end-all-be-all database app (such an app doesn't exist), but it really is a neat and productive tool, and if you can build good solutions that manage your client's data, they will loyally worship you.



4. I just upgraded to version 7. Every other negative comment made by others here is true, plus they just do NOT answer e-mails. I was unable to register my upgrade copy. I sent four e-mails and not a single one was answered. I finally called and was told there was a bug in the registraion of "some" copies and not to type my name in the name field, but my company name and leave the company field blank. Yup, that worked.
   
   Now, if the registration is that buggy, they have no e-mail customer support, and the upgrades are OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive (and see other reviews for lack of fit and finnish), why would you buy it? I'm very sorry I did.
   
   File Maker 8 is coming out and the upgrade is $179. I'd rather use shareware.



5. I just upgraded to version 7. Every other negative comment made by others here is true, plus they just do NOT answer e-mails. I was unable to register my upgrade copy. I sent four e-mails and not a single one was answered. I finally called and was told there was a bug in the registraion of "some" copies and not to type my name in the name field, but my company name and leave the company field blank. Yup, that worked.
   
   Now, if the registration is that buggy, they have no e-mail customer support, and the upgrades are OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive (and see other reviews for lack of fit and finnish), why would you buy it? I'm very sorry I did.
   
   File Maker 8 is coming out and the upgrade is $179. I'd rather use shareware.

No comments about Adobe Flex Builder Pro 3.0.

1 comments about Internet Cleanup 5.0.

1. This software not only slowed down my computer across the board by at least 25%, it was almost impossible to uninstall. Took considerable time and effort to get rid of it. The next time I start to worry about the integrity of my Mac, I'll do more research.

No comments about Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition 2005 32 Bit CD/DVD 5 Client.

No comments about Anti-Virus Plus Anti-Spyware 2008.

5 comments about Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 Win/Mac [OLD VERSION].

1. I'm an amateur at website design/building, so understand that I'm not very "deep" in Dreamweaver's abilities. However, I got the program to switch from Adobe GoLive CS2 which had many quirks, bugs, and frustrations. (One example - while you upload your changed files to the web server in GoLive, you can't do anything else in the program. Single tasking!?!?!) After just 30 minutes or so of working with Dreamweaver to update my site, I'm already sure I've made the right decision! I have a long way to go in learning what it can do, but my first impressions of the product are excellent.



2. Face it. If you want the best Web design software, get Dreamweaver. Sure there are other products that will do the job, but you will not find one that does so much, is so easy to use, and has so much support available in terms of books and Web forums. When I say it is easy to use, I am talking about knowing how to use it and then using it correctly, of course. You can do a little or a lot, depending how much effort you want to put into learning it. For Web design, this program is tops. Now that Adobe owns it, it will continue to get better.



3. For an amateur in web design, Dreamweaver 8 helped me along without having to learn all the numerous coding that goes into creating a webpage. I would have liked if the program had basic templates available to use, at least for the layout of the page. Perhaps it does and I just haven't been able to figure it out. It is hard to create fancy designs if you aren't a web design professional, so the page I've been working on thus far is pretty basic and not very flashy. Other than that, the software is very easy to learn and I enjoy using it.



4. If you are familar with the Macromedia line of products then this one is not a surprise -- it's a good ide. This version comes with support with most of the web programming languages out there -- including xsl stylesheets. The application loads quickly with rare crashes, has standard and secure ftp support, database connectivity tools, and common web elements. Using it just for code editing is also great.
   
   I would suggest buying a suite that includes this one versus purchasing it
   solely.



5. I upgraded from a much earlier version. This one runs just fine on my new iMac with Leopard. It is easy to use and powerful. I am getting ready to upgrade again to the CS3 version soon.

5 comments about Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Web Premium [OLD VERSION].

1. I gave this product 5 stars because it is the best available resource for creating complex web sites. I was able to create and place a site including video and other advanced features.
   
   Having said that however, the documentation and help provided by Adobe is sorely lacking. In order to effectively use all the tools contained in Web Premium CS3 make sure to purchase the "Missing Manual" series of books as well. Relying on Adobe documentation and assistance will prove to be very frustrating.



2. Pretty straight forward...
   
   Adobe CS3 Web Premium is one of the most important toolsets of the trade. Buying directly from Amazon is one of the most comfortable (and affordable) places to buy online.
   
   Reviews are great, but if you really want to see if this package is right for you:
   
   1) Read through Adobe's site for each of the included products. Learn what's new and what you can benefit from. Find out which tools will best help you explore your potential and develop your passion.
   
   2) Download a demo
   3) Find a healthy handful of tutorials that you're interested in
   4) Mess around and see what happens
   
   CS3 is awesome!



3. The software is great and almost a neccessaty in todays design world. I still would beware of the Express shipping as they use UPS. I would give the sofware 4 stars and shippin 1 star but can't edit my rating, only the review.



4. I am enjoying using this product overall... but I am having some major issues with using Adobe Acrobat 8. It keeps telling me to re-install the program to be able to use the features (like importing a word document to create a new form). I downloaded updates, etc.. and nothing seems to work. (I use Windows XP). It's extremely frustrating since Acrobat was one of the reasons I chose to buy the "Creative Suite" rather than just the individual programs I needed.



5. I've been using Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash & Dreamweaver for over 5 years now.
   
   These applications have always excelled at what they do, and this package is no exception. It's also stable, and after 4 weeks I've had no crashing issues (be sure your computer meets or even tops the minimum system requirements).
   
   The major "upgrade" I was expecting in this CS3 package was cross-application compatibility. To an extent that has been accomplished (the "relationship" between Dreamweaver & Photoshop is now very user-friendly and time-saving for example). But I was still expecting a little more integration between the others and would be unsure to upgrade from CS2 had it not been for Action script 3 and the range of applications (like many have said, it's a HUGE INVESTMENT for any freelancer \ small company).
   
   I still miss ImageReady, though, and Adobe Bridge is something I'd rather live without.
   
   That said, this is an essential product for anyone designing & developing websites or other creative content for the web (or print).

2 comments about ReCam Remote Monitoring Software.

1. I purchased this software from a recommendation of a friend. I wanted to remotely monitor my business ip camera. The camera was not on the very limited list of cameras and did not connect. When I called the tech department they said I needed to get the current version that has my camera listed. When I downloaded the new software it had my camera and I was able to locally access it but not remotely. When I called again they said I need to change my router and computer settings to make it work and I should call geek squad to do it. It is a useless and complicated program and far beyond my pretty good computer skills.



2. The product description says it works "with any wired or wireless IP camera", however I have not been able to get it to work with the wireless security cameras I bought for my home so that I could monitor them from work via the internet. I cannot even get past the initial setup as the software doesn't recognize the cameras. This product may work well with a webcam or something similar but does not do what I need it for.

5 comments about Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Standard [OLD VERSION].

1. I didn't encounter any problems with this product infact it was much easier to use and it allows you to combine and orginaze text files, chart spreadsheets, drawings, PDF documents and more into a single compressed package with advanced security features it also has many tools, overall this product was fantastic and I cannot recommend this highly enough. The interface and toolbars might be annoying but that is just a slight problem since it can be taken down and become more user friendly. The other reviewers who complained about this being slower need to know that this is just the standard edition which I use, there is a better edition which is The Professional Full Product of Adobe Acrobat 7.0 that also includes an upgrade.....



2. I assumed, incorrectly, that Adobe's customer service would be professional and quick. I have called three times in the past two weeks and have had to wait, at a minimum, 23 MINUTES just to speak to someone.
   When I finally got my product, they sent the Mac verion rather than the PC version I purchased. I called again and waited approximately 30 MINUTES to get customer help. I had originally ordered the PC Standard version and asked to upgrade (and pay difference) for the Professional version -- since I still hadn't received the PC version. Customer service stated that they would ONLY ship me the Standard version to replace the incorrectly shipped Mac Version and then I would have to wait for the Standard verison to arrive at which point I could call again, and ask to exchange for the Professional verion - INSANE!!! Adobe's call center is easily the worst customer service I have dealt with -- and I've dealt with some bad customer service.



3. This will be my last Adobe software. Changed to a new laptop and deactivated and activated to my new new laptop. Now every time I start it needs reactivation. I have disabled outgoing internet access in my firewall from programs like Acrobat because Adobe's habit of doing push marketing into their software. But that screws up the reactivation and you cannot use the software. When I tried the phone automated reactivation, it refused the numbers that the program gave me to enter! The customer service will want an e-mail address to send you a patch to "fix" the reactivation problem and they asked me for phone number as well!
   
   The choice for Adobe is simple, stop doing your push marketing into your software that I pay money to acquire and I will forgive your problems with reactivation. You cannot have your cake and eat it too inconveniencing legitimate users of your software. Adobe has not learnt from Intuit obviously.



4. After buying Adobe Acrobat Std 7 and installing it (tediously I might add); I proceeded happily for ~1 year. Then it quit working!!.. After opening a .pdf file it qould simply stop and terminate!!, no amount of searching gave me any clue, reinstalling severtal times gave me no differnt result. My advice.. save your money. Use Adobe 5 until they have fixed all their glitches...



5. The software arrived in two days in the original packing. Fast response and delivery. 100% satisfied!