In a move that, by some, was considered inevitable more than five years ago, Yahoo! has finally announced that its auction site will be closing down. This will only affect the users of the U.S. and Canada Yahoo! Auctions sites, as they are apparently going to be keeping their Asian auction sites open for business. The official quote from the company is as follows: “After careful consideration, we have decided to close down our Yahoo! US and Canada Auction sites to better serve our valued customers through other Yahoo! properties.” The unofficial word on the street is that Yahoo! finally bowed to the overwhelming success of eBay.

The little-used auction site will officially close on June 16, 2007, keeping a skeleton of services available until October 29, 2007.

More information can be found on the official page.

Well, I posted an article a few weeks ago explaining how you can install multiple versions of IE at the same time.

Now, I found the need to have multiple versions of Firefox running on my PC, so I started Googling again.

I came across two good articles dealing with the subject. The first article I came across dealt specifically with installing multiple versions on a Mac. The next article, however, dealt with doing the same thing on a Windows computer.

For those of you wondering why I’ve still not been around much, here’s a little summary:

I bought my new computer on April 1. On April 8, I broke it while I was backing up my hard drives and trying to partition them in order to install OpenSuSE. On April 10, I called HP Tech Support. On April 13, they shipped me a box to pack my computer into and send off to them for repairs. April 15, I dropped the box at a FedEx drop-off location. April 17, I figured out that the FedEx drop-off location never shipped my computer, so I picked it back up. I then shipped it directly through a FedEx delivery person on April 18. April 20, my computer arrived at HP for repairs. It is now April 29, and I still have yet to receive any sort of word from HP as to how long it will take to get my computer fixed and sent back to me.

Needless to say I’m not all that impressed with HP’s customer support, but I guess it’s my own darn fault for trying to install SuSE without realizing that Vista doesn’t play nicely with Linux under normal circumstances.

First off this book is not for beginners. To understand what’s going on, you’re going to need to know html, css, and a little bit of javascript. If you don’t know these things, this book will be hard, and maybe impossible to follow. The book starts off a dive right in approach, and doesn’t waste any time.

This book is good for someone who needs to learn a few specific things, that they can do with CSS. The book has 10 chapters and each chapter focuses on a new topic. This is the kind of book, where you don’t have to read through the whole thing, instead you can just pick a chapter, and learn about that specific topic.

There were a few notable chapters, which I’ll mention here, that will be of use to anyone who buys this book. The others may not be as useful, so I’ve refrained from mentioning them. The chapters I’m not going to talk have to do with custom borders, applying css to a webmail application, styling a web-based file viewer, and styling of a calendar.

The first chapter focuses on tabs. It goes through how to make tabs with css, and how to display different things in different things with different tabs, using iframes. It goes really in depth with the code, but there is little explanation of what’s going on after the code starts.

Chapter two is really the most basic, yet most useful and important chapters of the book. It is about multi-columned layouts. It goes over the code, and then talks about common errors that people run into. I really like how the author explains some of the things in this chapter.

In chapter three and four, the author goes through dynamic drop down menus. Chapter three goes over the basics of dropdown menus, basics of coding, and simple design elements. Then in chapter four, he moves on to more advanced features of dropdown menus.

Chapter five talks about slide shows. This is one of the things that I didn’t know how to do, prior to reading the book. The book did an ‘OK’ job on explaining the topic. I came out of it wondering a little bit about what I had just learned, and had to go back and re-read a few things to really get a grasp on things.

This book in my opinion didn’t really do a good job at getting some of the concepts across. That may be just be, but I think that to follow this book, with precision, you have to have a decent amount of experience in web development. I really don’t think that it’s worth the full $35, and you could find other books out there that help you far more, for a smaller price.

Product Rating:

Company:
Wrox / Wiley

Requirements:
n/a

Pricing:
$34.99

Reviewed by:
Jake Dahn

Competition:
n/a

Pros:
Supplies whole projects, that can be used in real world websites.

Cons:
The book is hard to follow, and it is mostly code, if you’re not already skilled with html, css, and javascript, this book is not for you.

Bottom Line:
If you want a book with whole projects, this is for you. Otherwise there are better options available.

I finally broke down and bought myself a new computer. After a long, hard road trying to figure out if it was worth it to try to upgrade my old box any further, I finally grew tired of all of the problems I was having. I did a lot of research looking into building myself a new box out of a barebones set up, and finally came to a scary conclusion. I don’t know jack-crap about computers anymore.

As I surfed various sites like NewEgg and TigerDirect, looking at all of the barebones packages they offered, I realized that I really had no idea what I was looking at anymore. I have not kept up at all with processor technology. I know nothing about all of the various types of RAM, or what to look for as far as power supplies, or really anything.

So, I admitted I had a problem, and put my life into the hands of a greater power–the guy at Circuit City that knew infinitely more about computers than I do.

I am just back from Austin, Texas and the 2007 South by Southwest Interactive Festival. It plain rocked overall, check out all of my coverage on CenterNetworks.

Probably the best panels for this audience are:
– How to bluff your way in Web 2.0
– Web Typography Sucks

Beyond HTML ASPects

With the latest version of Dreamweaver, Macromedia has not only done away with the incremental, version-numbering system, but it has also taken the application in a new direction. The previous versions of Dreamweaver were already industry standards, well-respected for both their powerful web design functions and maintenance capabilities. Dreamweaver MX however, pushes the envelope well beyond HTML and takes the program into the realm of advanced development for web applications, an area previously reserved for professionals and techies with software like Macromedia’s own UltraDev, a technically enhanced version of Dreamweaver. Dreamweaver MX now incorporates a lot of UltraDev’s functionality, as well as some of the code editing features found in HomeSite, another Macromedia app. Perhaps one of the Help Menus within Using Dreamweaver MX summarizes the version upgrade best by stating simply: ‘Dreamweaver is a big application?’

Now I’m sure some of you may be wondering: ‘Has Dreamweaver gotten too big for the rest of us?’ I actually found myself asking the same question when I first read the new and somewhat intimidating specifications. Rest assured however, the application remains true to its roots and definitely within reach for designers. Only now, it encompasses a vast amount of options to keep up with the increasing demands placed on web technologies. The new version continues to make it easy to visually design web pages and the new backend features can now develop dynamic, data-driven applications. So the question you should be asking yourselves is: ‘Do I need all that extra functionality?’

The New Stuff

Dreamweaver MX has a new stage design with some familiar players in the way of reorganized tools and panels. The application offers two views for the Windows platform: an all-in-one view that includes the workspace along with all of the panels within one structure; and the old, Dreamweaver 4, floating panels look. (The Mac version only offers the latter viewing option). MX also protects customized, configuration options for multi-user environments with Windows XP and Mac OS X. I’ll work with the new, integrated look for Windows throughout this review – deemed MDI by Macromedia: Multiple Document Interface. (Please reference my Dreamweaver 4 Review for more about that version’s interface and the split-screen design view; as well as some information about the application’s evolution).

The biggest interface differences you’ll notice with the MX structure are the new Insert and Document Tool Bars along the top edge, just below the chrome Menu Bar. The Insert Bar inserts objects and works a lot like a browser, allowing you to ‘navigate’ to the other MX components through exporting options. I was impressed with the nimbleness of the tab structure, due in large part to its simplistic design.

The dockable Panels Group along the right-hand side contains everything from the Answers Panel, which is a mini-browser of sorts that offers links to Macromedia content like articles and extensions; to the O’Reilly Reference Guide in the Code Panel, which is a tremendous resource for both novice and experienced coders alike. The dockable panels option makes the workspace seem smaller initially, but a handy tab can quickly close and reopen the entire group. You can also drag each panel onto the workspace to get those nostalgic, floating panels back if you so desire.

The Properties Panel is now firmly anchored along the bottom of the screen and I found the placement to be ideal. It too is easily collapsible and the end result of the new layout means quicker access to everything, including a larger workspace when you need it.

Design Features

The WYSIWYG design aspects in MX basically offer the same great features found in version 4. There are lots of new page design and template choices available and the initial prep work is done for you right out of the gate. When you create a new document in Dreamweaver, the application gives you a choice of page types, everything from basic HTML to Dynamic stuff with ASP or Coldfusion. Dreamweaver then prepares the initial code for you. The new template features also offer secure ways to give contributors the ability to make changes to web content without tampering with overall design integrity.

The CSS Panel has been updated and is easily accessible via the Properties Panel, but I found the added option a bit redundant. Incidentally, Dreamweaver MX does offer support for CSS2 constructs.

And kudos to Macromedia for seriously addressing accessibility issues. MX offers an Accessibility Compliance Checker in the Preferences Panel for reminders on everything from ALT tags to screen reader optimization. There’s no excuse now for your website not to conform to both U.S. and International Accessibility Standards.

Application Development and the Coding Arena

The ability to create and manage web-based applications is where the new version of Dreamweaver makes its mark, keeping the program on top of its game within the marketplace. Application Development is an umbrella term that has come to include a variety of technologies, but it all comes back to the raw communication of data. MX allows you to build things like user queries while actually viewing the overall structure and contents during the building process. You’ll be able to construct everything from Customer Update Forms to User Authentication communications. There is a new Applications Panel for Database and Server behaviors too. You can even drag-and-drop your applications onto the actual page in much the same way the feature works in the visual design mode.

Then there’s that mysterious and all-encompassing technology buzz-phrase known as ‘Web Services.’ Web Services essentially boil down to application services based on XML. Dreamweaver MX now gives developers the server technology options – like Macromedia ColdFusion, Microsoft ASP or ASP.NET, JavaServer Pages (JSP), or Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) – needed for the development of those applications. Obviously, Dreamweaver also provides the means for users to interact with those applications by building a web interface. And understandably, MX focuses on a very capable ColdFusion environment, but all of the above technologies are supported.

It all begins with Site Definition, and defining dynamic sites and choosing server technology is now easier than ever. The Edit Sites and SetUp Wizard features now make negotiating ISPs a snap.

The Macromedia Exchange comes in handy if you’re interested in adding things like basic e-commerce. The Exchange offers downloadable extensions like a PayPal eCommerce Toolkit or a PHP Shopping Cart feature to begin selling stuff online. Yes, you’ll even be able to turn Aunt Lois’ imitation-llama-fur lampshade business into an e-commerce tour de force! But be forewarned, as some third-party authors charge for their goods with little to no support.

The strict coding aspects of MX have also been revamped and purists will be pleased. If you’re accustomed to coding within HomeSite, you can set Dreamweaver to resemble that familiar environment (Windows only). There is also extensive coding support found within the Tag Library Editor, as well as nifty pop-up menus during the coding process. A new Snippets Panel allows you to save your hard work separately so you can ultimately recycle your code down the road.

Means to an End

With web technologies and their inextricable ties to data becoming more and more complex, there will probably come a point when Dreamweaver’s attempts to be everything to everyone will come up short. Perhaps we’re already seeing some of that corporate, contingency planning in action now with Macromedia’s introduction of Contribute – a program targeting non-technical users who need to update web content.

My advice for those of you wondering whether to spend your upgrading dollars is this: If you need the advanced application features, definitely upgrade to MX. Otherwise, a solo app upgrade from Dreamweaver 4 to MX without the rest of the Studio MX lineup – which is highly recommended as a whole – may not be worthwhile.

In short, Dreamweaver MX remains, for the most part, within technical reach for non-professionals. The new development features probably won’t factor into usability problems because most designers won’t use the added horsepower anyway. It’s almost like having a great sports car for everyday use: you know the power is there if you need it. On the other hand, developers will love the integrated features and the ability to ultimately work with designers in one, large environment. After all, Dreamweaver is a big application.

Product Rating:

Company:
Macromedia

Requirements:
Windows 98 / NT / 2000 / Me / XP – Macintosh

Pricing:
$384.99/Amazon

Reviewed by:
Marc Sasinski

Competition:
Adobe GoLive

Pros:
Includes solid, web development features and an enhanced coding environment. Unprecedented compatibility between the other Studio MX components.

Cons:
You’ll need the rest of Studio MX to jump back and forth between applications and take full advantage of Dreamweaver.

Bottom Line:
If you have Dreamweaver 4 and find yourself in need of development functionality, get MX. Otherwise, a solo Dreamweaver 4 to MX upgrade may not be worthwhile. However, if you’re looking for an all-encompassing solution, Studio MX is the only real choice

I got this picture in an email from our graphic designer the other day. I don’t know where it came from, or who it is, but I did think it was pretty funny. I think that anyone on this blog should probably get a kick out of it, too.

Over the last week, while trying to design a new site, I have discovered quite a few handy tools for us developers. I thought I would share a few of them with you. Some of you may already be aware of these, but for those who aren’t, I wanted to put them all in one place.

I have found the following useful items in my search for IE solutions this week:

• How to install multiple versions of IE on one computer
• How to effectively use transparent, 24-bit PNG images in IE versions earlier than 7 (IE7 finally knows how to handle alpha transparency in 24-bit PNG files)
• How to create clean, effective, efficient dropdown menus that will work in Firefox with no proprietary code at all, and will work in IE with a very small amount of javascript, rather than using a large amount of messy javascript code for both browsers

This post is for those of you that use absolutely positioned page elements, or for those of you that might use DreamWeaver (I’m forced to use DreamWeaver on our current existing site, since that’s what was used to generate it in the first place), or for those of you that use “base” elements in your pages, and for quite a few other people as well, as this bug in IE 6 (and lesser) can be a real pain in the butt to figure out and get fixed.

My supervisor pointed out over the weekend that she is unable to select any snippets of text on our web site for some reason, and set me to fixing the problem. I opened the site in Firefox, and didn’t have a single problem. So, I decided to give it a shot in IE (still using IE 6 here at work). Sure enough, when I tried to select some text using the click and drag method, the whole darn page got selected, from the cursor all the way down to the bottom of my code. I knew immediately that it must be an IE bug, since it worked just fine in Firefox. However, it’s not good business practice to tell your supervisor to stop using inferior, though hugely popular software. Especially when anywhere between 50 and 75% of your public is using that same software.