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NetObjects Fusion 3.0 is a Web site creation and management tool. The program has the look and feel of a desktop publishing program, but it combines true site management with true WYSIWYG page-layout-program-like control. And you don't have to know HTML code. You place your text and graphics on a page, and all the necessary elements are converted to the proper code. Creating pages and entire sites is easy, fast, and it enables designers to maintain consistent visual style and to tightly control site architecture. It allows users to create Web pages from scratch but also includes professional quality templates. The first version was created in 1996, and with each new edition, the program has gotten better and better. Price: $295. The NetObjects, Inc. Web site is: http://www.netobjects.com | ||
I would recommend the program for Intermediate to Advanced PC users who have a solid foundation in computers. For Web design though, it would be appropriate for Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced users. The templates, WYSIWYG page look, and the drag-and-drop capabilities would make it suitable for someone just starting out with their first Web page. And Version 3,0, should be appealing to Intermediate and Advances users as they now have access to HTML buttons that allow them to enter HTML code. | ||
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Installation & Manuals. It was very easy to install. There are two good sized manuals: (1) Getting Started. This guide contains lessons with step-by-step instructions for creating a Web site for Richter Brewing Company. I have used these tutorial pages in this review; and (2) User Guide. This is a well-organized and thorough guide to the program. Interface. Along the top is a menu bar with the typical Windows commands: File, Edit, View, Go, and Help. Below is a blue bar with five primary views or modes, on the left: Site, Page, Style, Assets, and Publish. On the right of the blue bar are other options: Preview, New, Go To, and Last. A standard toolbar is docked to the left. In the middle of the screen is the work area where you design your pages. The interface is less cluttered than earlier versions. There is more space for the page layout. Also, toolbars and palettes can be collapsed or docked out of the way, making the layout space even cleaner. Views. NetObjects Fusion provides five views or modes to create and manage all the information for a site.
Other Goodies--NetObjects Fusion 3.0 comes with a separate HTML editor software; calling card-like tech-support card that offers three free calls to the company; and a demo version of Bazaar Analyzer, a traffic analysis tool that lets you track how people use your site and how they move once they are on your site. |
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NetObjects Fusion 3.0 is an excellent program. It is a well-balanced program for users who want easy to use drag-and-drop
or menu-driven functions or other more adventurous users who want a wide range of programming-like options. It
can be learned quickly. But it has enough powerful functionality and time-saving features to meet the production
needs of the busiest Web designer. NetObjects Fusion excels in page design. Fusion's interface has the quality of a professional desktop publishing tool. The templates are great and it is evident that care and precision were used with the development of the templates. |
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Processor: 90MHz Pentium or higher Operating System: Windows 95/Windows NT 3.51 Memory: 32 MB RAM Hard Disk Space: 20MB for compact/100MB for full 60MB hard disk space for virtual memory 32-bit ODBC drivers for external database connectivity TCP/IP compliance for Internet connectivity Graphics display capable of 800 x 600 at 256 colors CD-ROM drive Mouse or compatible pointing device You will also need a Web browser installed on your system. NetObjects Fusion HTML output requires: Netscape Navigator 2.01 or higher; Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.1 or higher/ other HTML 3.0 or higher compatible browsers |
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Scanner: Hewlett Packard ScanJet 6250C Professional Series |
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