Essential Web Dev Tools

I quite often get asked what software I use in my day to day routine and although as with many other things, it all depends on the job in hand, there are a few 'pieces of kit' that are quite literally invaluable. So here's my list of top 5 apps I could'nt function without.....

1). Photoshop CS - Pretty sad to admit it but there probably has'nt been a single day at work in the last 5 years where I hav'nt fired P'Shop up. It is THE most invaluable tool. From simple web graphics to complex site templates via photo imaging/trickery to colour mangement, I'm deeply endebted to the mega-nurds at Adobe for creating such a beast. I could prattle on for hours but suffice to say 'Often imitated, never bettered'

2). Dreamweaver 8 - Running a pretty close second for intense userbility (Is that a word?) comes Dreamweaver. From V4 onwards it's been the mainstay of all the online content I've created. A wonderfully designed, intuitive piece of software, it swaps hats from bog standard page creator to all singing all dancing, bells and whistles monster with ease.

3). Nav Studio 2005 - Away from the mainstream but none the less a wicked little app is Open Cubes DHTML menu creator. Totally Cross browser compatible, the hierarchical menus are a doddle to configure. Perfect for sites that you know will grow & grow.

4). Flash Slider - Great .swf slide show creator and it's FREE, bonus!. Handy app that creates Flash slide shows from any images, complete with oodles of transistions should you need them.

5). Cool Edit Pro - Bit of an old one now, and more recently known as Adobe Audition, (It was so good they bought the company) but it's still cutting edge in term of functionality. Edit virtually any kind of audio till' the cows come home. Rip, Mix, Record yadda yadda yadda, it does it all. Love it.

Other kit that gets a look in most weeks.....
Atrise Golden Section, Question Writer, Our web survey, Hoo Tech MP3 to SWF convertor, Spybot S & D, Photovista and ULead 3D. Phew.

All the apps have been used at some point to create content for Bideford College Online. Happy browsing.