Listed here are a number of pieces of software we feel are essential to all web designers. At the minimum, a web designer needs an HTML authoring program (a fully-specced suite or just a text editor) and an image editor. We explore some of the best options below, to suit all budgets.

HTML Editor Reviews

Dreamweaver Review

Manufacturer's Description:
Dreamweaver MX 2004 is the professional choice for building web sites and applications. It provides a powerful combination of visual layout tools, application development features, and code editing support, enabling developers and designers at every skill level to create visually appealing, standards-based sites and applications quickly. From leading support for CSS-based design to hand-coding features, Dreamweaver provides the tools professionals need in an integrated, streamlined environment. Developers can use Dreamweaver with the server technology of their choice to build powerful Internet applications that connect users to databases, web services, and legacy systems.

Our view:
Considered by many to be the only web authoring suite worth using, Dreamweaver has become an industry standard in web designing. Indeed, most web design-based jobs specifically require Dreamweaver proficiency as a required skill. While it's hefty price-tag may put it out of range for web developers on a tight budget, Macromedia Dreamweaver remains as one of the best authoring programs for commercial-level websites.

Where to get it:
The latest version is Dreamweaver MX 2004 - available from Amazon.co.uk. The previous versions can also be purchased for considerably less money used and new at Amazon Marketplace.

TextPad Review

Manufacturer's Description:
TextPad is a powerful, general purpose editor for plain text files. Easy to use, with all the features a power user requires. When just getting the job done is work enough, the last thing you need is to waste time having to learn yet another computer application. Your experience with other tools should be relevant to each new application, making it possible to sit down and use that new application right away.

That's why TextPad is so popular. Whether you simply need a powerful replacement for Notepad, a tool for editing your web pages, or a programming IDE, TextPad does what you want, the way you would expect.

Our View:
The title at www.textpad.com reads 'TextPad - The Text Editor for Windows'. Quite a claim, but one that we fully agree with. It's what I'm using now to write this review, and it's what I use for almost all my raw text editing. The number of labour-saving functions is incredible; the 'block select mode' that allow you to select 'box-outs' of text ala an image editing program is worth the download alone. It's available on a try before you buy basis, and we promise that you will be amazed by how much more efficient its user-friendly tools and functions will make your text editing tasks.

Where to get it:
Price: from £16.50 - fully functional free download, registering removes nag screen.
www.textpad.com

Image Editor Reviews

Paint Shop Pro Review

Manufacturer's Description:
Advanced tools for advanced imaginations.

Your creativity has no limits, neither should your software. Paint Shop Pro continues to set the standard for affordable, professional image editing. Version 9 builds on Paint Shop Pro's legacy of creative innovation with a new suite of art media features, professional photo editing tools, and precision graphic design capabilities.

Our View:
While the early versions of Paint Shop Pro (1-4) were nothing special, from version 5 onwards where functions such as layers were implimented, PSP has really shown that is has the functionality to go head to head with the big boys of the image editing world. In fact, it is the image editor of choice for us at Tsunami PC, and has been since we upgraded from version 4 to 5. The fact it is a fraction of the price of the behemoth PhotoShop, and has much of the functionality, makes it a real winner for those looking for a powerful image editing program at a reasonable price. Strongly recommended.

Where to get it:
The latest version is Paint Shop Pro 9, and Amazon are currently running a bundle promotion with it and Photo Album 5 at a massive saving off the RRP. The older versions of Paint Shop Pro can also be had at bargain prices from Amazon Marketplace.

Photoshop Review

Manufacturer's Description:
Get superior results faster with industry-standard Adobe Photoshop CS software and its integrated Web production application, Adobe ImageReady CS software. Graphic and Web designers, photographers, and video professionals can take advantage of indispensable features that include improved file management, new design possibilities, a more intuitive way to create for the Web, and support for 16-bit images, digital camera raw data, and non-square pixels. Now you can create the highest quality images more efficiently than ever before.

Our View:
Photoshop CS: The undisputed leader in the field for some time, and with a price-tag to match -- entry into the world of PhotoShop CS does not come cheaply. An absolute must for any professional photographer or designer; it's photo touch-up tools are second to none.

Photoshop Elements v3: Essentially a cut-down version of PhotoShop CS, Elements is aimed more at the hobbyist or amateur photographer. The price-tag is a fraction of its big brother's, and it has an interface option where most of the things an ordinary person would want to do is automated. An ideal stepping-stone for the amateur photographer, many of the functions are identical to the full version of PhotoShop, and if you decide to upgrade later, you will be able to transfer your knowledge immediately.

We still prefer Paint Shop Pro for most of our image editing, but as with Dreamweaver, PhotoShop is considered by many companies as a requirement for graphic design jobs, and thus an important skill.

Where to get it:
Amazon are offering Photoshop CS 8.0 for a shade under £500 While Photoshop Elements v3 for PC can be had for just under £60.