Lynda.com Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training (PC/Mac)

Lynda.com Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training Review

In the fast-developing world of web design, Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 is a powerful tool that has remained popular for both beginners and experienced professionals. Lynda.com offers a comprehensive online course titled "Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training," designed specifically to help users navigate the features and functionalities of this robust software. This review delves into the course's offerings, its structure, and its overall benefits for aspiring web designers.

Course Overview

The "Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training" course is structured to provide users with an in-depth understanding of Dreamweaver CS5. This course, which is suitable for both PC and Mac users, offers step-by-step tutorials that cover a range of topics pertinent to web development. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to refresh your skills, this training provides essential knowledge in an accessible format.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The course spans multiple modules, each focusing on various aspects of Dreamweaver CS5, including interface navigation, site setup, page layout, and advanced CSS techniques.
• Engaging Video Content: Produced by experienced instructors, the video tutorials are engaging and informative. They include real-life examples and practical exercises to enhance learning outcomes.
• Interactive Learning Environment: Learners can participate in quizzes and hands-on projects that reinforce key concepts, ensuring that knowledge is retained effectively.
• Accessible Across Devices: Users can access the course on both PCs and Macs, making it flexible for different operating systems and learning preferences.
• Additional Resources: The course often includes downloadable resources such as example files and project templates, which can be invaluable for practice.

Course Structure

The course is organized into several modules that introduce key features progressively. Below is a brief overview of the main sections covered in the training:

1. Introduction to Dreamweaver CS5:
   • Understanding the interface and workspace
   • Navigating the various menus and panels
2. Creating a Website:
   • Setting up a new site with Dreamweaver
   • Organizing files and folders
3. Working with HTML:
   • Understanding structures and syntax
   • Using code hints for efficient coding
4. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS):
   • Applying styles to web pages
   • Cascading style considerations
5. Layouts and Templates:
   • Creating reusable templates
   • Implementing grid layouts in design
6. Publishing Your Website:
   • Testing your site before going live
   • Pushing content to a live server

User Experience and Accessibility

Lynda.com has designed its platform to prioritize user experience. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate between modules. Video quality is high-definition, ensuring that learners can clearly see what’s being demonstrated. Additionally, closed captioning is available, which provides accessibility to users with hearing impairments.

Technical Requirements

This course runs efficiently on most computers that support Adobe Dreamweaver CS5. Users need to ensure their system meets the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows XP SP2 or later / macOS 10.5 or later
• Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent AMD processor
• RAM: 1GB minimum (2GB recommended)
• Screen Resolution: 1024x768 minimum display resolution
• Broadband Internet Connection: Recommended for streaming video content smoothly

Pricing and Subscription Details

Lynda.com operates on a subscription basis, providing access to its complete library of courses. Users interested in "Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training" can subscribe monthly or annually. A free trial may also be available for new users, allowing them to explore the platform before committing financially.

The "Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training" course by Lynda.com serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to grasp the fundamentals of web design using Dreamweaver CS5. With its robust curriculum delivered through engaging video content and interactive elements, it caters well to diverse learning styles. Whether you are a complete novice or someone refining existing skills, this course is a solid investment for your web development toolkit.