14 DAY TRIAL // In addition to releasing the Flash Player 10.1 Preview (code-named “Gala”), Adobe also rolled out the latest version of its bitmap and vector graphics editor, Fireworks CS4 10.0.4. Originally developed using parts of xRes, by Macromedia, which Adobe acquired in 2005, Fireworks boasts a UI that is consistent with the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite, and shares multiple similarities with Adobe Photoshop.
Fireworks CS4 10.0.4 for Mac OS X fixes all known crash and data-loss bugs, Adobe reveals, and improves stability for users running Fireworks CS4 on Mac OS X, these being only a few of the general-level changes. Adobe also makes a note regarding a widespread Snow Leopard crash on quit. This problem has also been fixed by its code-savvy staff. “We recommend that all Fireworks CS4 Mac users install this updater,” the company states.
Adobe Fireworks CS4 10.0.4 for Mac OS X requires a multicore Intel processor, Mac OS X v10.5.7 (Leopard) or v10.6 (Snow Leopard), 512MB of RAM (1GB recommended), 1GB of available hard-disk space for installation (and additional free space during installation), 1,280x1,024 display with 16-bit video card, DVD drive and a broadband Internet connection for several online services that users may need after installing Fireworks.
On the Windows side, designers need an Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor, Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (Service Pack 3 recommended); Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1; or Windows 7, and the rest of the Mac-equivalent specs.
Adobe Fireworks is aimed at web designers, offering features such as slices, the ability to add hotspots (for rapidly creating website prototypes and application interfaces), and more. The software is designed to tightly integrate with other Macromedia products, including Dreamweaver and Flash. Available as a standalone product, Fireworks can also be obtained by purchasing an Adobe Creative Suite bundle.