Fireworks Basics
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
When I start learning a new application, I'm always in a rush to get started. I open it up and explore. It's the same way when I pick up a book about the application — I never start with the first chapter. I don't want to read about buttons, fields, and controls — especially if I'm already familiar with other programs from the same company such as Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Macromedia FreeHand.
No, I rush right into the middle chapters of the book.
However, after a few hours of slogging helplessly through the book, I eventually realize there are many things I don't understand about the program. I recognize I'm a bit confused. So I come back to the first chapter to learn the foundation of the program.
Of course, since you're much more patient than I am, you're already here — reading the first chapter.
System Requirements
To use Macromedia Fireworks effectively, your computer and operating system must meet the minimum system requirements for the program.
General System Requirements
64 MB of free system RAM (128 MB recommended)
800 x 600, 8-bit (256 colors) color display or better
80 MB of available disk space
CD-ROM drive
Windows Requirements
300 MHz Intel Pentium II processor or equivalent
Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows NT 4 (Service Pack 6), Windows 2000, or Windows XP
Adobe Type Manager Version 4 or later for use with Type 1 fonts
Macintosh Requirements
Power Macintosh G3 processor or better
Macintosh OS 9.1 and later, or OS X 10.1 and later
Adobe Type Manager Version 4 or later for use with Type 1 fonts (OS 9 or later)
Running with the Minimum
The minimum system requirements are just that — just the bare minimum. Can you launch Fireworks with the minimum requirements? Absolutely! Will you be happy with the bare minimum? Most likely, no!
If you run Fireworks with the lowest-end computer, you may find it takes a while for the screen to redraw and settings to apply to objects. If you have only the minimum system RAM (memory), you may see alerts that Fireworks needs more memory to finish certain commands. This is especially true when it comes to applying special effects (see Chapter 9, "Effects").
Launching Fireworks
In addition to the two methods mentioned on the facing page, you can launch Fireworks in a variety of ways. You can launch the program by double-clicking an alias (Mac) or shortcut (Win) of the Fireworks application. You can add the application to the Windows Task bar or Macintosh OS X Dock. You can also add the application to the Mac OS 9 Apple Menu.
Consult the help files or manual for your operating system for the steps to accomplish these techniques.