Adobe Creative suite CS3 or CS4

[tobo]

Hi

I am only on the first section of the CIW Web Design Managers course. As part of the package I am on through Skills train I should recive a load of relivant Adobe software ie flash dreamweaver photoshop etc now on my paperwork it says CS3 but since CS4 has just been released does any one who has already recieved the software, perhaps recently, got CS3 or CS4? by the time I get my software from them CS3 will be old and everyone will probably be looking out for CS5!!!

Many Thanks.

[wagnerk]

Hi, if part of the agreement between the company and yourself states that you'll get the software and you haven't received it yet, then I would contact the company straight away.

However in the mean time, I believe that you can download a trial of the software from Adobe's site. CIW is like the Comptia but from the web design point of view. And while they (the training provider, not CIW) can recommend certain software and versions, the actually exam should be software or version specific otherwise you might was well be doing the ACA/ACE directly from Adobe (see here).

2. What sets CIW apart from vendor-specific certifications?
A vendor-specific certification validates an individual's skills and knowledge in using one particular product. Such a certification limits skills validation to that product and/or vendor. The CIW program is vendor-neutral, meaning that the program focuses on the skills needed to perform job roles rather than simply use specific products. CIW focuses on a broad range of technologies and tools. You learn about multiple vendor tools, their underlying technologies and how they're used in business situations - essential because many companies' technology infrastructure is a hybrid of multiple vendors.

3. Does the vendor-neutral CIW certification work well with vendor-specific certifications?
With CIW, you learn the underlying technologies common to many vendors' products. This provides a solid foundation for individuals pursuing specialized study in vendor-specific certification programs.

See here for CIW's FAQ.

-ken

[thecatsmother]

At the time I signed up with SkillsTrain all the literature stated Dreamweaver MX, and I had the same worries as you as CS3 had just been released. When it came, it was CS3 (about a month before CS4 was announced), so I think you'll get the version that is current when you get to that stage of the course.

[tobo]

Thanks I had thought that it would work that way.