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Fireworks Basics

Sandee Cohen outlines the basic functions and foundation of Fireworks MX.
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.

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Last Update: November 17, 2020