Macromedia Flash allows you to create effective rich content and applications across desktops and devices.

ActionScript really took a big step towards a professional language with Flash MX. With MX 2004, Macromedia sort of splits the language into two; ActionScript and ActionScript2. The new forms-based layout tool should also attract a lot of new developers.

ActionScript2

This is of course the really big thing in MX 2004. \'Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004 introduce several new language elements that implement object-oriented programming in a more standard way
than before.

Because these language elements represent a significant enhancement to the core ActionScript language, they represent a new version of ActionScript itself: ActionScript 2.

Here are some key features of \"Macromedia Flash\":

· Twice as Fast
Boost runtime performance by 2-8x with the enhanced compiler and the new Macromedia Flash Player 7.

· Third Party Extensions
Create charts and graphs, animate text effects and more with extensions (sold separately)

· High Fidelity Import
Integrate rich media content faster with high fidelity import of PDF and Adobe Illustrator 10 files.

· Timeline Effects
Simplify common timeline and scripting tasks with new Timeline Effects and Behaviors

· Applications and Data
Build rich Internet applications with a familiar forms-based development environment and powerful data binding.

· High Quality Video
Deliver high-quality video with new professional video capabilities.

· Advanced Interactive Content
Create sophisticated interactive content using slides to organize and sequence your project.

· Mobile and Device Development
Produce and test content for devices and mobile phones with device templates and emulators.


Note: The updater installs over your current MX 2004 version

Requirements:

· At least 800 MHz Intel® Pentium® III processor or equivalent
· 256 MB RAM (1 GB recommended to run more than one Studio 8 product simultaneously)
· 1024 x 768, 16-bit display (32-bit recommended)
· 710 MB available disk space


Limitations:

· 30-day trial