Authoring Programs

Authoring programs are also known as multimedia software. These programs allow us to create animated videos and colorful graphics which can be added to websites. Students can also use authoring programs to create multimedia projects for presentations or other such assignments. Other types of authoring software are used to create games.

There are many different types of multimedia software for all different levels of computing skills. Some of these programs still offer the use of HTML or other similar web design “language” for the more knowledgeable computer users. Fortunately for the rest of us, most programs now translate those languages into simpler interfaces in which users can manipulate the actual images they are creating. In fact, simplicity is one of the main features most authoring programs advertise. These programs are supposed to let average people (even students) make awesome videos, graphics and games that were once so complex only experienced programmers could make them.

One of the most popular multimedia software packages is Adobe Flash (previously known as Macromedia Flash) or Adobe Director 11. Flash is mainly used for creating animated videos and adding graphic applications to websites. The latest version of this software allows the user to do many complex actions, such as 3D animation with a relatively simple user interface. Also, items produced from Adobe Flash require the special Flash player to be viewed. Fortunately, Flash is so widely used that most computers will have the player.

The main function of Director is to make animated movies. It incorporates Flash animation and can also animate in 3D.
The biggest drawback of Adobe software is the cost. Flash or Director can be bought separately, Flash for about $800 and Director 11 for about $1000. They are also both included in Adobe’s Creative Suites which can run as high as $2500. For a classroom, there are several versions of the Creative Suite that can be purchased at $200- $300 each.
Unfortunately, there are not really any good free multimedia programs. There are a few cheaper programs, like Everest, which is a full authoring program for $29 a copy. However, its features are as meager as its price. The software is very basic and, like Adobe, it requires a special playback program.

There are also several small programs that use Flash components, or have only a specific purpose like creating banners or help pages (Flash Intro and Banner Maker 2.6, WinCHM Help Authoring Software, etc.). There is an abundance of free web editing software, that allows users to add colorful images and links and maybe some graphics to their web pages, but
Another popular authoring program is Hyperstudio. This program is a great tool for students to create projects with a variety of media options, such as video, animation, drawings, images, sounds/music, and much more. It is very user friendly and comparatively cost efficient. A single software purchase of Hyperstudio runs at about $80. A teacher can order a set of 10 for a classroom for less than a single copy of Adobe Flash (about $750).

Authoring software is not only used for creating web pages and multimedia presentations, but for creating computer games as well. Some popular choices are Game Maker from YoYo Games and The 3D Gamemaker from The Game Creators. Game Maker has a downloadable free version. For more features users can upgrade to the Pro edition for $20. This software advertises a simple, easy way that anyone can make computer games. Similar to the other types of authoring software, Game Maker simplifies the codes used for game making into a user friendly format.

The 3D Gamemaker is a $30 program that is very similar to Game Maker except that it operates entirely in 3D, allowing virtually anyone to make a seemingly complex 3-Dimensional game with ease. In fact, the Game Maker website challenges users to make as many games as they can, to be added to the Game Maker community, where fellow users of Game Maker can build and post games for other members to play and rate.

Overall, authoring software plays a big contribution to the phenomenon of Web 2.0. These programs took computer graphics, a creative medium that, at one time, could only be used by experts, and put that medium at the fingertips of anyone who owns a computer.

Links:
Adobe
Hyperstudio
Game Maker
The 3D Gamemaker
Everest

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