Relative merits, bugs or shortcommings MS FP 2000, 2002, 2003-4

Can anyone summarize the benefits of one version over the others

[Webwork]

I own copies of MS FrontPage 98, 2000 and 2002.

Mostly, I've been using (stuck in?) FP2000.

I'm about to start a series of projects and was hoping someone might suggest the relative strengths of the 2000, 2002 and 2003/4.

I'm looking to employ CSS as much as possible, although I may still resort to tables for layout in some cases.

Most pages will be static. Limited graphics.

I'm concerned about website updates due to the potential size of some of the websites > 2000 pages. Most will likely fall into the 500 - 1000 page/file range.

Also, I'm considering adding forums to a few sites and it's my understanding that FP doesn't play well with other programs/code. (Might be using VBulletin or other BBs).

So, back to my original question: Is 2002 really an improvement, and if so, what's the benefit of 2003/4?

[wickydoodah]

There's really too many changes between these versions to list them all, or even just the significant ones, but this link will give you all the pertinent details:

htt*://www.microsoft.com/office/frontpage/prodinfo/compare.mspx

One thing I have noticed with FP2002 (and FP2003) is that publishing is substantally faster than FP2000. That may be a significant advantage if your sites are large, although your host may need to also have the FP2002 server extensions installed to take advantage of this.

FP2003 is Microsoft's latest attempt to make FrontPage an "industrial-grade" app for professional web developers. Can't say if they've achieved it, but it's definitely closer than FP2000 or FP2002. I've updated all my FP installations to the 2003 version and will never go back to the older ones now that I've used it.

I run a vBulletin BBS on one of my sites that I manage with FP2003 and have had no problems.

[bill]

In FP newer is always better. FP2003 is a nice step up, but I could still do all the stuff I do today on FP2000. However, the newer WYSIWYG on the 2002 and 2003 let you work with CSS and <div>s a lot better.

[robert adams]

Also, from what I have read, 2003 no longer uses or needs the FP Extensions on the server.

robert

[XtendScott]

Best process to code: (for me atleast)

1. Use WYSIWYG to develope framework of site.
2. Tighten Code by hand in most any text editor.
3. Develope CSS -> TopStylelite or Pro.
4. Apply class/ID styles in WYWIWYG or CODE.(I use DW MX and some styling is just easier in the code)
5. Insert basic content in WYWIWYG.
6. Review and Tighten Code if necessary.

I have used those versions of FP also but I still have preference for DW. Its arguable which is better, I think it is more of personal preference and how one thinks.

WYWIWYG editors are a helpful tool, but I would not want to just rely on their code. Stay away from MS specifics(not sure if they have their hover buttons still - YUCK!). Use CSS for a cleaner code and greater site control of elements. And as the old saying goes "Keep It Simple Stupid".