I've found in doing web design for over 3 years now, that the Dreamweaver application is probably the best. If you have the chance (and funds) purchase a copy of Macromedia's Studio MX (MX Plus just came out). Studio MX streamlines Dreamweaver MX, Flash MX, Fireworks MX, and Freehand MX to develop awesome front end web pages while giving you a Developers copy of Cold Musion MX and JRun 4 to integrate server side applications into your site. I have to say, it was an awesome invention on their part. I have been using Dreamweaver since I first purchased Dreamweaver UltraDev and have never regretted it. Hope this helps.
-bhoberg