Program to keep pc healthy. You have done right to steer clear of this junk..... Start> Programs> accessories> Disk clean up, then Disk defrag. If Microsoft thought we needed a registry Cleaner they would have put one in System tools. Clear out temp files, cookies, history in the browser often. Pay attention to what is in the add/remove programs, un-install programs that are not being used, know what is in there so you can recognize anything odd and remove it. Things can get installed here with out the users knowledge. Know what is starting up on the computer- programs running in the backgroung. Run on line scans every so often, panda scan, housecall, ect. Keep your Java updated. No need to spend money on security programs.. Ask your computer guy what he thinks of registry cleaners.

Scanning and printing off on your computer is the easist / Cheapest way to do this. A lot of people say that they don't like to use the ink from a computer printer because it is not color fast, but unless you plan on spilling water all over your pages or leaving them in direct sun for days on end the computer ink from a printer is fine. Remember to use acid free paper in the printer though. Penny

Oh my goodness! First of all let me explain that this hobby is ADDICTIVE!!!!! Second let me say that it's TONS OF FUN! I would suggest going to some classes if they are available in your area first, but if not go easy on the supplies at first as it will not take long before you have a house full! I would suggest getitng several photos together with a common them, ie Birthday, Boating, Vacation, etc. with at least 3 good photos per theme, then buy the stickers and paper for just those photos at first to see if indeed you like doing this. You will need at least the following supplies: Acid free paper, glue, scissors, one multi shaped template for cutting photos mats, and stickers to match the theme of the photos you are going to be doing first. You can buy single sheets of paper at Micheal's, and at most scrapbook stores. DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE COMPANY! There are a few suppliers who will try and tell you that their product is SAFER, BETTER ,etc, this is just not true, acid free is acid free, PERIOD! So don't get trapped into the more expensive products, this craft is expensive enough already. You will need page protectors for the size of paper you buy, which is either the larger 12 x 12 or the smaller 8.5 x 11. Either is fine it is just a personal preference which you do. Make sure you get a GOOD idea book and READ it BEFORE you cut your first photo, make sure you have double prints or at least the negatives of photos you start out with because you will get better at this craft over time and you don't want to start with Grandmas pictures! Check out many links on how to's BEFORE you start, and feel free to ask any question here you need to. Love and good luck Penny Here is a link that might be useful: scraplink

I agree with Hilary. A new program should be easy to use and have an assortment of colored mats in changeable colors and patterns. Often times it is REALLY hard to find mat colors that match your photos. Fonts should be of different styles as there are already stickers available for the simple styles. I also would go for the hard to find images for die cuts, such as race cars, bikes-(I don't know why this is such an under produced item, every child I know has had at least one bike, especially BMX bikes. My son had well over 15.) motorcycles, tv's, computers-lots of christmas gifts are these items, Cds, fake money, birds, large flowers with good graphics, etc. These are just a few of the items I have found hard to come by. As for cutting out the shapes, they have to be big enough that they are not a royal pain to cut out and small enough not to dwarf the pages. Heritage items are another biggy. If you did a section devoted to black and white die cuts ( or the darker muted colors like maroon, dark green, or gold and silver) with items from every decade, starting at the 1900's to present for example: the old gas pumps, ice cream palors, old cars, the different wars American's have fought (this would be a big seller since MANY of the older photo shots were of men in uniforms,) a rosy the riveter page, memorial tribute pages etc... These items are almost impossible to find, and yet millions of photos were taken during these times and scrapbook makers are now having a hard time finding die cuts, pages or stickers that fit those eras and photos. I too would be willing to test drive any new software or be a guinea pig for ideas. Penny