There are several programs but they aren't cheap. I also note that many are not that user friendly. There was discussion on this subject in the landscape design forum a year ago. Better Homes and Garden has also a free online program but it's very awkward. Wouldn't you find it easier to simply get a graph paper and plot down your home, location of the permanent structures, etc. I finally did my plotting down this way, and it sure helped for easy reference. You can get tracing paper and superimpose it on the grid to let you freely draw plants over it.

Ok...I just copied what it said I needed from the instructions. The installation from my old Dell was all on one disk. I'd be afraid I'd mess up the installation if it ended up on multiple CDs. Maybe I should say that there would be more chance for error on my part. The instructions also said that the USB key should have a minimum capacity of 8 GB. Well, when I go to Control Panel, I see there are 45 programs now with total space of 1.12 GB. So what gives with them saying I need a minimum of 8GB? I'm guessing that it would all go on one of the disks at the link below. About them...it says, "This recordable DVD features AccuCORE technology which is 100x more scratch resistant than standard discs. Fights static, repels stains and fingerprints" Here is a link that might be useful: 25 DVD+RW Re-Recordable DVD 4.7GB

I don't think 6 years is bad for computer life. Technology changes so fast that many change computers often even if nothing is wrong with the old one. But, have you had the computer looked at? See what it would take to have it fixed? We have a desktop system that is very rarely used. Hubby has a laptop and I have a netbook. I love my netbook (small laptop). I like Apple products. We both have Iphones and I use an Ipad. However, at work we use Dell and MS programs. I also do hubby's contract work bookkeeping, some of which goes on to the accountant. The accountant uses MS. So, no Mac for us. My dad is crazy over his! I don't think though that you have to go with a Mac to avoid virus problems. You don't open email attachments unless you know what they are - right? I'd be curious as to where you're picking up the virus.

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