Hi, Bob. IF I had to pick just one image editing software program to use, I would choose Paint Shop Pro. I have older versions going back to when it was owned by JASC and later by Corel. The biggest problem with the newer versions is that they DO have more features, but they are also larger programs that use more memory and hard disk storage. This is especially true for the latest version of Adobe Photoshop Elements version 5 .. which is why I purchased version 4.0 .. I wouldn't even be able to use Elements version 5 on my Dell laptop, it is such a memory hog. I also got Elements version 4.0 because it is compatible with my Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator (a hardware device to use in place of a mouse and in conjunction with a graphics tablet). I already had Elements version 2.0 on my computer. Adobe Photoshop 7.0 came bundled with some hardware I bought, possibly my WACOM Intuos graphics tablet. BTW that is a good way to end up with free copies of editing software.. watch the ads for which software programs companies are tossing in if you purchase their hardware.. graphics tablets, laser mice, scanners, photo printers, etc. Elements 4.0 is very good for making quick edits, Auto Enhance, etc. And a nice feature of this is you can also get a more detailed editing window if you choose to, where you have emore control over the editing. I think the big difference between Adobe Elements and Corel PSP is that there are more online places to go get free downloads and tutorials and Plug-Ins for Adobe Elements. Also, many of the Adobe Photoshp Plug-Ins will work in Elements. And some of the Plug-Ins from Adobe WILL also work in Corel PSP. There are more books written for the Adobe products, too. An excellent manual for Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 is "Photoshop Elements 4: the Missing Manual", by Barbara Brundage. This weekend, when I have more free time, I will go thru both my Corel PSP and Adobe Elements programs and give you a better comparison. I learned to Image Edit on JASC Paint Shop Pro so have the most familiarity with it. If you stay behind the latest upgrade by a version, you can get it cheaper once a newer version comes out. And you can buy used software at Amazon.com and eBay. It is almost annoying how fast the companies keep coming up with upgrades for their image editing software. Makes it harder to learn the programs and get a feel for what is where in the layout. Gail R (WNY)

Wow funny this thread is here...My sister and I share the holidays now (Thanksgiving and Christmas) We both own china service of 12 but of course different patterns...Anyway we usuallay seat between 24-30 so we use good quality paperplates (YUK!!) so we decided were gonna buy a good set...we like the traditiinal Lenox Christmas with the ribbon and holly and this morning i was online and came across Corelle's holiday dishes...granted its not China but the Lenox will run us at least 4000.00 and the Corelle 500.00 and we wont have to cringe everytime someone makes a move at the dining room banquet table!!! Big fan of corelle and the holiday patterns are beautiful. Think were gonna go this route I emailed them to ask if they had and plans to make ones for Thanksgiving....My dream for sometime now is to purchase JOHNSON BROTHERS AUTUMN MONARCH!!!!!! Will buy at some point off Ebay or Replacement Ltd i think Hubby will choke me LOL!!!

I set the resolution in Adobe Photoshop Elements. I don't know much about camera settings. Joan, Casey and others can school you on this I'm sure. I do know though if you shoot photos in the RAW settings your pictures will be huge. There is an advantage to this I'm sure but I don't know what. I crop first then enhance my photos. I don't know if there is a benefit to doing it this way it's just how I do it. I use Ritzpik to make up my photos. Here is the resolution setting Ritzpik recommends when enlarging photos: 4x6 = 1228 x 1842 5x7 = 1535 x 2149 8x10 = 2456 x 3070 wallets = 691 x 921 10 x 13 = 3070 x 3991 Don't worry too much about the details at first Nola. The best part of digital photography is that you can afford to shoot lots of pictures while you figure out what works best. The internet can help too. Just google your question and you'll get answers. I don't understand aspect ratio and user defined very well either. I'm glad you asked! We can both learn something today. Have fun! Lori

PSP 8 is the best thing I've ever owned! It is absolutely amazing! I've had it since October 2003 and it's become my main hobby (making graphics). The possibilities are endless. The best way by far to learn it is to just find tutorials on the internet and do them. Trial and error is how you learn to use the program. The undo button and command history are magic. You can make an infinite # of mistakes and just undo them with those. Try out a bunch of different tutorials; join a graphics group like Kat Korner; or just open up a canvas and start doodling.