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)

I never installed Elements, gave it to my granddaughter so she could get a copy of PS CS2 for $299. I think it's probably ok, just not as fully functional as CS2. If that version of PSP works on your system (some people had trouble with it, can't remember what that was about), it should do pretty much what you need until you know which direction you want to go. I think for people who are serious about post processing photographs, Photoshop has better filters, features and nice plugins. I love my plugin Velvia Vision which I had to purchase for somewhere around $25. Since I shoot RAW now and follow more discussions about that, most people in that circle are using CS2, DPP, RSE, some Picasa2 (free, but don't know if it handles RAW files), don't know what else, think the Nikonians have some proprietary software, also some use Bibble. I tried DPP and RSE but prefer CS2. You end up there doing final adjustments anyway if you have it, why not start there (I'm talking for people like me)? If you can get a copy of Elements that is upgradeable, I'd go that route and get PS CS2 for $299. The offer is supposed to be good until November. Otherwise, stick with PSP. It served me well until I felt I outgrew it.

Okay, I know I'm not Oceanna, but I saw this and thought I'd throw in my 2 cents, for what it's worth. I only do web/graphic design as a hobby, but I recently started doing digital scrapbooking as well, so I'm familiar with several graphics programs, though I do have to admit, I don't know about Artrage. The first program I started with was Paint Shop Pro, and learned to do a lot with it. Then I was finally able to get a copy of Photoshop 7, which I still have. I have upgraded my Paint Shop Pro to 9 (because, apparently, Jasc, the maker, sold to Corel, and it's changed a lot). I love bothing both. I find some things better in one program than in another, and vice versa. My first version of Paint Shop Pro was purchased for about 80 bucks. My newest version was like 40 (on eBay). You might be able to find it on eBay. Another option is PhotoShop Elements (PSE). It doesn't contain all the fancy stuff on the fullblown Photoshop, but still useful features. I know a lot of scanners and printers come with it nowadays (so you may not need to purchase it). Also, I don't know if PSE works with a Wacom. Anyway, thought I'd share. (Although, for the record, I would love a copy of CS, but I can dream..... ^_^)

Nothing can compare with the original JASC made PSP's. Coral has their own system which I think is a whole new ballgame. I know their help support stinks cause I just got the run around with them on a problem that got solved right off the bat from JOY, here on this forum when I posted my problem just ONCE! I had been emailing Coral several times about it which they could not tell me how to correct it.