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)

Waaay back I always installed my programs on a separate partition rather than on the C: drive. Partitions are nothing more than another drive but on the same physical drive. So really there should be no difference, it is just another drive on the computer. I am not sure why you need to know before buying the program though. Either you are interested in photo editing and graphics and need the program or not. Why not try another program you already own and install that? You can always remove it whether it works or not but you will be that much wiser. If you are concerned about hard drive space my Corel Photosuite is slightly under 300 megs in size installed.

I can understand that some people think that registering is demanding and greedy. That's the way it is now. I have watched young women go on line and see what has been bought from their "checklist." And the check list is long. And there are many stores. One thing they do that is nice is they will pick places like Target and Bed Bath and Beyond so you have a range of prices. But my friend's daughter was furious when she got gifts that weren't on the list. My friend was horrified my her daughter's behavior but I have seen that before. If I were the groom to be I would run for the hills. In my day....I registered for only china & silverware and glassware. That's what my friends did. I had no idea if anyone bought it. I was at school.We opened our gifts after we were married. There were many more things like candy bowls and candle sticks and a hobnail sugar and creamer set. Whatever they bought I have til this day to remember them by. No taking things back. I was flabbergasted that people would think of such nice things to make or buy for me.And I wrote my very personalized thank you notes within the month. My mother made sure of that. She would have been embarrassed to get a phone call asking if I got the gift. Someone gave me a shower and I got practical gifts like cookbooks and some lingerie and fun gifts. Nowdays, I have friends who give elaborate engagement parties at expensive restaurants. You can't tell the engagement party from the wedding reception. There is competition between friends. No wonder these kids don't know how to save money. I have also seen kids take many of the gifts back and use the money for televisions and in my God-daughter's case, windows. How do you like that!! I was wide-eyed when she told me and her mom was mortified. It seemed so unfair to the people who took the time to buy what they thought she would like.Oh well.

I find Adobe products in general are very difficult to use...not intuitive at all. I'm a nurse...16 years in ICU using all sorts of monitors and equipment, so I don't consider myself a total dummy. I have been involved in Telephone Nursing for the past 16 years and have learned many programs to manage patient care and also to manage employees and projects. Everything I have learned has been in the office setting by osmosis or taught myself. I'm not an expert by any means, but I can catch on to programs and even write technical curriculum as needed...but Adobe...YIKES...it makes me crazy. I just had to learn a new program out of the Adobe Premier Pro CS3 over the last 2 days within a couple of hours. I built myself a guide with screenshots, but need to practice some more. Maybe after I get better with this video adaption program I will be able to use more elements in Photoshop...but I am a total hack in that program. I wish I had someone at home to show me how to use all these programs...I would be sooooo happy. But I can CROP damitall!!! LOL