Cyn is right on getting workable software that won't wear you out to start. PSP is a good one and I use it a lot, along with Photoshop. Still, for the money, PSP is a good program and not too hard to use. Like taking pictures, it just takes getting into it and using it. You can pick up a copy of PSP8 for fairly cheap on Amazon and similar sites. The newer version is PSP9 and I don't have that one. If a few dollars more is a problem, the version 8 does just fine. My wife uses Photoshop Elements at her work and she started great on a pc but knowing nothing about photo work..now she does it great for her department at work. Really glad to have you aboard! One piece of advice, take a look at "galleries" and choose "photogrtaphy"..run through the submissions. You will definitely see some impressive images and some you don't care for . Some will be badly composed, some out of focus, some trying too hard and not doing the job. Others will make your socks jump off at the wonderful quality and personal impression of the picture well done. This give some easy idea what looks good and works and what does not. Get out, take lots of pics and visit here often. The advice given by the other posters is good stuff. Blessing in your photography. Don't be surprised if it carries you further than imagined. This is fun stuff. TomDart.