If, by chance, you got the free version from 3D World magazine CD, you won't have a manual to help you realize the potential of it. There is a third party book called Poser Handbook by Shamms Mortier that does lack a bit but is helpful if you don't have the manual. I've always had a great desire to create art, but somewhat lacking in the ability to do what I really wanted to do. I've been using Poser since version 2 and it has brought this to reality for me. I've used it to visualize the characters in my stories so I can describe them better, and I can vent my emotions by creating scenes with it. There are many uses for it. Just give it a try and you'll get caught up in the fun of it. Melanie