Many thanks to those who answered my questions about software to start with fractal art- boy, I so do enjoy it from a strictly personal point. I work really hard at the 3D stuff, but I really like fractals, and wouldn't have experimented with it, had it not been for the community here at Renderosity and your suggestions on "freeware" progs. I hope to soon try UF and the other mentioned programs, but for now I am having a ball with Apo 2.0. Salute! Have a great week- I've got some vacation days ahead, more to play with Fractals!!