Started my first fractaling with Sterling; found so many free programs out there that I was trying so many for awhile.  Finally decided that Sterling and Fractal Explorer offered the easiest and best capabilities for someone like me who knew nothing about formulae or fractals.  This must have been around 1994 or 95; somewhere in there.
Now I'm hooked on UF and am still trying to get a handle on Apo; also still looking for the odd, free fractal software to add to my collection to practice on (someday).
When I first came to Rendo, I knew next to nothing, but the encouragement and support here is wonderful and inspiring.  There are so many really good fractalists here that there is a whole lot to aspire to.  Thanks for all your kind comments and support!
PTL