On 7/02/05 Al Smith wrote:

>>I've just purchased a digital camera so I'm new to computer camera  usage.
I've been told that JPEG is the best way to go. Can anyone  recommend
a good download program( preferably freeware ) that I can  use??
OS win2kpro, ram 1Gb. Many thanks for your help,<<

JPEG is often a default for many programs but since it is a "compressed"
file, every time you make a change and re-save it all that was previously
compressed gets re-compressed
and eventually degrades the origional image. If you go JPEG I recommend
saving two copies of the origional (one to keep as is and one for editing). I
have seen a couple of sites comparing different image formats and a Google
search will surely turn some up.
 Formats such as TIFF, Bitmap and RAW will be a much larger file  taking up
more memory, but will be a more "true/clean" copy of the origional.  What type
/brand of camera do you have? Different types have different ways  (formats)
of saving images
 As to software, what will you be needing to do with it(editing,  creating
albulms, etc.) digital cameras usually come with some basic  imaging software
(when bought new) I mostly use Paint Shop Pro ($50.00 to  $100.00) even though I
also have Photoshop. PSP is a lot less intimidating than  PS and a LOT
cheaper. I haven't used any of the freebies so I'll  leave it to other members to
cover them.
 Good luck!
 Phillip Williams

      "Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware
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