1. Graphics and Animation..

Unlike most graphic designers, I have never really made use of the rather expensive Abobe PhotoShop. Instead, I use Jasc's impressive "Paint Shop Pro" software. In actual fact, I think I've been using it from version 3.11! Jasc has been absorbed by the Corel Corporation - and the first release under the new name of "Corel Paint Shop Pro" was version 10 ("X") Hot on the heels of that (in autumn 2006) came "PaintShop Pro Photo XI" - check it out!

• To order the full retail edition of Paint Shop Pro X, click here (for the upgrade edition, use this link instead)

Here's a list of the most popular programs for creating graphics, icons and simple (animated .gif) animations:

• Abobe Photoshop CS 2
  • Too expensive? Perhaps try the new cut-down edition of Photoshop - "Elements 4.0"
• Macromedia (now Adobe) Fireworks 8
  • To save money on the complete suite from Adobe, check out "Studio 8"
  • For existing Studio users, a discounted upgrade edition is also available.
• Corel Paint Shop Pro X
  • Experienced users of Paint Shop Pro should note that the popular "Animation Shop" component is not included with version X.
  • For detailed vector and illustration work, I'd look no further than either Corel Draw or Freehand.

2. Other recommended resources..

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
  • Due to performance issues I have experienced using Dreamweaver's built-in FTP client ("Get" and "Put" commands"), I prefer to use a 3rd party software tool for this essential process. Personally, I use "WS_FTP" from Ipswitch, but "Filezilla" also comes highly recommended - and it's free!
    
    
• Text Editing
  • c:\windows\notepad.exe !!!
  • Programmers File Editor - Discontinued, but still more than capable.
  • Textpad - Cheap but extremely cheerful.
    
    
• Verdana
  • Microsoft page dedicated to the Font of Fonts!
  • WikiPedia page about verdana
    
    
• Coming soon..
  • PaintShop Pro Photo XI - pre-order yours now and save big!

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