Geek opinions / recommendations for XP requested

[tomato]

I lost all my software except for the Microsoft Suite when I had to blank my HD a month ago to get rid of a virus.

Part of the software I lost was my photo editing software, my CD burning software (I believe it was Roxio?) my DVD player, and some other stuff I don't even remember.

Does anyone have some recommendations for any shareware they use to do photo editing on the HD (as opposed to uploading photos to services such as picasa, etc.) and CD / DVD burning software?

This computer is running XP BTW.

I was suprised to notice that nothing came with the computer, so once I blanked the drive, all I had was the restore CD with some of the drivers (not all), the OS and the MS suite I bought separately.

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

PS. I know I will have to replace this computer in the near future because it's getting a bit long in the tooth so I don't want to spend tons of money on software for XP.

[RedHatch08]

For photo editing, you might want to look for an older version of Adobe Photoshop Elements. The one I have, that I used with XP, I think is version 5.

It should be able to do anything you need, and since there are newer versions out, you should be able to find it for cheap. Plus when you do upgrade computers in the future, it's still a good piece of software, and you don't have to upgrade Photoshop versions if it still does all you need.

[jpmck03]

Paint.NET is some good free software.



Here are five different CD/DVD authoring tools that you can use... I used ImgBurn back in the day, and I had no complaints.

I'm guessing that you have a copy of Office of some sort. If not...

OpenOffice.org is a decent free office/productivity suite.



If your computer is getting a little old, maybe some Linux might save you... but that's a whole 'nother thread.

[RedRide]

As far as CD/DVD buning software, I got a great program for you.

I also used to use Roxio years ago but, I also lost as you did.
However, I found a great freeware program called "CD Burner XP"
Don't let the title put you off as it also works with Win 2000, Vista, Win7 etc as well as XP,
It willl burn CD, DVD, Blue Ray, HD DVD.

Anyway, I love it and it will do everthing you want and more. It has all the bells and whistle you could want, but is easy to use. It is also updated frequently and all you need to do to upgrade is install the new vers over an old one.

After using it you will wonder how Roxio can charge money for a program that is not as good as "CD BurnerXP". I have been using it for a few years and I'm completely satisfied with it
I guarentee you wiil love it!

For all the info and to DL it:
http://cdburnerxp.se/

[yarrr]

I have photoshop CS3, and haven't used it in years because GIMP does everything I need it to and more, and runs about 100 times as quick as PS.

[GeneralDon7]

I use Photoshop elements 5 on my one home computer and photoshop cs4 on my work ones. There is also sumopaint which is an online photoshop equivalent.I get a roxio cd on every computer I purchase so I have quite a few spares 30+. I have also used Express Burn Disc Burning Software 4.37, it works great and is free.

[tomato]

Thanks, guys for the ideas. I'm gonna look into them.

the reason I don't want to buy anything right now for that computer is that my next computer will likely not be 32 bit anymore so I don't want to be stuck with old software I can't use.

Might even get a Mac

Any other ideas, please keep them coming thanks

[Altitude]

Originally Posted by tomato

Might even get a Mac

Nnnnnoooooo!!!!!!!!!!

[SilverBack]

Good thread. As much as I've been wanting to get PS over the years, it was always the price-tag that stopped me (even my rent's not that high). And I can't even afford Office 2007 right now

While still on the subject, what do you guys recommend for video editing?

[GeneralDon7]

I install my 32 bit programs on my 64 bit windows 7 all the time. Even Microsoft 2010 they recommend installing the 32 bit version which works just fine. For Photoshop I use the 32 bit version more then the 64 bit.

[GeneralDon7]

Originally Posted by SilverBack

Good thread. As much as I've been wanting to get PS over the years, it was always the price-tag that stopped me (even my rent's not that high). And I can't even afford Office 2007 right now

While still on the subject, what do you guys recommend for video editing?

I would suggest if your a student or know of one, get the academic version, it is a whole lot cheaper. I just bought the CS4 web premium suite for 1600 for work. But I found out the academic version which I could have bought, was 400 for the same thing.

[tk-421]

Originally Posted by Altitude

Nnnnnoooooo!!!!!!!!!!

+10000

Just install Linux into your existing PC and add 1 or 2GB or RAM. It'll feel like a brand new computer.

There are also various options for photo-editing apps for this platform, including Picasa.

[tomato]

Originally Posted by Altitude

Nnnnnoooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by tk-421

+10000

just checking to see if you were paying attention

[eTiMaGo]

Photos - Picasa for the basic stuff (organizing albums, uploading, etc), and paint.net for retouching

Burning, gotta go with ImgBurn. It' maybe not sooooo user-friendly, but works very very well.

And yeah... make the jump to Linux, it's not that arcane anymore :)

Bernie, I'm back on Lucid now

[tk-421]

Originally Posted by eTiMaGo

Bernie, I'm back on Lucid now

Nicely done, sir!