Of course one thing, and someone did bring it up earlier, is the matter of OSs. Is this course only going to be Windows or is it Windows and Mac? I will assume that Linux is not to be an option, though if I was going of a not-OS specific course I would include it, Just because it is an excellent, well used, free OS. But I believe that may not be relevant to the course, just a question. Again what is the course to be? A few details would help because the good recommendations depend on that information.

Thank you for pointing out what seems to have been missed by others. It would be nice though to know the nature of Mr. DeSario's students and the expectations from the course.

I agree with that. I suspect that for my next system I will return to a Linux OS and run the Windows apps virtually.[/quote]
I run unbuntu on my server
I used to run redhat
Red hat used to have licensing problems with suns java engine
I think they finally got that cleared up
I have also played around with susi and cents
My recommendation would be unbent
The problem with linux is you have to be a bit technical to get by
I got rid of my last windows albacore 3 years ago
There are a few applications that windows has that you can't get on a Mac
There's usually a substitute but not always
From my research photo slideshow software is better on windows
The vendor doesn't support Mac
The name escapes me now
Maybe some body
Can refresh my memory
I use adobe
After effect though its a tough learning curve and takes more time but it's very powerful

Russ[/quote]

I have ran a number of Linux distributions before. At the time of my first install (I always do my own Linux installs) it was the mid 90s and at that time you had to disassemble your box to get the manufacture and model numbers in order to determine which drivers to install. I also would do complies, builds and install and wrote some of my own software (usually small apps). I normally will run from a terminal when on a Unix/Linux box. I learned general purpose computer on a Unix System. So I do expect to much of an issue. I would probability go with either openSuse or Debian :-).

One thing that bothers me about Picasa is that it seems rather limited. I can't find a detail description. I will admit that most free software is limited. Also Picasa seem to be less about real editing of photography an more of preparing you shot for the web or a scrapbook. You may want to check out Paint.net with or with out the plug-ins simple but not to limited for a beginner and can be expanded with plug-ins.

I have a number of commercial editors and use GIMP for a good bit of stuff as well, but for beginners I highly recommend staying away from GIMP and Photoshop of any kind(not free anyway). Keep it simple. I have an number of friends that use both Photoshop and GIMP and I have spent a good bit of time showing them how to use the products Neither is user friendly to the general user and both seriously need redesign before they are suitable to the general public. Yes Bob, I know that CS5 is sold to the general public, but so was the Chev Vega. And yes I will use them if it suits my needs, but after years I know my way around in the software. Keep beginners away from overly complicated software.

That is a matter of opinion. And an opinion that I strongly disagree with. Photoshop CS is an excellent program, but even at half price it is way over priced. Depending on how you work and what your end objective is there are often far better choices than the much bragged of Photoshop. For most people both Photoshop and GIMP are gross over kills.

I agree with that. I suspect that for my next system I will return to a Linux OS and run the Windows apps virtually.

First hflare, if you had read the thread you would have realized that both Annabelle and myself, not to mention a few others are every versed in computers. You would do well to assume that we know what we are talking about. We may have different opinions, but we've been around enough to know that we are talking about.
I can't speak for anyone else. But when I say blue screen of death I only refer to the screen that is show as the computer locks on to it and remains there and there only with no further action. The system dies and you set there look at a screen with a text message. I have seen this on every Windows OS through Windows 7. Before I retired we would see 7 crash with a blue screen several times a week, sometimes several times a day. If your work for a software company in QA it is a normal occurrence. We If you have not seen a blue screen, I suspect that you only work with one or two computers and with a very limited array of software. You seem to have far too much faith in marketing hype.

Hflare As I said early I run Windows 7 and have seen a number of blue screens and after Googling the error message found in the event log i found that the failure in Windows 7 is not uncommon. That combined with over 40 years in computers of one type or another I can tell you that given enough time and conditions any complex system will fail. Windows still fails and like all OS always will. Your computer experience must be very limited for you to believe otherwise.

If you have to be long winded to state the truth, then please do so. Personally I find it refreshing when someone else, states what should be obvious to all. And what is the obsession with the best. The best is undefinable unless you set down and extremely narrow set of conditions, which are more often than not impractical of everyday life.

That is one nice shot.

The few wedding photographers that I know have a special nack and personality that fits with the social and hectic atmosphere of weddings. They travel light and work quickly and quietly as much in the background as possible. I believe to succeed at wedding photography will take as much people skills as it does photographic. That is why I don't do weddings. Grumpy old goats don't do well in that kind of thing.

This is probability as good of advice as you can give or get. I will add one more thing to it. If there is a good camera club near you you may want to join or at least attend a few meeting before you spend you money. Many member will tell you about the service of the local stores and stores often give discounts to club member. Also, many photographers like to brag and will bring their camera to meeting where you can hold them and sort of take a quick hands on tour. There is nothing better than direct feedback. I think that I may have already said that somewhere...

The full fame thing is not always the issue that many crank it up to be. And the D7000 (The upcoming D400 will be even better) seems to be going toe to toe with the big boys on image quality. Are you doing sports? If not frames speed may not be an issue either. Fit the camera to YOUR needs and personal fit. It matters not what anyone other than the photographer needs and likes are.

I'm glad to see that you found the problem. For my part I am sorry if anything that I said mislead you. I like, many others, felt your pain. You have been a very good sport to put up with us. We did wish to help. If nothing else, hope that we provided moral support. Have of good day:-).

Welcome. You do realize that, living in East Tennessee, you live in the center of the universe... right? Go Vols!!! Bet you've heard that a few times. I was raised in Knoxville, now live in western North Carolina, but we are still pulling for Pat Summit. I hope that you enjoy Tennessee as much as I have.