Ah were to begin. Some of the best things in life are free. I am also almost a beginner in digi photography but I do have some programs onmy "puter". Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 starter is now a free download. I also have ArcSoft Photo Impression 4 (a disc left-over from my old computer) it works and it edits photos. I have a hp a330n PC and it had a few photo editing software with the installed package. I bought an Epson CX 5200 combo copier/printer and this also included some photo editing software. There was a photo editing software disc with the camera I bought so now I have a few photo editing software. One program will even convert color photos to either black/white or sepia.
I think, if you buy any camera, printer, copier or PC you will also receive many photo-editing software packages. Now mind you, the photos you get will not be museum grade or National Geographic quality but they will be very good and good enough to show to your friends.
Two good sources for advanced info is a subscription to a digital photo mag. and my favorite (FREE and daily hints and tips sent to your "puter") The Kim Komando Show website
www.komando.com look in "tip of the day" and shareware.
Have fun and remember A digital darkromm is cheaper in the long run than a film darkroom. You also have loooooooots of leeway to experiment and make mistakes.
Some photo software that you can buy has an array of tools that will make your head swim. For a first time get something that is CHEAP and easy to learn and then graduate to a higher level. Even some of the very simple software may take a year to master but is well worth the effort. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />