System Requirements: Windows XP / 2000 / NT 4.0 SP 5 / ME / 98; Pentium II with 300 MHz or compatible; RAM 128 MB (ME, 98, NT 4) or 192 MB (XP, 2000); 60 MB disk space (allow extra for images).

The installation of the program went very well. After the installation I was given the choice whether or not I would like to start the program. I chose not to start it at that time so I could start it from the beginning to see how everything worked. I was surprised to find when it started that it is a demo version and could not use TIFF or GIF files without going to their web site and buying the full version. I have 20 days with this version to make a decision to keep it or uninstall it. The program has some tutorials on the CD which can be installed on your hard drive. I installed the image processing tutorial. The tutorials are read with Acrobat Reader. However, I found that using Acrobat Reader the information was so small I could hardly read the information. However, you can click on help from the menu bar and bring up extensive information that is easy to see and read on all aspects of the program.

My first computer was an IBM PC shortly after they became available. I have been reading books, asking questions, and teaching myself how to use the computer and software from the beginning. Therefore, I wanted to see how easy it would be for a person with little computer experience to use the program. I clicked start, programs, StudioLine, and started the program. The main screen is easy to understand. At the top is a menu with File, Edit, Preferences, and Help. Below that list is a row of icons to choose a variety of functions which are briefly explained as the mouse pointer is dragged across them including a trash can to dispose of work not wanted. On the left side of the screen is a column which can hold folders of your work at the top of which are three icons; search, new folder, and up one level. The right side is the work area at the bottom of which is another selection of six buttons; load images, edit, slide show, Web gallery, e-mail, and print. Most of the functions work with either “drag-and-drop” or “slider bars.” Using “load images” I selected a picture taken in the shadow of a tree. The picture is of Channel 12 sportscaster, Greg Simmons with Silks the Clown. I dragged the image onto the work area. When “load images” is selected you get an options screen. Using “copy”, I made a duplicate to use for comparison. Selecting “edit” from the menu at the bottom brought up a list of icons for a good variety of tools which I used to experiment on the copy. I was very pleased with how easy it was to use the various tools and the quality of the picture when finished. Compare the before and after below.

Although this program does not have layers and some of the other tools which other, more expensive programs have, it is a very good program for adjusting the quality of photos and has a variety of effects that can be applied. It can be used for slide shows and sending pictures by e-mail. Technical support is available from H&M’s Web site at www.studioline.net. You can also purchase the program or download a trial version from the web. The cost from the web site was just under $50.00. I called CompUSA and found they do not carry the program. I also looked for it on Amazon.com and could not find the program.

The program has some other features and tools which I did not try out. I did try to send a picture by e-mail and found that Microsoft Outlook was needed which I do not use. In general this program has very good qualities; easy to use, a good help menu, many good tools for correcting photographs, and a good assortment of tools for adding artistic touches to your work. I would recommend it to anyone who wants an inexpensive means for touching up photographs.