~*~New To PSP (Paint Shop Pro)?~*~

I remember feeling restricted with Microsoft Paint, and wanting something more challenging.  So I bought a new program "Paint Shop Pro X2" and began to learn to use it.  From experience I know that I have a really difficult time learning something knew unless I break it down and teach myself a little at a time.  I began to learn and became increasingly fascinated. 

I have made a few mistakes that I'm working to rectify now.  I'm hoping that this tip will help you avoid my mistakes and save you time in the future.

When you're learning to use PSP, you'll need some materials to practice with and something more than is supplied by Corel with you PSP program.  So here's one important step that I always use now when collecting "Freebies" to practice with.  First make a folder for each site you visit for "Freebies" this works great if you're collecting "Free Poser Tubes", "Free Scrap Kits",  free psp patterns or free psp masks or whatever you fancy.  Always Make a folder with the name of the site on it, if there is more than one designer or more than one sub-site you may wish to make sub-folders inside each site folder.  For example one of my favorite free poser tubes sites is Dic&VicBarnes @  http://www.dicvicbarnes.com/FreeTubes47.html  this link will take you to page 47 but if the site is new to you, start with page 1.  I made a folder with the name DicVicBarnes on it, then each tube has a number which comes in really handy.  You'll see what I mean as you progress with your PSP program.  Then
be sure to save at least one current copy of their TOU (Terms Of Use), saving the complete URL to your computer bookmarks is good to.  By the way they do update you when they post new tubes and they're very good at that.  They make quality tubes and if you use them be sure to credit them, pretty much every designer on the Internet wants credit for their work and you will too.  Be courteous, say thanks, and follow the rules for terms of use. Like I said DicVic is a great site. There are many sites like this, most of which also offer their products for purchase.  I for one do not buy from a site that only offers their failures or seconds as freebies, I don't trust their work if I can't see a quality product in the freebies. There are a few other sites I recommend for free poser tubes, outlawbydesign (updated every few months), Anita's tubes (not often updated apparently), and Graphic Allusions (which has a re-vamped site and is updated with a few more tubes regularly at this time), there's Lynne's Designs,  and Barbara Kermis's site (not poser tubes but very cute psp tubes). 

Now you're ready for the more complicated folders, for example "Needful Things" is a really great site.  There are individual sections for each individual designer.  I made a folder with "Needful Things" on it, then I made each designer on the site a folder inside my "Needful Things" folder.  I saved a copy of each designer's current terms of use (terms of use do change sometimes so if you're interested in less restricted terms, you'll need to keep that current). (* Maybe I should have mentioned this sooner but it slipped my mind.)  If you share a computer with other family members you may want to create a folder with your name on it, a general description of what you intend to use the folder for like free tubes or free scrap kits, etc.  I think the Pictures Folder on my computer may be the best place to place these folders, but I store mine in the documents folder because it's my son's computer and that's my assigned area. LOL. Now back to your freebie folders, always date your new freebies so that you don't wind up downloading the same things over and over like I did in the beginning.  

Another great resource I've found for free supplies are scrap kit sites.  I apply the same rules to those folders as to my tubes folders.  Everyone wants credit for their work and there are some restrictions depending on it the kits are for personal use or commercial use.  You may want to make two folders for your scrap kits though, the kits that look new, and the kits that look vintage.  *There are some really beautiful kits on Renderosity, they're not free though, when you're ready to buy scrap kits, look for "Sew&Sew" on Renderosity,  I can't remember the name of the store but there is a search option on Renderosity which helps a lot.  Also if you haven't already thought of this, type in free psp masks, or free psp patterns, etc. into the search box you most often use and you'll find some great free stuff for your PSP and often the individuals will give you instructions on how to install their goods into your PSP program. 

I use McAfee security right now, and it warns me that a site may have dangerous downloads.  Avoid those as much as possible.  I've been surprised by how many warnings I've gotten on some of the file storage sites that I've been using for years.  You'll have to use your own judgement whether to use these sites or not.

I've had no major problems with McAffee, but I've used Norton also and it seems to be a good security program.  You just have to decide which programs work best to meet your individual needs. 

**Never use the Internet without some kind of Internet security program protecting your computer.

I can't think of anything else to add at this time.  I'm still learning too.

I hope this helps.

May God Bless You Always,
Rosie (Rox)

P. S.  "The Golden Rule"
1.  Remember to credit everyone for their work, someday you'll want to be credited for yours. 
2.  Start out organized so you can find your stuff later.
3.  Remember to adhere to each artists terms of use.
4.  Treat others with gratitude and respect.
5.  Remember you are free to experiment with your PSP in the privacy of your own home.
6.  When you create an original that you're proud of remember to give yourself credit.  You may want to date every new creation so if you choose to improve on it later.
7.  Always save everything on a backup disks so you won't lose it if your computer goes to Computer Heaven. LOL.
8.  Don't be afraid to use general terms such as "free psp textures" in your search box.  I still love finding new and wonderful sites.

I must apologize to my English composition teachers and my journalism teachers.  Although those are two very distinct writing styles, I'm afraid I've created yet a third.  I'm a BLOGGER, what can I say?