Where to find good cheap hard drives and graphics tablets?

Graphics Cataloging Tools

• Hi!! Thanks for your interes in my question. I have acumulated a large ammount of Paint Shop Tubes and other graphics, however, it has become increasingly difficult to find images easily; Paint shop has an Image browser that works very well if you have lets say, a couple hundred pictures, but when you get to thousands of images, you need something better than just a simple browser. I am lookig for a tool that will allow me to catalog my images in .gif, .jpg, .psp, .bmp, .png, .tiff, etc; and will allow me to search by keywords, titles, etc. If you are familiar with Print Master, then you will know what I am talking about. Usually, in Print Master, if I enter a Keyword, it will search it's database of images and will only show me the thumbnails of the images that matched my query, but I also have the option of looking by categories, such as Animals, People, cartoons, Office, etc. I want a program that will alow me to do the same with my images; to build the database by imputing keywords on each image and to be able to see a variety of thumbnails that match my searched word. Usually the same picture can be found in diferent folders, so the program does cross-reference from one folder to another, and is not bound to one single category. If possible, (Not necesary) I would like the program to be able to search in other drives, so that I can burn this graphics on CD's and enter the information of the CD on the program, that way it will request either CD 1, CD 2, or CD 3. (Remember, this is optional) I know that there is tons of programs out there, but that's exactly my problem!!! I want to find the EASIEST to use, most reliable and with good reviews by it's users. (In other words Idiot proof!) I know, I need "Graphic Cataloging for Dummies", but untill the Dummies books comes out with one, I will need the help of the wise ones here in Google Answers. I would like to find the best program for my needs out there, both for Purchase, or Freeware (prefered). Thanks again for your help in this matter!!! Sincerely, Midnight Cat.

• Answer:

  Hi Midcat, Thanks for your interest in my suggestion. I apologize for the late response because I was so busy with another project. Before I start I'd like to tell you that I'm in no way representing ACDSee regarding the product I'm referring to you. My recommendation comes from my personal use of the product. To give you an idea of the software, ACDSee is not just an ordinary image browser. It can handle numerous file types and can even be used as a file browser just like Windows Explorer. ACDSee has it's own image editing program. Although the program is not as sophisticated as Photoshop, Photo Pro, or any other professional image editing software, you'll find it very useful for quick and minor image modifications. It has numerous plug-ins to decode and encode various file types, image plug-ins for digital cameras, and some more plugins that adds functionality to the software. ACDSee 6.0 http://www.acdsystems.com/english/products/acdsee/index.asp?LAN=EnglishX60 Now, let's answer your questions: 1) Can it handle .PSP (Paint Shop Pro) Files? Affirmative! I'm not sure about ACDSee version 6 but with version 5 you can manage Paint Shop Pro file versions 5 and 6. Since you're using version PSP 7, this is something you may want to inquire from the manufacturer. The workaround, in case it's still not able to handle version 7 PSP files is to export the file to version 5 or 6. Aside from the usual bitmap file types, ACDSee can also run some video and audio files -- making it a really versatile and useful all-in-one tool. 2) Can you place Keywords on each and every file in order to search for them at a later time? Absolutely. ACDSee has it's own database to manage all the files it can handle. You can place your desired keyword for any file you want by right-clicking on the file then Properties>Database tab. On the "Description" box, type the keyword you want for the file and you may specify the category you want for the file on the "Categories" tab in that same window. The next time you search for the file using the keyword, you simply type it in "With the text:" box in the Search box -- It's that simple. And yes, it will display the thumbnails of your search result. 3) How easy it is to use? (Tell me the truth, remember, even the DuMMY book need reading twice sometimes to figure them out!! LOL!!!) Given the description I gave you in number 2, it's my turn to ask you, "How hard could it be?" You won't need a book "for Dummies" to use this software. You can always press F1 for help and you can read the software's documentation for additional info. Believe me, it's so easy to use. Bottomline, if you know how to read, you know how to use ACDSee. Additional file management tip: Aside from relying on the software's database, you can also make specific category folders of your choice using Windows Explorer (or ACDSee) so that less time is consumed when you search for a file in a specific category. This makes your management of the files more efficient. Search strategy: Personal knowledge + some info search from ACDsee website I hope this helps you. Should you have any comments/questions, please feel free to post your clarification before rating this and I'll attend to you as soon as possible. Thanks for asking. Best regards, Feilong