Picasa

This is what Google says about Picasa:

• Locate and organize all the photos on your computer.
• Edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks.
• Share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web: it’s fast, easy and free.

I tried out the software and I think it is pretty decent, especially if you don't have a Mac. Why do I say that? Well, in my opinion, the photo management in Windows really sucks. I have used both Vista and XP to manage photos and I have to say that neither match up to the abilities of Mac's iPhoto(which may be why Google has not produced a Mac version of Picasa, there is just no need). So, Picasa is really good for XP and Vista users because it fills that lack of photo management software void. It is easily just as good as iPhoto. It even has more features.

Compare screenshots I made of Picasa (left) and iPhoto (right):












Features:

Import: Picasa imports all of your existing photos from your hard drive automatically when you first start up. You can then import more pictures from any device (camera, USB drive, etc) using the import button on the top. The neat thing about this feature is that Picasa will automatically organize the photos according to date, into albums. Lets say you went to the park with the family and took a bunch a pictures. You then import those picture into Picasa and it sets them up as an event according to the date (or action of importing in general - for events that span multiple dates) and puts them in an album. You can now see, manage, and edit all the photos you imported. Simple and amazing.

Get Organized: Picasa allows you to organize your photos according to albums. It would be the equivalent of creating a folder for your pictures in explorer but it does it much "easierly" and with a lot more style.

Edit: Picasa also works as a basic photo editor. You can fix red eye, add effects, change contrast, brightness, etc.

E-mail, Blog, Export: Picasa is tied to your Gmail account and you can use it to e-mail photos via email. You can also post photos directly to your blog using the "blog this" feature. Lastly, you can export photos out of Picasa in the same organized way your brought it in.

Collage and Screensavers: Last, but not least, you can make photo arrangements (collages) and screensavers using Picasa. They are easy to make and somewhat fun.

So there you have it. Picasa. Its a great piece of software for XP and Vista. Just make sure that you try it out and really like it before you purchase it. Wait a second.... Its FREE!!
DOWNLOAD IT NOW!