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Design Software

Posted: 18 Dec 2014, 06:21
by Larry Snyder
For years I have been using Paint.Net as my graphics program for my heraldry work. It is pretty sophisticated and did everything I required. I have just bought a new computer, changing from windows Vista to Windows 8.5. Paint.Net has a new version so I started the download to the new computer. This appears to be available only from third party download services and they insist that you first download something called “Zip7”. In hitting OK it then tried to push a bunch of other programs all of which I declined. To my dismay I found that those unwanted programs, and others had been downloaded anyway and my registries were infected. I was able to control the damage although I had to uninstall and reinstall one of my browsers. Needless to say, I did not proceed with the Paint.Net down load.

I’d like to know if others have had this experience or if you know of a truly “safe” download site. What are others using? I’d like to avoid the $500 cost of Coreldraw Graphics Suite. Are there other less expensive alternatives.

Your advice and comments are welcome. Thanks.

Re: Design Software

Posted: 18 Dec 2014, 09:36
by Chas Charles-Dunne
I am slowly teaching myself Inkscape.

https://www.inkscape.org/en/

Inkscape is a professional vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It's free and open source.

Re: Design Software

Posted: 18 Dec 2014, 10:26
by Martin Goldstraw

Re: Design Software

Posted: 18 Dec 2014, 13:25
by Mark Henderson
If you are interested, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free substitute for Adobe Photoshop. I would download it at http://www.gimp.org to avoid problems.

Re: Design Software

Posted: 18 Dec 2014, 13:54
by Chas Charles-Dunne
This is from Adobe -

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/cs2_downloads/index.html

Go through the hoops to create a profile and then finally you will come to the complete CS2 range (for Win and Mac) with the authorisation codes. The whole lot is about 3Gig, but you can download what you need.

Once you have it - it is yours to do with what you will. I would advise copying onto a cd/dvd in case of comuter change at a later date.

There are also many free to download add-on (filters, brushes and the like) available on the net - Google is your friend.

Re: Design Software

Posted: 22 Dec 2014, 02:38
by Ryan Shuflin
I also use inkscape.

Re: Design Software

Posted: 06 Jan 2016, 19:08
by RBeste
My choice has been Coreldraw vers. 5 through 16. I'm still using windows 7 until they come out with a windows 11 (which should fix most of the problems others are having with ungrades). Then I will move to Coreldraw 17 or whatever. This package gives you both vector and bitmap capabilities with a large variety of file conversion options.

Bob

Re: Design Software

Posted: 06 Jan 2016, 19:18
by Chris Green
You do realise that there isn't going to be a Windows 11?

Re: Design Software

Posted: 06 Jan 2016, 19:29
by RBeste
Chris Green wrote:You do realise that there isn't going to be a Windows 11?


Chris
I'm sure it will have another name then, because there are lots of problems with that one (But not as bad as windows 6) :D

Re: Design Software

Posted: 06 Jan 2016, 20:10
by Chris Green
I quote The Verge:

Microsoft has altered the way it engineers and delivers Windows, and the initial result is Windows 10. Instead of big releases, there will be regular improvements and updates. Part of this is achieved by splitting up operating system components like the Start Menu and built-in apps to be separate parts that can be updated independently to the entire Windows core operating system. It's a big undertaking, but it's something Microsoft has been actively working on for Windows 10 to ensure it spans across multiple device types.