In terms of editing, Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard here and, though it is extremely powerful, it is also somewhat complicated and a tad expensive. Thankfully, there are several free alternatives that can get the job done.

One example is GIMP, a photo tool that is another one I hear is in use at Mad Mariner. If you learn to use it, the GNU Image Manipulation Program can do it all. I'm no expert but I can fumble my way through the basics. This application was first available on Linux but now exists for Windows, too.

Picnik is another option. This is a web-based photo-editing tool. Its basic features are free, or you can subscribe for access to more powerful options. This requires no software to be loaded on your machine (beyond the web browser) and allows editing, cropping and basic photo retouching.

Digikam is a Linux/KDE based program for organizing and tagging your photo collection. In my opinion, it is the best free software in this arena – if you are running an operating system that can support it.

There are also web-based photo sites, such as Flickr and Picassa, which is now owned by Google. Both are full-featured, web-based photo solutions that allow you to upload photos, edit them, tag them, display them on a personal page (both publically to the world at large and privately to a small group of friends or family) and order prints from a number of vendors. Both also have optional downloadable software.

These services are more than just web applications. Both sites represent large communities – millions of people – who want to share photos. But that doesn't mean you need to fully participate. Users on these sites participate according to their needs. A professional photographer might display scores of well-edited photos, while a boater in California might upload a dozen shots of his latest Catalina trip. How you use them is up to you.

Both sites have free options or trials, which give you basic capabilities and limited storage. You can then pay a small fee to upgrade. So, which one is best? Ask 12 users and you will get 12 opinions. The best plan is to look them both over and try them using a small batch of photos (it costs you nothing). Your preference will become clear very quickly.

Again, make sure and keep backups of all pictures and files that are important to you. Never count on a third party, especially a free application, to safeguard your data.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment is another onboard application that can be handed over to your computer. Many music and video players are available, and for those inclined toward video games, you can find those too.

VLC Media Player is an incredible resource. It can play nearly any audio or video format that you throw at it, and is available for Windows, Mac and Linux. Apple provides it's iTunes application for use with its iPod music players, but it also can be downloaded and run on your machine (Mac or PC), even without an iPod. The application is free and gives you the ability to play all kinds of entertainment, including both free and paid material.

For those who like games, there is Sudoku, a free version of the popular and apparently addictive game. There's Poker – need I say more? – and Mines, a free version of the popular Windows Minesweeper game.

Of course, there are many sites out there that provide games, including aggregator sites that provide them by the thousands. Some are web games and others require a download. Many are games created in Adobe's Flash programming language, requiring that you download Adobe's Flash plug in for your browser.