COURSE OUTLINE/PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Class taught by Alan Weaver     email:  info @ big-pic.net

Photoshop Elements 3.0

This class is being taught in a PC/Windows environment.  If you work on a Mac, the commands are very much the same.  The apple (command) key is used in lieu of the control key.  Also, instead of right clicking, hold down the apple key with the mouse to get the context sensitive menu. 

System requirements: 

Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4

Windows XP with Service Pack 1 (recommended)

Intel Pentium III or 4 or faster processor

256MB RAM (512 or more strongly recommended)

600 MB hard disk space

Storage

A minimum of 40 gigabytes of storage is recommended for your PC.  If you wish to store images off the hard drive (recommended in case of system crash), use your CD burner.  If you have a USB port, use memory sticks. 

Book List

This is not mandatory to get a book, but there are many books readily available.  Below is a list of books and their ISBN #s.  They should be available at Barnes & Noble or Borders.  Order them online.

You may wish to have one book as a reference.  The teacher has copies of the books that you can review during break.  Although Elements 5.0 is now available, you will be learning techniques that are extremely similar. 

Topics to be reviewed

Note:  The goal of this class is to cover as much as possible on this list in a thorough fashion.  This is an introductory class and the goal is to give a good introduction to everyone in the class. 

·         Review of the tool bar

·         Adding text to an image

Ø       Adding special effects to text

Ø       Inserting a copyright or ID to photos to reduce chances of unauthorized use

·         Saving images for the web (or for email purposes)

·         Cropping photos

·         Adjusting color in images

·         Fixing exposure problems

·         Using photos in other forms

·         Repairing, retouching, replacing flaws

Color Printers

They cost from $35 to over a thousand dollars and higher.  For up to 8” x 10” prints, an inexpensive one may suffice.  If you plan on doing a lot of color printing, you may wish to purchase a higher quality printer that has separate ink wells for the each color.  That will help maximize yield.  Some photo printers have an additional blank ink cartridge.  Some machines use archival inks which supposedly last 75 years. 

It is recommended that you use name brand cartridges.  Refilling cartridges may work for casual work but may not provide optimal results for photos. 

There are also many different types of papers out there, from matte to glossy and in many different weights.  There are also cotton rag papers for special effects.  Camera Wholesalers in Stamford may be of assistance.