Every once in awhile a very practical program is released for consumer use, and such is the case of CompuPic Pro. Basically, this is an advanced digital content manager that allows the user to create Photodex Picture CDs, and to publish images to the Internet with the Web Page Generator (included). It also allows you to convert photo file formats of large batches of files using their Advanced Batch Conversion feature. This includes the ability to work with BMP, GIF, JPEG, PCX, TGA and other photo formats. There are over 45 formats, including common image, sound and video formats that are capable of being handled by CompuPic Pro.

The program allows you to perform advanced file management operations, quickly view files of different formats, and to manipulate photos and images. It is not necessary for the user to know which type of file he or she is working with, as it would be automatically recognized and then allow you to work with the output in any format you desire. The results can be viewed as thumbnail photos, tiled images, full sized images and zoomed in to give you close detail. It handles real time panning of photos. In addition, this program supports Windows drag and drop, copy and move, rename, search functions and advanced sorting features. You can also browse off-line CDs and disks.

Some of the features of this fine program allow the user to create web pages using images in any layout. It is also possible to send e-mails directly from the program and include one or more photo images. Using the Internet, you can transmit picture greeting cards and upload photos directly to photo repositories on the web and make them available to friends and family.

A CD-ROM contains the program and other information which is installed on your hard drive. After the install, the program opens to a very informative guided tour, and the user can gain added insight to the workings of the program by viewing the "Tip of the Day" every time the program is opened. This feature can be turned off if desired. The interface resembles Windows Explorer in that there is a file tree layout on the left side of the screen, a larger photo display on the right and a small space on the lower left which presents a screen shot of each selected photo or text display. It is possible to use this program in Windows 9x, a Macintosh format or in several versions of Unix/Linux.

The files can be listed and displayed on the screen in Text Format, by an Icon Thumbnail (which exhibits a very small photo and pertinent written data about each photo), a separate thumbnail, or in Windows style. This becomes a personal preference sort of thing, depending on the number of files you would be working with. By clicking on one photo, a screen shot appears on the lower left side of the screen. You can either right-mouse button click on it or address it through the menu and review the properties of each photo. The information shown is the file name, size and type of image. The resolution is displayed, along with bit size per pixel and the color rendition. And, finally, a keyword can be added for location purposes or sorting.

The user guide is well written and concise. It fully explains the many functions of the program in a logical manner and how the user can address the various operations contained within. There are many program options set forth in the Tools menu and in other locations and the overall result is that CompuPic Pro can really be fine-tuned to the user's personal requirements, including (but not limited to) password protection, screen saver display, sound effects, thumbnail options, wallpaper changes, etc., etc., etc.

Photodex Corporation is located at 1106 Clayton Lane, #440W, Austin, Texas, 78723. They can be reached on the Internet through and they furnish support for the program on a 24/7 basis. The cost of the CD-ROM version of this program is $99.95.

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