The requirements, according to Adobe, for this program are: 486 or faster Intel processor; windows 3.1 with DOS 5.0 or windows 95 or NT 3.1.5 or later; 16 MB or RAM; 25 MB available hard disk space; 256 color display adapter; CD-ROM drive. However, their recommendations are: Pentium or Pentium Pro processor; windows 95, NT 3.1.5 or later; 32 MB of RAM; 24-bit color display adapter; sound card; Acceleration products bearing the "Adobe Charged" logo.

Photoshop 4 is comprised of two CD's, a manual, a quick start guide, a quick reference card, and a registration card if the product is not an upgrade.

The Application CD-ROM contains the following software: 1 - All software necessary to install Photoshop 4, plug in modules, tutorial files, Type Manager utility, and numerous sample files. 2 - The Goodies folder which includes texture for the Lighting Effects plug-in filter, the Filter Factory plug-in for creating one's own plug-in filters, and the Adobe PS Printer Driver. 3 - QuickTime for windows version 2.1.1 for viewing movies included on the CD's. 4 - Adobe Technical Library accessed through Acrobat PDF files. 5 - Stock art for personal, not commercial use. 6 - Adobe Acrobat Reader. 7 - Adobe Photoshop Overview which give an excellent overview of some of the old as well as the key new features contained in PS4. In addition, this overview movie with sound demonstrates many tips and techniques.

The Adobe Photoshop Tutorial CD-ROM also has many features. It demonstrates various techniques which are further outlined in the Photoshop 4 manual as well as giving the user the ability to print out PDF files that include step-by-step instructions for both basic and advanced techniques.

Photoshop 4 includes many new features and modifications of some of those found in versions 3.0.X. However, PS4's interface is similar enough that anyone familiar with 3.0.5 (or earlier 3.0 versions) will have no trouble. Some of the new features are:

Interface enhancements that allow for tasks to be completed through the clicking of a button rather than through the accessing of a command from a menu.

Actions for automating tasks that allow the user to record a sequence of events so that these same actions can be duplicated. Adjustment layers for tonal and color correction effects that allow the user to modify a layer without disturbing it. This allows for multiple changes without having to possibly start from scratch. Digital watermarking for copyright protection that should help alleviate the hazard of plagiarism.

New tools, features, and their increased capability such as: zooming and viewing features which allow for incremental changes; new selection tools which allow the movement of borders only; increased options with the gradient tool for creating and saving one's own gradients; new transformation features that allow for more flexibility in modifying layers; new palettes such as the Action palette for recording scripts and the Navigator palette for monitoring and controlling the viewing of an image.

The above list of new features does not list all of the new and modified features found in Photoshop 4.

I installed Photoshop 4 on a Pentium 100 with 64 megs of ram. It installed flawlessly. I then installed QuickTime and ran the Overview from the Application CD-ROM. I found this series of movies to be well done and very informative. I believe that I will play some of them a few times, at least.

Once into Photoshop 4, I decided to try out some of its new features by using an original photo and drastically changing it in the same manner as I had done using 3.0.5. I cannot praise Photoshop 4 too much. Once I became used to the added features, which did not take long, I found that this new version gave me a lot more control over my image and also made the tasks much easier. For example, a very simple concept that is included in this new version is incremental magnification. This is a bigger time saver than I would have imagined. Another example is the adjustment layers. Now one can make changes and not worry about the undo command. I really could go on and on. In the task that I set out to do for this review, I did not personally encounter any bugs or problems.

Another aspect of this program that I would like to praise is the manual. I found it to be one of the best written and informative that I have ever read. Normally, I find that I purchase more 3rd party books for the programs that I use constantly than I would like. I do this for clarification of points and ideas on techniques. This Photoshop 4 package eliminates this need. In the tutorial, tour, and the excellent manual, Adobe has included a tremendous base of knowledge that is easily accessible and, I found, extremely clear to understand.

When I review programs, especially if I am having any trouble them, I check the appropriate forums on CompuServe to try to ascertain whether the problem is specific to my system or is more generally apparent. I have found that the sysops on the Adobe PC forums to be knowledgeable and to treat the patrons with respect. Thus, I feel that these forums are an excellent additional source for information.

It should be obvious that I really like Adobe's Photoshop 4 program.

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