Michael Harper’s Tech & Art Blog

Google has recently released a beta version of the 3rd installation of their user-friendly, photo management software called Picasa. This is yet another handy and free product that has been added to Google’s arsenal of software and services (they will one day rule the world). Picasa is incredibly easy to setup and install but, mainly it’s - in my opinion - the easiest and most straight-forward photo management software anywhere. I never was very drawn to a lot of these vendor-made programs that try to persuade you to use their hardward and buy more of their crap. Here are just a few of the reasons (there are plenty more) I prefer Picasa as my photo editor and viewer:

• Linux compatible: This is a must have for any Linux users out their looking for a dependable and reliable program to organize their photos. I have it installed on all my Ubuntu computers.
• Very fast: In Windows Vista & XP, Picasa was able to sort, browse and manipulate more photos faster than Windows Explorer. A small RAM footprint allows you to take care of business while still running your regular programs. Very convenient.
• Simple editing - Cropping, straightening, adjusting lighting, contrast & exposure, filters, and even a “retouching” tool that works a lot like the healing or cloning brush in other image editing programs makes it simple to get the results you want. The editing in Picasa is non-destructive and the changes are stored internally in the Picasa database while the original remains untouched. You can still export the finished product, along with emailing and uploading which now even includes FTP support to your favorite websites. Also included is a text tool that allows you to throw text on your shots to add captions to your summer vacation or weekend getaway.
• Fine tuning - Editing goes beyond the basics and allows you to adjust the levels in your photo to give it the look you desire. Once again, the changes are non-destructive and can always be undone. The fine tuning category includes fill light, highlights, shadows, color temperature & neutral color picker.
• Effects - Basic effects are thrown in to give this program the added features that can be keep you from having to purchase Photoshop Elements or other image manipulation programs. The effects category includes sharpen, sepia, b&w, warmify, film grain, tint, saturation, soft focus, glow, filtered b&w, focal b&w and graduated tint. A collage tool makes it simply to create artistic or simplistic multi-shot JPG files that can even have text-based watermarks.
• Sharing - I already mentioned the FTP feature but besides that, you are given 1024 MBs (a Gig) of storage space to upload pictures to your Picasa web albums online. All you need is a Google account (shouldn’t you already have one of those?). Your basic email function can include photos as an attachment or send a link to your recipients to your online web folder.
• Syncronization - Though Picasa is designed to be used by a single user, it can function as a multi-computer photo-sync tool through your online web folders. This can be useful at times.

That about wraps it up. Go to picasa.google.com to download the program or watch the demo video at Google’s site. Good luck!

UPDATE: To make Picasa your deafult photo editor & importer, insert media card or connect camera. When the prompt opens, select the drop-down that says “Open with other Application” then choose “Use custom command” at the bottom of the next window. Type in “picasa” and click ok. Be sure to check “Always perform this action” and you’re finished. No more F-Spot (Not that we didn’t like you F-Spot. You were great, really.)

FURTHER UPDATES: Upon reinstalling Picasa 3 on my desktop Ubuntu system, a message popped up at the beginning of install that mentioned, “Type /opt/google/picasa/3.0/bin/gnomehalintegration.sh to replace your deafult photo importer.” I typed just that and a window openned in Gnome that had a yes or no choice. Works great.