Basics - GIMP 2.6 for Photographers: Image Editing with Open Source Software - page 3

1.2 Introduction
1.2.1 Using GIMP 2.6 - About This Topic
If you are reading this topic, you are probably interested in learning how
to touch up your digital photographs or create your own graphics or logos.
However, before investing hundreds of dollars on expensive software, you
may want to make sure that manipulating digital photographs is something
you truly enjoy. That's where GIMP 2.6—a free digital image editing program—
comes in. You most likely want to learn how to use this free software to
improve your photographs.
This topic is designed to facilitate your entry into the world of digital
image editing with the help of GIMP 2.6. Using hands-on examples, this topic
will provide solutions to common problems encountered when editing digital
images. The instructions are structured in a step-by-step fashion. Each editing
tool and function of GIMP 2.6 will be explained in simple language. You will
learn the fundamentals of digital editing, familiarize yourself with common
image editing tools and their functions, and acquire a working knowledge of
the GIMP 2.6 program.
This topic is not a reference guide for GIMP 2.6. It was created to provide
you with a set of “learning-by-doing” instructions that will explain how GIMP
works, what the program's most important functions are, and how to easily
locate and use these tools.
Since GIMP was born of the Linux world, it is free. On the CD that
accompanies this topic, you will ind GIMP 2.6 along with several plug-ins
(add-ons) for the application. You'll also find copies of the sample images used
in the exercises contained in this topic .
Digital image editing programs often seem more complex than the more
common software programs, such as word processors. Sometimes you must
perform a number of preparatory steps before you can see a result on the
computer screen. However, if you're experienced with computers, certain
commands should be familiar to you.
Whether you're a Windows, Linux, or a Mac OS user, GIMP works essentially
the same way, with the exception of the installation process. GIMP is often
distributed with Linux. If you use Windows or Mac OS, you will have to install
the program. This topic will show you how.
Once you have explored GIMP and learned how to use it, you may not
need—nor want—to buy another image editing program. If you do decide
to migrate to another program, you will have to familiarize yourself with a
new interface. However, you'll quickly discover that the basic commands,