Do you mean Irfanview? That doesn't convert your photos to jpeg unless you tell it to, but it can read RAw photos. I'm not sure if it allows any adjustments to them though. The newest version has lots of new features apparently.

You could try Photofiltre, it is a free program, for some PP work. I don't think it includes a RAW converter though.

Later Photoshop Elements versions are availble fairly cheaply now, PSE 4 certainly handles RAW though you will need the update from Abobe for it to handle the K10D RAW
Maybe that is all that is wrong with your PSE3 version?

I can't comment on the Pentax software. I have a Ds and have never used the software that came with it. I do know that the software with the K10D is a whole lot better than previous versions though.

I always back them up to DVD. Important ones also go onto CD-R for photos from Fuji, as well as onto an external harddrive. When I am done with them I remove them from the main computer. PSE6 keeps a track of them all for me.

Rechargeable CR V3s produce too many amps I believe. You need to check carefully that the output of the rechargeables matches exactly the output of normal CR V3s or you can seriously damage your camera.
I use nonrechargeable CR V3s in my Ds and they last for ages

You weren't to know!

Iceblinker - this dog is not Merlin. Merlin was a lovely Border collie.

Pete,
I would crop a bit as Iceblinker suggests, then maybe lighten the fence a bit - you could try burning it, and then try a gaussian blur over it.

Pete I am sorry to hear about Merlin. I know what it is to lose a much loved dog.

There I was expecting Merlin!

Nice photo but the background is way too distracting. Otherwise a good photo of a difficult subject. Black dogs are hard to get right.


Edit:
Are you keeping the K10D now Pete?

A great set Lilly. I love the lighting on the second one.
They must have had a cold bum sat on that bench

Well I would call the guy in the first photo george. Not after our esteemed forum member, but after gorgeous George - he is a very handsome bug. (Maybe 'andsome 'Arry would be better?)

Great photos again Clarky. I agree with xbow though - they don't do a lot to make me want to visit OZ I'm afraid.

I have the Qstarz GPS device, Works well. I am very happy with it. www.Qstarz.com.
The Sony one will also work with it or there is a really neat new one - the ATP - http://photofinder.atpinc.com/what.html

If you have a Garmin satnav that can also be used as a tracker I believe.