I am trying to install the software from the supplied CD. Pretty as it looks, when I select a language - any language - the next dialogue box is in strange characters that don't even look to be Japanese.
By trial and error I managed to install the browser, but every combination failed when it came to the Laboratory software.
This sort of thing is stupid and the cost must be trivial compared to the investment in the camera itself.
Yes, I have registered and it makes no difference.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I get round this?

I asked for advice and I got it loud and clear - thanks, folks.

What the others are saying is right. In a moment of pure self-indulgence I bought a K10D (I have an ist ds). The former is bulkier and heavier. However, after a day wandering around shooting I think I am clear that it works very well and is extremely good value for money. Oddly enough, I noticed the weight less and less since it is very comfortable in use.

On the other hand, I am sure George is right about spending the money ob good glass. I have two Tamron's, the "Pentax" 28-105 and 28-200, both of which suffer from flare. I also have two Pentax 18-55s (due to kit pricing) - offers welcome for one, mint condition!
So, exactly what glass would I buy in a perfect world, or even this one?

ALl very helpful - keep 'em coming.

Thanks for the quick and helpful comments.

Would I notice any marked benefits if I traded up to a K10D in terms of image quality? I'm not a brilliant photographer and I don't climb mountains or trek deserts so the weather seals probably wouldn't win me over.
One reason I like the ist*DS is it is very compact and light for a DSLR and the K10D seems to be almost 50% heavier.
Any thoughts chaps and chappesses?

It's a good few years now, but I remember my old Super A (a nice camera!) one cold Xmas/New Year when England still had weather just fading away. In those days they had tiny little button batteries in the base - kust perfect for conducting away any heat! I used to read a lot of photo magazines then and remembered the tip to take the batteries out, put them in an inside pocket and let them get up to body temperature. It worked. However, I'd be a bit put out if a professional quality camera did it in our now mild winters.

Thanks for that information. I found the old Pentax UK site such a pain that I was never much tempted to revisit, but it all seems quite clear now.
Is it my imagination, or do Pentax not promote this service much?

I know roughly what "firmware" is in a PC context, but does my ist*DS have it, too? If so, how would I change it?

I use Elements 2 and it is good and easy and you know that its "native format" can be read by those using the full Photoshop programme.