migs

Despite being a Nikonian, I'd always choose Canon for compacts. Try dpreviewdotcom for specialist reviews of all brands and models.

I'm with George. Norton, especially, is guaraneed to break everything that isn't also made by Norton. The worst part is that just uninstalling it won't be enough. Google "remove norton" for help. It's so bad, people have written small utilities just for that purpose. McAfee is a bit better, but not much. Again, google "free firewall" and "free anti virus". Check reviews and get any you like, they are just as good as the commercial stuff. Sadly, all have their quirks, but the free ones usually have the advantage of good community support.

I know I'm late to this party, but here's my twopennarth... The D90 can be had, brand new, for £550 on ebay. If you can spring the exra few quid, it's a massive step up from the D40/60. In fact it's 3/4 of a D300, for half the price. As regards tripods, you need to spend some money. The aluminium/plastic things from the likes of Jessops are a false economy. If you are on Albert Dock, and a car drives through New Brighton, the draught will make it shake like it's in detox. Brace yourself for a spend of £100+ on something half decent, plus extra for an adequate head. Anything less and you'll be wishing you hadn't bothered. Re: Filters. If you buy them, buy the best you can afford. Sending the light through any more glass than necessary will help the image to deteriorate. Good filters are of the same grade as good lens glass, and so minimise any loss. Low grade filters are good scratch protection, but that's about it. Karl, if it's not too late, rethink the 55-200mm. It's one of the weakest Nikon kit lenses. There are better alternatives for similar money.

At the risk of coming over all aggressive in my very first post, Ramsey - Gordon, that is - is an utter fuckin cunt. A veritable cunt's cunt, in fact. They all are. Oh, except for Nigella. She's lovely. I could get lost in there.