For years I have played with Paint Shop Pro and still have versions 7 and 9 going. That's a 2D paint program that's easier and cheaper than the fancy Adobe one, and I've done all the wonderful tutorials for nifty rooms by Jaddell. (Catch her site here.)

 

Now I'm in love again, with Google's FREE program Sketchup. See what it's all about by clicking here.

 

It's a fancy tricked-out 3D modeling program, great fun. There are probably hundreds of neat tutorials as well as a bunch of forums where nice folks answer questions.

 

The reason that SketchUp gets its own page here is because I'm having a lot of fun redoing the American architecture houses and learning how thick walls are and other things I didn't know. You can download it -- free -- and download models that people have made.

 

If you're doing houses, there are tools you can also download, for instance to make walls or Bezier curves.

 

Yes, yes, I agree that most manuals tell you nothing, but this one does. You can get it by clicking here. Do all the suggested exercises.

 

There are bonus packs of materials and components here.

 

 

So many nice folks are sharing their models. Check out the 3D Warehouse.