I started off graphics work with PsP 5, upgrade to PsP 6, which does have the capability of starting off with a transparent background. While I know zip about XML other than it's a mark up language (which puts me ahead of 90% of the world's population as far as that goes.) I rather enjoy doing graphics. I got really hooked on them from a site called Moyra's Web Jewels. I am not anywhere near her quality of work, but I can always hope to improve myself, and now I have a new inspiration with the EQ UI.
If you can find a copy of PsP 6 lying around somewhere, I highly suggest you pick it up. Personally, I'm holding out for Photoshop 7, as I downloaded a demo for my Mac and man, is it SWEET!
Hope this helps, although it seems most of the problem has been resolved.
Alyys V'Costa (how did the GM figure out Alyys S'Kupre after 14 months?)