SWMBO is looking for a program for laying out an uncomplicated newsletter. Something that will allow importation and placement of pictures, multiple-column layouts (would be nice if the columns would wrap around the pictures) and the ability to send the newsletter to an 11x17 sheet printed on both sides and folded in half to make four 8.5x11" pages.

Paramount requirement is simplicity. No bells and whistles and steep learning curves, no extraordinary features and capabilities. Just a few fonts and font size selections, bold print and italic, and the ability to import and locate pictures.

Freeware/Shareware would be best, but a small fee (~$25) would not be a problem.

Recommendations?

tanstaafl.

Does she use Word? It doesn't sound like any of these requirements are beyond Word. Or Openoffice. Naturally, these aren't the simplest of programs, but Openoffice is free and can do all the things you mention.

Isn't "Print Shop" the kind of thing she's looking for in this case?