I don't often use filtering software myself as I prefer the challenge of cleaning the pic manually but if you do, I would make any major repairs such as removing tears first and then run it through the filter (feel free to correct me anyone). Remember, Noiseware works best on BW pics (which you can then tint to sepia) and on pics that are scanned at 300 - 600 dpi. You can filter pics at a lesser dpi but you will loose definition and the detail will appear "flattened".
You can then edit your filtered pic in whatever package you use and add some finishing touches, like playing with contrasts or texture, borders, frames or whatever. Too easy!!
For those that may not know, a graphics tablet is basically an electronic mouse pad connected to your PC using an USB cord and instead of mouse you have a "pen" that you move across the pad in the same way you would move the mouse except as you are holding it like you would a pen, it is easier to control so it makes it much easier to do fine detail likes eyes, hair etc. They vary in size and price. The most popular brand that I know is Wacom. Plus as Denn says, it's much kinder to your wrists!
Soira
You have more than enough software there to get you started. Just look for the clone tool as it's probably used about 95% of the time in restoring. It does exactly what it says, it "clones" or copies one area of the pic to another area that you indicate which is how we repair tears etc. You can also select areas of pics and copy and paste them to other areas...all very easy.
Mudge
Didn't you know ALL women can multi task!!
Caz
