Ray makes a good point in the selection and learning curve associated with software.
You just need try and see what is best suited for the work you are going to do and
what is most agreeable with you on how the software works. The trick is to minimize the
time and money you spend finding what you want. One way would be to do the all free route
piecing things together and finding out limitations. Then you know first hand what is expected
out of a packaged software like some mentioned and your trial allows you to discount rather quickly.
Notice there are a lot of you's above and in the end it's you that will use it.

RICH