I am doing a "quick and dirty" application for a jeweler in
VFP 5. Down the road, he wants to be able to display a picture of
the item on the screen, and also print it on the order/invoice,
etc.

My understanding is that VFP 5 doesnt handle jpg well, but that
vfp 6 does (and I also heard that products like Espia are
discontinuing). I have also heard that the best approach
is to store the images in a folder, and simply store the path
to the image in the table, and then display it when necessary.

Questions:
1.) Am a correct in the above assumptions/understandings.
2.) Since I own VFP 5, should I simply order the $260 appx
upgrade from Hallogram (or wherever) or would it buy me
more to purchase a full vfp 6.
3.) Are there any 3rd party add-ons that I should consider
to implement this jpg stuff?
4.) (I hate to ask this, but I will take a chance) I saw
two disturbing rumor type posts this morning in UT
regarding the future of VFP6 to 7 and Microsofts intentions.
Is there anything I should be aware of or consider regarding
these issues (i.e. am I barking up the wrong tree with VFP,
should I be looking towards something else down the road)?
Please dont be angry with me for broaching such a subject,
but my boss doesnt have a big budget for this little project,
and Id hate to waste lots of time and money when, as
the old saying goes "Forewarned is Fore-armed (and 4-armed is
Vishnu) ha ha.. a little Hindu joke I made up....

Much thanks in advance,

Bill Buell