Fireworks to Gimp

What can and can't be done?

[twist]

I would like to ween myself off fireworks and start using the open-source gimp. My final goal of course is to stop using windows for development all together, preferably before vista arrives.

1) Is it possible to make gimp open in just one window instead of multiple little windows, I find this annoying.

2) Firefox png files. Is their a plugin that allows me to open the layered photos in gimp? If not a plugin, is their a way to save the layered photos in firefox so that I can open them in gimp (still layered of course)?

3) Do basic plugins for adding text shadow and glow exist for gimp?

4) Does gimp offer batch coversions?

5) Is there a plugin community for gimp, if so where and what are some good plugins?

P.S. Since this thread will most likely catch the eye of open-source users, how and what can I use to replace flash? I have heard of swish but it isn't open source and I don't know if it works on *nix machines. Any suggestions?

[mattkirman]

Hi. There is a plugin for GIMP that contains the multiple windows inside a docking window. I know that it works on windows, but seeing that you may be leaving this OS it might not really help you. Many other plugins can be found at this link [registry.gimp.org...]