[Dave Canon]

Silkstone's advice is spot on. I use a Spyder 2 Express myself for monitor calibration. I did upgrade the software for Vista but I have only 32 bit and it works fine. Printer calibration requires expensive equipment so it is usually more practical for an amateur to use a printing calibration service. You can obtain a bespoke profile for between £10 and £20 but you need one for each paper/ink combination you use. I have an Epson 1270 and the profile is identical for Epson Premium Glossy and Epson Heavy Matte so I manage with a single bespoke profile. As Silkstone has said, some of the companies that specialise in Inks and paper will supply a profile free. Also remember the profile(s) supplied with your printer may be reasonable if you use the manufacturers paper and ink.