I downloaded a trial version of Microsoft Research Auto Collage 2008 and love the program, but when I went to purchase it I am told it is no longer supported. Is there another program which is similar that I could try with a view to purchasing it?
There are plenty of applications available for this auto-collage process. You can create collage images with almost any image editor released nowadays. For example, Picasa is a great way to create collage images with the help of the built-in features. You can download a copy of the applicationfrom the application's page at Software Informer.
Additionally, browse the other alternative apps related to auto-collage making process: http://software.informer.com/search/auto+collage