Remember the old days when computer paper came in long, continuous sheets? You had to thread it carefully through the printer, making sure the holes along the edges were caught properly by the tractor feet. When you were finished printing, you faced the time-consuming task of pulling off those perforated edges and manually separating each page from the next.

Paper has come a long way in the past two decades. Just about every mainstream printing device today uses some kind of plain bond paper in easy-loading paper trays, though there's nothing plain about the variety of specialty papers currently available for printers. A wide range is available to suit the needs of any and every computer user.

You can also save money by using the new specialty papers to print all sorts of things that you used to have to take to a professional printer. (Of course, before you start experimenting, be sure to check in your printer manual for paper compatibility.) Here's a rundown on papers that will fire your creativity.

Photo paper: Akin to paper used by film developers, photo paper is specifically designed to produce high-quality, color-rich images that are hard to distinguish from traditionally developed photographs. Most of HP's photo papers come in a choice of matte or glossy finishes and a variety of print sizes, including convenient 4 x 6 for affordable everyday prints and large portrait-size papers for studio-quality enlargements.

Greeting cards: Paper designed specifically for greeting cards is thicker, pre-scored (folded), and smaller than regular paper. You can personalize the cards with your own text and images. HP greeting card papers come in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes (including linen in white and ivory) with matching envelopes. HP also has a card studio with free templates that let you create and print your own greeting cards in a snap.

Glossy paper: Glossy paper produces vibrant color but is susceptible to fingerprints. This paper has a shiny, coated surface on one or both sides and is ideal when you need a polished printout. For brochures, flyers, report covers, and special presentations, glossy papers produce colorful images and crisp text equal to professional printing. HP's line of brochure and flyer paper comes in a range of sizes to meet all of your printing needs.

Transparencies: These clear sheets of plastic are used with overhead projectors for presentations.

Stickers and labels: Stickers and labels are available for mail, folders, diskettes, CDs, and whatever else you can think of. You can use fonts, images, and colors to customize them. Restickables allow for even more creative flexibility.

Craft papers: Specialty papers offer a wide range of possibilities to the craftsperson. HP's iron-on transfers make it easy to make your own T-shirts, photo pillows, and much more. Or get your message out loud and clear with HP banner paper. Also available are craft papers specially formulated for printers, such as vellum and parchment, printable sheets of fabric-like felt and canvas, printable Mylar, shrink-wrap plastic, and window clings, making the world of printing practically limitless.

Again, remember to check for compatibility with your printer when you use specialty papers. Not doing so can lead to paper jams and other problems.