I use Picasa all the time for everything having to do with photos. It's a great program! Google has rarely disappointed me.
The red-eye correction feature is a plus as well as its' fast and easy archiving. I really like how the photos are stored in that program. It's also really really cool and fast to send photos by email, or exporting, or even uploading to your Blogger account as TheMusicPirate said. I really enjoy it. It's a must have for all your numerous photo albums.
As for Hello, I also hear only great reviews about it, although I've never personally used it before because I am way too lazy to "convert" all my MSN MEssenger buddies from MsgPlus
but maybe I will try it some day soon.