A. A traditional color photograph can begin to fade after 10 to 15 years under average display conditions (the light, temperature and humidity levels in a typical living room). But according to Wilhelm Imaging Research <www.wilhelm-research.com>, most computer-printed photos last only one to five years without fading or, for some inks, being affected by humidity.

Technology manufacturers are working fast and furiously to develop longer-lasting inks. Try Epson <www.epson.com> DuraBrite Ultra pigment inks and Hewlett-Packard <www.hp.com> Vivera inks.