Hi Val,
If I read your question correctly, what you will need is a programme to resize your photographs for inserting into web forums and a simple programme for cropping the photos. I think that a programme called Irfanview will do all that you require. It works for me, but I don't seem to have the link to get you there, just type the name into google. Best of all It's FREE.
You may also find that websites like Photobucket and Image Shack may be of use to you when you are putting photo's into forums. If you need any more help just shout. I do have a simplified crib sheet on how to us irfanview if you need it