Publishing software

[Barmaid]

I'm doing a talk which I'd like to back up with some handouts which I am going to "pretty up" with some cartoons. I can't do the presentation on powerpoint because the venue doesn't have those facilities.

Can anyone suggest a reasonably simple publishing package I could use to create a flyer with pictures? I know Word has some of these capabilities (I've got Word) but would a dedicated package be easier? Is there a free downloadable one too?

TIA.

[bednobs]

if you are printing out handouts, can't you just do them in PP anyway?

[Buenchico]

The rail company I worked for produced all their paper handouts using Powerpoint, so Bednobs' suggestion might well be worth considering.

However, despite holding a certificate declaring my competency in Powerpoint (courtesy of free training from the same employer) it's definitely not my favoured way of producing printed literature. I'm lucky enough to have the mighty Quark Xpress (as well as Microsoft Publisher) but I still like this, which is the free 'starter' version of an excellent commercial product:
http://www.serif.com/...tware/?mc=FSSPAGEPLUS

Chris