Hi Jimmy,
here's a really good link to a step by step procedure for taking your first DSI images.
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1800/ShowPost.aspx
I do not use the Autostar Image Processing application and I've yet to hear of anyone else using it - I have tried and failed to make sense of it! For image processing I think Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, or any other image processing software would give you enough options while learning. When you have taken some images, post them on IIS - you'll get plenty of good advice on processing.
Adam.