Anyone Familiar With GIS Data?

[Raptor]

I am looking for a GIS data file that I can show the population density of South Carolina by zip code, but am having difficulty finding this layer which should be one of the more basic layers in GIS. I have found median age, income, sex, etc but cannot find one for population (which is required for the other fields).

For anyone who uses GIS on a regular basis:
What program do you recommend for simple uses, that is not too difficult to learn?
Where do you obtain your data from?

I was trained on ArcMap several years ago but don't remember how to start from scratch in it.

[icepac]

Some older programs were arcview, mapinfo, and early versions of claritas compass.

Compass allowed amazing importing functionality in addition to the data contained within the program but they went to a web based application.

They might have a demo that will get you what you need without paying but it seems nielson bought claritas.

I used to have a setup that used 35 cdroms.

http://www.claritas.com/sitereports/sitereports-demonstrations.jsp

[Sol75]

The only thing I use GIS data for is road data for GRLevel 3 level 3 NWS radar feed for when im mobile storm chasing...

[oakranger]

I am looking for a GIS data file that I can show the population density of South Carolina by zip code, but am having difficulty finding this layer which should be one of the more basic layers in GIS. I have found median age, income, sex, etc but cannot find one for population (which is required for the other fields).

For anyone who uses GIS on a regular basis:
What program do you recommend for simple uses, that is not too difficult to learn?
Where do you obtain your data from?

I was trained on ArcMap several years ago but don't remember how to start from scratch in it.

It has been a while since i used GIS, Version 7 i believe.  I only used GIS for biological work, soil layers, range sites, ect.    Your best to get that data with the county office...if they used it.