If you have a gmail account, you can "apply" to get the new Picassa with the Web Album component (Windows only.) It includes the regular desktop version of Picasa and the Web Album makes it a cinch to upload and share your photos.
For my first test, I used 111 JPEGS from last year's NECC presentation. The upload was speedy, and, when running the album as a slide show, it is almost as good as being there!
See the Web album.
You get 250mb of online storage space for free, and can purchase additional space if you need it!
Kathy