PCB programs and etching companies?

[leaf at babble.vibrant.org]

hi...  I've seen numerous people suggest using 3rd party companies to
create PCB's, and was wondering:

1)  what program(s) have diy users found to be helpful for creating the
pcb layouts?

2)  what company do you send your pcb's to?  what's the timeframe for
turnaround, the file format needed (do they handle online submissions?)
and the $$$?

thanks in advance!
phil