How do I download the pictures from LG Shine to my desktop?

Yes you need a memory card, but no software. Transfer the pics to the memory card, attach the cable and the pc will recognize the card as a mass storage device, and then you simply drag and drop your pics.

Hello,
Regarding your question on how to download pictures to your desktop, here's how:
To transfer photos into your computer: Connect the KE970 to a PC using the supplied USB cable and it will become a mass storage device. Drag and drop files such as music, photos, videos and more straight to the phone and you can carry them with you wherever you go. No software is required for the PC, simply plug and play!

Remember when you see the prompt, "save to", choose a location, such as, "My Pictures" so you can find them once you get them into your computer.

And...if you choose to purchase one, a MicroSD memory card slot will ensure that you will always have space for more. Your phone supports memory cards up to 2GB in size.

Hope this helps you, CBR2009

Now that you have the cable, download a program called bitpim from bitpim.org
Make sure you have the drivers downloaded before connecting your phone.