newbie can't get a good mask

[sagatron70]

well I like the whole pic editing thing as you all do im sure. I pimarily like to take pics that have a certain background and place them onto a new background. However I can never get the object (usually a person) clean enough. it's like I spend all day doing something and by the end of the day.. that project is not even presentable. I would like to finish a piece of work and be happy with it. so where can I get some info on how to get a great mask that I will be able to transfer over to a new background and have it look good. Im using photoshop 7

[tombothetominator]

The method i use:
http://www.melissaclifton.com/tutorial-pentool.html
Generally i end up having to do some extraction on hair/whatnot, but for the post part: a good chunk of time and the pen tool are my best friends.