Here are a couple of good sites to learn about all the different ways to convert to B&W. I would like to learn the Channel Mixer method. This gives by far the best results.

http://www.dcmag.co.uk/Colour_to_mon...XRo39cnPg.html

I really like this article on the Channel Mixer. I wish Photoshop Elements had Channel Mixer.
http://www.thelightsrightstudio.com/...nnel-mixer.htm

Here's another one, if you're a little more familiar with editing programs.
http://www.eyesondesign.net/pshop/bw...ting_to_bw.htm