Add an Alpha Channel to GIMP Images to support transparency

A common task when using GIMP, is to remove the background of an image and make it transparent.  Use the fuzzy select tool to select the background.  An image must have something called an "alpha channel" in order to support transparency.  If the image already has an alpha channel, pressing the delete button will make the background transparent.  If it doesn't, pressing delete will do nothing while your frustration mounts.  Simply, select Transparency in the Layer menu and choose Add Alpha Channel.