PSE is a stripped down version of PS, so in theory it should be easier to use than PS.
Since PSE is a stripped down version not all PS functions/tools are available in it. If the PS tut your doing doesn't use one of the missing functions then yes you can easily follow a PS tut in PSE. If you're up for a little creative work around almost all PS tuts can be donein PSE. We have a number of
PSE tutorials right here at SBB.
As for brushes... those created in PS 7 or earlier will work fine in PSE2. Brushes created in PSCS can only be used in PSE3.
HTH!