Ok, here's my question...
What is the difference between PSE4 and PSCS2 or Photoshop 7? I am trying to learn on PSCS2, but am wondering if that is a more difficult program than PSE4. I would love to learn Adobe Photoshop, but I'm wondering if it would be easier to learn on PSE4? I saw Gina's post about Costco being $40 and then someone saying there was an additional $20 rebate, so for $20 I would be willing to buy it if anyone thinks it would be a little easier to learn on. Any info will be helpful.
Thanks
Angel

I have CS2, PS6 and PSE4 (had PSE2 and PSE3 as well). I found that PSE4 allows you to create layouts much quicker as it seems to be organized perfectly for scrapbooking. It has certain photo features that I still like better.

CS2 allows me to do more things, but even I am still struggling sometimes with it. There have even been days that I save a partially finished layout in CS2 and open it in PSE4 to complete it. Having PSE4 first has definitely helped me, and for $20, you can't really go wrong with it.

Good luck with your decision!

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Colleen in Friendly Manitoba...
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Persevere with PSCS2 it is worth it, though very daunting!

PSE 4 (Photoshop Elements 4) is a shortened version of PSCS2 - it does loads but hasn't got the full array of functions of Photoshop Creative Suite 2 - PSCS2.

PS 7 is the version before PSCS (version 8).

You are using the latest version of Adobe software - I am trying to learn PSCS2 after using PSP for several years - there are things about both programmes I love - if only I could combine the two!

Best idea is if you get stuck to post here on the Photoshop forum and someone will help, I wouldn't chop and change programmes as they are all very similar in their basic functions - it is only when you get to a more advanced stage that PSCS2 comes into its own.

HTH,

Jules

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My 2 cents. If you have not used any of these programs before, start with PSE4. It is a low investment while you move up the learning curve. I've used the full version of PS at work and find that PSE4 does much of what I need for the moment. When you are ready for the next challenge then invest in PSCS2. Once you become very familiar with Elements you can try the trial version by downloading it from Adobe's site (provided they are still allowing this).

Good luck

Nic

If you already own PSCS2, I would suggest buying PSE so you get the hang of things and learn how Photoshop, in general, works, and then once you can use it, move into using PSCS2. I think the 20-40 bucks would be worth the frustration you might otherwise deal with by jumping right into PSCS and struggling through especially if using PSCS first makes you 'burn out' on digi-scrapping before you really get started.

Good luck and have fun!

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I think each person is different. If you love computers and you love to dink around and learn, none of these programs are intimidating. If you're looking to do a ton of LO quickly and you don't have that "I can figure out anything" attitude, you might want to skip PS CS2. PS4 certainly can't do everything CS 2 can do. PS 4 is a nice easy program to learn. If you want to start out with that, go ahead. Some people even find that difficult and frustrating - everyone is just different. If you already own PS CS 2 and you're up for it, I personally wouldn't spend the money to buy PS4. I worked with PSP for years and always loved it. Also had several versions of PS Elements...have enjoyed each and everyone of them. Just like Jules said...some programs do some things better, other programs do other things better. If you could only combine them. I felt that way years ago about Work Perfect and Word. It's always that way, with any computer program. I still have PSP and PS Elements installed on my computer, but since I got PS CS2 before Christmas I haven't touched either one of them, except to help out friends that might have a question. You can always download the trial PS Elements 4 and give a run for 30 days to see if you like it. GOOD LUCK.

I have PSCS and also Elements 4 and lately I have just been using Elements 4 and really loving it. It runs slow on an older PC though. I think its a RAM hog.

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Marianne
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Angel - I sent you a PM ( I have just resent it) regarding the Ezine Crop - can you please check your PM's and contact me - Thanks!

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