Warning - Most of the listing on Ebay (of PS) are not licensed copies, meaning you can not upgrade or register them. Also, some of these pirated copies will work for a few months, then all of a sudden you can't execute them. I purchased a copy almost two years ago for $250. Asked the seller if it was an authentic, registerable copy with a valid serial number and I was told yes (of course I was!!). I received the copy and it looked authentic. As soon as I got it I called Adobe to check out the serial number for legitamacy. I was told it was not in their system as being an authentic copy so therefore I could not register it. I did this twice to ensure they were correct. I contacted the seller and explained my findings. After going back and forth, I finally filed a complaint with PayPal and won. I warned the seller that I would keep the copy if he did not reply with his confirmed return address (twice). He never did so I kept the copy. I was refunded in full from PayPal. I believe the seller got a bundle of copies from another country. While this copy has been running fine for me to this day, I can not register it for future upgrades. I'm a self taught graphic designer, and still learning PS too so I like to update my software every few years. Just a word of warning if Ebay is offering it for less than $550.00, it's more than likely a pirated copy. I learned the hard way and won't buy software from Ebay again. You can purchase through the training program a student version for a fraction of the price - usually $150 or so. Worth checking out.

you might want to consider Gimp which is similar but is a free download. to find numerous tutorials simply google "Gimp tutorials" and make sure you are looking at the windows version not the linux version. Here is a link that might be useful: Gimp for windows

I have Paint Shop Pro as well as the basic version of PhotoShop, and honestly, when doing paint colors I always turn to the paint manufacturers software. Speedier, simpler. I've always sketched out my own flowerbeds (works better with my brain for some reason). Don't do those kinds of virtuals as much here in recent years due to time constraints, but occasionally family, neighbor will ask a favor so I use freebie software I got from a contractor or PSP. I'll list the paint software I have, the price, and what I see as advantages/disadvantages. BM: Disadvantage: Costly in comparison to others ($15-$25). Glitchy at times, tends to hang and sometimes crash on my PC when working with multiple colors/areas. Advantages: a handful of reds that come out "truer" rather than turning pink or screaming neon. Has a couple blacks that are "true" black. Colors often look cartoony unless original photo has lightness/contrast tweaked well. *I've seen coupons in Decor Magazines, etc. around holidays with a coupon to get this software free. Check current magazines with spring and holidays coming. Lowes: Probably my favorite! (Have two versions, older without Martha Stewart and newer with her color palette). Advantages: Price is $5. Easy to use, never gets glitchy or hangs. Colors look more 'realistic'. HUGE advantage: lighter colors don't have that glowing neon look as much as other paint software. Disadvantages: has reds but they aren't rich or "true". No good true black. Pittsburgh Paints: Advantages: easy to use. Well laid out palette (in blocks by family, darkest to lightest). Cost is middle of the road at about $10. Disadvantages: tends to lean toward cartoony at times. No true red or black, minimal choices of shades of white. Faron recently mentioned Ace Hardware has paint software, so I want to add that to my collection. ;) In any of the software above, no colors are true to their name. Between the software itself, computer graphics card and monitor, it just won't be a match. Best used in reverse, find a color/undertone you like and let that be your guide to finding real swatches in those colors. Great tool for rapidly ruling out what does not work.

Yes, it's all cut & paste, blur and tone. The best way to learn is to just pull in your picture and play with the tools to see what they do. It does take quite a bit of time and will look rough at first, but just keep plugging along. I discover new things all the time. Remember 'Undo.' : ) I was out looking for the download the other day, and it seemed that the trial for Adobe PS Elements 7.0 (their inexp home version) is due out in a few weeks. Wondering which one you got. There are also some free photo editing programs around. Someone recommended GIMP the other day. I use MS Digital Imaging Suite, which has been discontinued. There are millions of stores and photos across the web to find things. You can also scan pictures in from books, magazines, catalogues. I actually do a lot of custom work! Carpentry, masonry, even furniture and accessories : ) I also have my own paint line ; ) H'Aint Paint custom squirrel-y mixes. If only shopping and home improvements were this easy.