AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

My desktop computer was purchased by our local Fire Department for me to use as Treasurer. Of course, I have downloaded my photos and use the computer for other things as well. Now the FD has ordered me a laptop, and I will be giving them my desktop. I had Photo Shop Pro X3 on this computer, but purchased it as a download. My computer guy says he can transfer data, but not programs to the laptop, and Corel is telling me that their records show I purchased a "box" with disc, and to get a new download, or disc, I have to have proof of purchase (August 2010). I wasn't real happy with PSP, and this may be a sign that I should be using something else. I have Picasa, but that doesn't do enough for me. I would like to make panoramas and do some "low level" PP. I note a lot of you use Elements or Lightroom. Could you tell me why you use these programs, and how technical and hard they are to use.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Well first off; there are MANY threads here that explain why people use them and what the differences are...a simple search would give you much info.

I'll say this: I use both PSE and LR. they are complimentary; LR is more of a "photo-developing" sort of program, PSE is a pixel editor for more intense stuff. Both are easy to learn.

AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

Point taken. Sometimes I get lazy, and I like to ask questions when I don't understand something.

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

I don't think much harm is done by asking for opinions--even though there have been many opinions posted previously. It is rather tedious searching for past opinions. Opinions that may be outdated.
I agree that it is asking a lot when someone asks "How do I turn my new (add your favorite brand/model) on, but asking for the thoughts of other photographers is pretty much why this forum exists, no?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I guess we disagree.

There have been SEVERAL lengthy threads about this very subject in the last week alone.

A simple search would have turned that up and not added one more redundant thread on the same subject.

It's only good forum etiquette to search first. There are other forums where you'd get your backside handed to you if you posted a question without at least doing a simple search first.


IF the info you need just CAN'T be found or it's OLD information, THEN ask.....

Is that so hard?

Flagelpater Loc: New Ringgold PA

What I do is choose Not to read a post if it does not interest me. If a post looks like it is redundant I just Don't open it. I also use the Search feature a lot.

Back to the OP question. I use Elements 10 and I am satisfied for what I use it for. I did try both versions 3 and 4 of LR but decided to stay with Elements. I recommend you download the trial version of both and try them because you are the only one who knows what You Need.

I would only load a few photos into each one to see how the Cataloging and Editing features work.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

right now Photoshop elements10 is on sale for around $60 on todays deal at Amazon.. I use lightroom but I thought I would powst this info for those interested in Elements

arphot Loc: Massachusetts

Yes, I have advertised this twice on UHH today . . . hopefully folks will take advantage of this incredible deal before it's over.

AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

Mea culpa, and thanks for the heads up about the deal on Elements. In the future, I will do a search before putting something out there. Thanks to all for your patience.

SteveM Loc: Piscataway New Jersey

Check out B&H in NY, Lightroom on sale 50% off but it is on backorder. I placed my order anyway. I have been using ACD Systems ACD See Pro for a couple of years now and find it a great program to upload RAW, organize, process, convert, and even some editing. They have a free trial to try out.

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

Depending on your reasons for being unhappy with PSP X3, it may be worth while to give X4 a try. The two are worlds apart.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I recommend Elements 10 having tried many such as Picasa and Gimp.

But if you buy it do yourself a favor and buy the book by Kelby and Kloskowski. Otherwise I can about guarantee you will be frustrated. It is a highly sophisticated program with many options. While there are good videos and other resources they don't work as well as this book.

I was frustrated with it for three months and in three days this book made it a delight. I am doing many cool things with it now and really enjoying it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I often use the Search feature, but it's also nice to get a fresh, current opinion. Some people might not have participated in an earlier discussion, but they have something to contribute now. The new question might be worded slightly differently, which would result in different responses.

Billybuzz Loc: Whiteford, MD

Just another sour grapes opinion, as had been said if you've seen it before don't open it. No question is ever old on any forum.

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Well, we don't entirely disagree. It is annoying for someone to ask a very basic question that could have been easily answered by reading the manual, searching the internet, or searching the forum. As others have said, that simply shows laziness or lack of true interest in the subject. However, I believe this forum should be (I would like it to be) more of a conversation with friends than a classroom with textbooks from which one must tease knowledge and/or impress the professor.
There is a mass of technical and artistic information in the "archives" of this forum, but if we are to require or even expect someone new to the forum to become familiar with all that has gone before we may find little participation from anyone other than the "plank owners" of the forum. I have participated--for only a short time--in forums and clubs where the "old heads" kept a tight rein on the what, where, when ,why, and how of the club and denigrated the later arrivals--tolerating them only for their input of dues. Not a group with which I wanted to spend much time.
It is good etiquette to listen to a conversation for awhile before venturing an opinion or asking a question and I would not like to discourage people from checking to see if earlier posts have answered their questions. However, ideas, opinions, and members change. Asking for opinions that have been discussed earlier may bring up different points of view than were available earlier--unless, of course, the identical question was asked last week and we beat it to a pulp.
And, as always, if someone adds a silly, trivial, uninteresting, or argumentative (all to my way of thinking) post, then I simply don't read it.