Where is it that "version 18" was put back?

Elements naming changed. It was numbered through 15. The next version was named for the year or, 2018. The current version is the 17th and it is called 2019. So at least Adobe doesn't think there is a version "18".

Here is where you can buy Photoshop Elements direct from Adobe and it is version "2019": https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Here is where you can download a free 30 day trial: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/download-trial/try.html

Here are some instructions: https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/using/download-install-photoshop-elements.html

Here are some instructions on how to get a refund if you don't like it: https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/return-cancel-or-change-order.html

Simple math.... Free trial use for 30 days. Full refund for 30 days from payment. That's 60 days to figure out if it is the one for you!!

I would suggest a 'bridge' camera may fit the bill for a beginner. It provides many options including having one lens zoom, a full range of settings such as PASM and video. It takes most people about 2 or 3 years to progress to the intermediate stage where maybe a full frame/DSLR is perhaps needed for serious photography. Thats how I started. Developing photographic skills is incremental. If they goes for a bog standard DSLR within the price range range they will soon find the kit lens(es) will be inadequate and became challenging. At least with a bridge camera you you can develop skills over time and then be in a much better to decide which camera model is likely to be most suited to you
DT

Had a great time in Guatemala on a birding adventure. Spent a few days at Lake Atitlán and surrounding mountains. Lake Atitlán is a World Heritage site for its natural beauty. Then we spent the last few days at Los Tarrales Nature Reserve. We had a great guide, Knut Eisermann, who was with us the entire trip. His company is Cayaya Birding. The birds were fabulous as was the scenery. The volcano is called Volcán de Fuego which erupted last spring. Sadly it took several hundred lives. It is still spewing ash and gases.