burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Thanks.

I love it when the PEE CEE experts just assume all computers work the same way. The new Macs are not based on Intel x86 architecture. Apple Silicon is radically different.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Elements will keep you for a long time, and these Topaz programs will help you save many a picture.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Looking at a MacBook, many people say that 16Gb is enough memory. Before M1 that might have been on the low side but with M1 16 is probably OK. I got more because history has taught me that memory requirements increase with time. The M1 could change that but it's too new to tell. However, for learning is is probably OK. Upgrading will cost you in the future because upgrading a Mac is buying a new one, not changing what you have. But if you advance in photography, you will be spending money on other things: new and better bodies, lenses, software, so be prepared. Photography, like all other hobbies, costs money. The amount of money is only limited by your wallet.

Looking at software, I'm a fan of Adobe's Lightroom and Photoshop. However, as a novice I think it's OK to start with the free stuff. Your camera's manufacturer will have free software for postprocessing. It's usually limited because camera manufacturers are not known for their excellent software, but it's a start. You can always upgrade software for short money compared to your computer and camera. The reason I like LR/PS is because PS is the ultimate processor (which takes some time to learn) and LR is a great organizer for your images. When I was a novice I bumbled along until I learned to use the organizing features. When I got to 10K images in my photo pile it was tough to find things. LR makes that easy. It's an OK editor (getting better, but that comes with a learning curve too), but LR and PS talk to each other so you have the ultimate editor available.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, if you truly want to keep it simple - and shooting JPEG you will not need overly sophisticated hardware either. I actually prefer older versions of Elements to the newer ones (pre 12 versions).

Folks, the operative word in this post is SIMPLE .....
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olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

The free Nikon downloads of their transfer/processing/viewing suite from the Nikon website work quite well for general processing work. Not a bad place to start.

HRoss Loc: Longmont, CO

I agree with many of the suggestions here, it’s really difficult to go wrong with most of the software recommended. It’s your commitment to learning them that will be the most work. It will be worth it.

maciej

The comments on the computer everyone has supplied are mostly valid. For a beginner the "Photos" software included with your computer for free will do 99% of what you need. For the occasional time you need more - Photo Shop Elements will do the job. Happy photoing and computing!