alf85 Loc: Northumberland, UK.

Hi, if you are new to computing, i would download a free program called Photoscape, it is the only one i use, and i have been into photography for over 60years. try and get your photos right in the camera, and you will not need to fart about too long in PP.
Regards, Alfie.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I don't use Adobe products, too complicated, consider Corel Paint Shop Pro, less expensive, easier to learn, does most everything, Bob.

Henayr Loc: Dublin, Ireland

If you want to use Adobe Photoshop CC then I would recommend learning how to use it with Shaw Academy (http://www.shawacademy.com/). They also have many other courses to choose from.
Once completed you will be able to buy your Adobe Photoshop CC package at a discount as Shaw have partnered with Adobe to offer this discount to their students.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have Lightroom 6, and I like it. The easiest way to process is to go down the right column, making adjustments to the image. Go to https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/tutorials.html and watch the free instructional videos from Adobe. There are also free videos on YouTube, and lynda.com is excellent - and free for a week.

There are lots of alternatives to Lightroom, and some are free.

http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/the-best-photoshop-alternatives-that-are-totally-free-5974500
http://lightzoneproject.org/

And not free -

http://www.shutterbug.com/content/affinity-photo-software-review-has-photoshop-met-its-match#d1c5lY5EQ03QoLjh.97
http://www.diyphotography.net/affinity-photo-can-give-adobe-run-money/
Others
http://digital-photography-school.com/a-beginners-guide-to-choosing-the-right-post-production-software/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/03/23/best-photo-editing-software-photoshop-cc-and-7-photoshop-alternatives-tested/1/
http://www.redmondpie.com/best-adobe-photoshop-alternatives-for-windows-and-mac-list/

Satman Loc: Indy

PS Elements, is a budget program, and is discounted on eBay, the present is PS15
Older versions are given way and sold. ]on eBay for cheap.

Chasing Software can get you lost, just like chasing women, stick with one decent program..

Learn one, the rest are easy...

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

NOW Lightroom is a very powerful image handling program BUT it started out as a Cataloging program to function as a front end in post-processing for photographers that needed help with cataloging. It incorporated ACR (Adobe Camera Raw) since most pros shot in raw instead of jpg.
Lightroom has evolved into what it is today.
Comment: If you need, or just want, pro level post processing software, for 10 bucks a month it's hard to beat the LR/PS deal.

cthahn

Adobe Photoshop CC is the way to go. For only $9.99 a month you get Photoshop, Light Room, and Bridge which are consitnuesly updated. You do not have to pay a large sum in advance. Like any other program, there is a learning curve. It is not just the professional, but for anyone who wants to do quality work and once you find out how well and easy it is tp use, you will be glad you made the choice.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

If you want to save some money, a good way to start is with Light Zone
http://lightzoneproject.org/

Not only is the software free, it comes with a free learning curve.

If you were wise enough to start your computer experience with a Mac, then check out Phocus
http://www.hasselblad.com/software/phocus

--Bob

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Easy to download To use read a book first so you understand how to use each of the modules especially Library and Develop. Also rather than buying LR 6 get Adobe CC you get LR and Photoshop and they are always up-to-date. You do not have to us PS at first but as you progress it will be there for you

wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

I buy Elements every two or three editions, depending on what new features appeal to me. I upgraded from Elements 12 to Elements 15 for $39.95 one-day special. Within elements you will find automatic, guided and expert modules depending on how much help you need. It also features e-live on line help, and there are many, many independent you-tube tutorials helping with basic to very advanced projects. Scott Kelby also offers very good books should you like to have something printed to read. Nothing could be easier.

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

If you are a novice to post processing images ( Like I am), then try GIMP. It is free. It will give you all you will need for a long time. It is more than adequate.
There are several programs out there that work more than most of us will ever need.
Some are Cloud based programs that cost as little as $9.95 a month. ( $119 per year every year).
I recommend that you start with "www.Gimp.com" to get started. I used it to start and now use PSElements11 and Corel Paint shop pro (not Cloud based).

When using these programs always do your work on a COPY of your image and save it as a copy. This will help keep you sane. What ever you decide to do, enjoy it and the wonderful enhanced results they offer.
Don

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

afb

Try Gimp software. It's like Photoshop but free. More than I need but since it's free, give it a try.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

There are a lot of options out there. I started out with Elements, never got comfortable with it. Went to LR and have stayed with that for a number of years. Last year I decided I wanted to progress in my photographic editing skills, so opted to subscribe to the Adobe CC plan. It has been great! Whatever system you are considering, get a FREE trial first. That gives you time to explore it, learn how to use it, and decide if you like it. It would be a good idea to get a book or view some tutorials to help you get started. There are plenty of great resources out there for learning LR and PS, many of them very good and free.

Gene51 gave a very good overview, based on long experience and good insights. Jerryc41 can always be counted on provide good information, too, and this time he has listed a number of links to good places to go for information. I can add a couple of more links:

https://www.creativelive.com/ is a great source for free as well as paid tutorials. The free ones are "on air" and have to be viewed on the day they are presented. They are also on sale so you can watch them at your convenience. The instructors are very good, and some have their own websites where you can often find some useful information.

https://kelbyone.com/ is a subscription site where once you join you can access any or all of the video tutorials they have on the site. The instructors are very good, and there are enough topics to give you plenty of information. They have a free trial.

https://www.digitalphotomentor.com/ is a site where you can get plenty of information for free, and there are also things you can pay for. There are a lot of topics discussed, participation challenges, guest speakers, etc. A lively and interesting site.

Hope this helps.

Susan

jerrymiller

I have been using light room 6 for a long time and I would like to say it is by far the best program for post work and making it simple to fix, repair and enhancing your photos before photo shop. You can batch size them for uploading to web sites and so on. Get you will be happy.
Jerrylee