There are many places on the web to learn Photoshop elements, some free, some fee-based. I joined http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/ and have learned tons about making Elements "stand up and dance". I also bought and read Scott Kelby's book, "The Photoshop elements 10 book for digital photographers", which I found very helpful.
While GIMP is free, I decided to go with Elements because it is so widely used, the availability of learning resources,
AND
I didn't want to have to learn one thing then change to another.

Use "Save for Web" and then adjust size and quality to be small enough to email.

Or use Dropbox

It depends on what kind of editing you want to do as to whether you want Lightroom or Elements. If you have to pick one, start with Elements.

Took in the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX.
Had a chance to practice night time photography!
http://www.waltjurekphotography.com/mg-fol-2012

I own 2 refurbished 7D's and they work great! I, too, recommend getting David Busch's book (tome is a better description). I also recommend getting the videos from Blue Crane Digital for the 7D.
I've used mine for theater, sports, weddings, business headshots, landscape and more. You can see some of the photos at www.waltjurekphotography.com