heyas; okay, i'm about to strangle my photoshop 4. it just keeps crashing in xp. like, every time i blink. now, since im stuck in the dark ages (version 4!!!), i dont know anything about the newer shops. this cs thing looks cool with all the geegaws, but i dont know as i really need all that. and i dont have a lot of money. so what is the BIG difference between 7 and cs? is anything basic changed, like brush handling, layer handling, etc, that is that much better? not the new goodies, but the old standards. also, can you guys recommend a good place (online) where you got your 'shop? i was looking on froogle, and i can get ver 7.0 for like 30 bucks... if i trust these black-ops sites! or these people on ebay who happen to have five copies of the original cd.... thanks, guys.

Never worked with CS, and I have 7.0 at work, 6.0 at home. So far, ignorance is bliss. I'm quite happy with 6 and 7.

Hey blood, yep, i think it's time to ditch PS4 and "move-on-up". as to ver7 or either of the "CS" flavours... it really depends on what you want out of PS. Most of the BIG changes happened in 7 (brush engine rewrite, file browsing, healing, ImageReady(7) tweeks...), and in CS they've fixed some things like, File Browsing won't "crash" you now that it's handled by a new app called Bridge, the integrating of RAW image files are better supported (a big plus for digi-photogs).

as for finding an upgrade online, i'd steer clear of the "amazing low price of $$" as these places are "shady" at best and will rip you off most likely. they sell what they term as a "backup" of your program. you need to already have the valid ULA and serial number for registering. if you do find someone on ebay MAKE SURE they transfer the license to you through Adobe or you'll be screwed as well.

:)
retrocity

Umm, at the moment I use 7.0. Personally, I find the layout and abilities exquisite and easy to work with for my PC (which is getting on in age! :] )