photoshop elements

I was wondering how photoshop elements is for a very basic beginner?
Raw and whatever i would run into too?

Thanks

Elements is basically a trimmed down ( some would say dumbed down ) version of photoshop. For many users it's all they will ever need. I would recommend it for a beginner, the learning curve isn't nearly as great, and there's more hand holding in the form of tutorials and wizards. Also, when you do find out you want more control, the skills you learn in elements will transfer nicely to the full blown version.

I've been using CS for about 2 years and was recently asked to teach a class on Elements for some beginners. I was totally new to Elements, but I was really impressed with what you get for for about eighty dollars. In my view, you can do just about everything a digital photograph requires using Elements. It's a great starting point - especally if you're going to be learning on your own.

Elements has advanced considerably sense version 2 thats included with the 20D and XT. Elements 3 and 4 both have raw converters and many additional tools pluss an assorment of creative options that doesnt come with CS. Slide show makers and picture CD's. templates for callenders, cards premade boarders.