Newbie: How do I open RAW photos in RSE?

Hi. I have a Digital Rebel XT and just downloaded RawShooters Essentials. I know this sounds incredibly stupid but I can't find help ANYWHERE after hours of trying and searching.

I can't get the photos to open. Do I open RSE and navigate to my camera to get the photos? Do I upload them to my computer first? When I upload them they automatically convert to JPEG. I have read so much about working with RAW that I think I will be fine if I could just open the RAW files on my computer.

Please help. I don't know what I am doing wrong. Thanks.

try downloading the raw images to a folder and in RSE, open that folder

How do you download them to a folder?

Depending method used. I use a CF Reader. With a reader you'll open it as though its another drive in my computer (for PC). Create a new folder and select drag and drop copy and paste into new folder. RAW files would have the file ext. .crw or .cr2

I don't have a card reader, I just attatch the USB to the computer and use the windows camera and scanner wizard. i dont even know if this is the best way. i have so much to learn. any help would be greatly appreciated. thx

You would need to install the canon s/w especially the DPP to view the file on the cf. I haven't use the canon SW for awhile now and can tell you the step by step method.

what is canon s/w? sorry for so many questions.

Oh sorry, software (s/w) that came w/ the camera.

thanks. i will try that.

try a card reader, with a card reader, you can go to my computer and open and just move or copy the raw files onto a folder you make for RAW images and in RSE, just open that folder.

They are cheap ($10), and much better than copying from the camera. If the cam battery fails, you could corrupt your files.
RSE has a help file built in. Look for it at the top.