Can I upload RAW files straight into CS3? And how to set my 40D to RAW...

So ACR is just a plug-in?

Do I need to do anything to get to it? Or, when in PS, do i just go to File > Open just like i would for any other image and when it realizes it is a RAW it will just open it in ACR? Im I close in this assumption?

Yes that works. Best idea though is to use Bridge, it comes with Photoshop. That gives you the ability to open a bunch of RAW files at the same time and work on them as a batch. Read this, and get the book on Adobe Camera RAW from the book list in my sig.

MindlessConsumer wrote in post #11485142
So ACR is just a plug-in?

No, it's a stand alone raw editor/converter that comes bundled with Photoshop (as does Bridge.)

If you were to buy one of the Adobe Creative Suite packages, Bridge serves as the file manager and communication center for all your Adobe applications and media files.

It's not "just" a plug-in, it is a fully integrated plug-in. So, technically it's a plug-in but is part of the installation, and Raw files are automatically opened through either Bridge by double-clicking or Photoshop, which includes opening a Raw file as a "Smart Object" in Photoshop then re-opening the image in Camera Raw if you double-click the layer created from the Raw file.

It should be noted that you want to keep Camera Raw up-to-date. In Bridge, run the Help/Updates utility.

ACR is part of Photoshop and Bridge. It's a component so it's easily updatable, as it's updated for each new camera release.

ChasP505 wrote in post #11484153
Rafromak, the only thing I disagree with is erasing the files from the memory card as you download them. I think it's too risky. I erase nothing until I safely have a main file transfer and a backup made.

Yes, you are right about that.