There are some pretty amazing graphics in these forums!

I was just wondering what are the most popular programs for creating most of the images/designs on these forums. I'm planning on buying Photoshop CS3. Is this a wise choice, or is there some other software that I could benefit from more? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

photoshop is the way to go these days.

if you have the money to buy it do so, but u can always get it for free.

 

Photoshop is king, but also try Gimp if you wanna save some money.

 

How do I go about doing that?

Is it available for windows? I've heard of people using it on linux, but not windows.

 

Illegally.

 

That doesn't sound like something I'm compelled to do.

 

Which is good, there are too many kids running around with cracked versions of Photoshop.
If you're a student and don't plan to use Photoshop for commercial work, an educational version is available for somewhere like $300+. Otherwise the full version costs $999+. If you're just starting out, I'd probably recommend you learn to use GiMP, I haven't personally tried it but I've heard it's very similar to Photoshop - it was made to do everything Photoshop can do.

Edit:although, in the long run, it will be better for you to learn Photoshop from the get-go, as I've heard the interface between the two programs are quite different. Photoshop will probably take an additional learning curve to 'master'.

 

I really decided to go with photoshop mainly because of the availability of all the tutorials. I'd also rather pay the money and be with the majority of people so that it'll be easier for me down the road to get help if needed (i'm sure i'll need plenty).

 

Photoshop is the best try their latest product cs3, i am using it already and a lot of nice features.

 

Photoshop is the best thing now a days. If you can handle it and have money then buy it. You can also get it free trial version.

Regards
DChowdhury
http://www.blazecommunication.com/

 

I would personally, get Illustrator CS3, but get PS CS3 also, try them both out, whichever you feel you like best, stick with it.

 

I think you can do every thing you dream of with images using Photoshop. It's just a matter of learning, trail and error.

 

i don't know where you are getting your quotes from but i purchased cs3 for about $650. now if you're a student or an educator you can get it for around $300 - $350 with student/teacher discounts which you were right about... but $999, no way....

 

I still haven't upgraded to CS3 yet, I'm still using CS and I thought the $1000 price tag was a bit odd (I remember getting mine for around $700 or so). I could've sworn I saw it on the Adobe site for $999 but I can't seem to find it again, so I must've read it wrong. You're correct, it's going for ~$650.

 

Photoshop every time. I have used it for years and it's actually very intuitive when you get used to the interface. You can do absolutely everything with it.... well, it doesn't bath the kids.

If you want to fast track your learning, I've heard that this a good video demo course http://www.learnphotoshopnow.com/main.html (Its not an affilate link).

If you sign up for his newsletter, he'll send you free tips and also a $1 trial after a few days - can't remember how many.

 

I'm still using Photoshop CS. It has al the features that I want. Maybe you can buy an older version of Photoshop than CS3 to save money.

 

You can probably go with a lower version than CS3.. since you'll be a beginner correct? Anyways, I would try out the trial version before making an impulsive buy for an expensive program

 

Just to clarify the price differences, Photoshop CS3 is $649. Photoshop CS3 Extended is $999. So I guess nobody is really wrong. I want to thank you all again for you replies and suggestions. More then likely I'll just continue on to buy Photoshop CS3, but thanks for everyone who suggested a different route as well. I'll definitely take your suggestions into consideration. I've given you all rep points.

 

Yes, Photoshop is great. If you don't have the money, get the lower version called Photoshop Elements.

 

I just use photoshop for bitmap image editing and Illustrator is number one in vector work .. But if you want the free version The Gimp can be your choice