Kim, I take it that you want to try these programmes rather than Photoshop, because they're easier to learn, or cheaper?

I believe PS CS4 is out now, but you may be able to get an earlier version for half the price. Shop around! It would be good to have Illustrator and Indesign too, you know, depending what you need to do. You should also consider whether you can get help learning those other programmes - you may be able to, though.

In any case, my advise would be, save up for Photoshop!

And.... here's the most exiting version of Photoshop yet!

http://i36.tinypic.com/2quu0qw.jpeg