What is a Good Editing Software for a Beginner ?

[Fortkentdad]

I started with Elements but have moved onto to Corel Paintshop X6. I like it much better, and more importantly my Windows 8 system like Paintshop's 64 bit system better. Elements had (has?) issues with Windows 8. And I find Corel to be better to deal with. They offer "Aftershot" which is like Lightroom only much cheaper. I don't think I need another program so don't use it.

I also have used freebies. Downloaded a free copy of a program called Zoner - as freebies go it is good.

When I'm out and about and away from my main PC I tend to use Pixlr to touch up a photo for quick post on Facebook and such - good for fun but not serious program.

Google's Picasa is also worth exploring may be all you need - great for cataloging. Includes a nifty face recognition system that works really well. - and it is web integrated.

I'm just not a fan of Adobe since they've decided to rent their software rather than sell it. I'd rather own. And being on a rural internet connection I'm not crazy about on-line only programs.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

I'm just not a fan of Adobe since they've decided to rent their software rather than sell it. I'd rather own. And being on a rural internet connection I'm not crazy about on-line only programs.

I can appreciate not everyone likes Adobe's move to Creative Cloud, but let me clear up a couple things...

1. You never own software you purchase. You purchase rights to install and use software owned by someone else; you're buying a License, nothing more. The physical media the software comes on (assuming a retail box) is just the delivery device for the software, it does convey ownership of the software it contains.

2. Creative Cloud applications are installed and reside on your computer just like any other. You could have no internet connection at all and the CC applications you have installed would work just fine. A connection to internet is needed once a month so the CC app can "phone home" to the Adobe mother-ship and verify your account is in good standing.

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[J-see]

You never own software you purchase. You purchase rights to install and use software owned by someone else; you're buying a License, nothing more. The physical media the software comes on (assuming a retail box) is just the delivery device for the software, it does convey ownership of the software it contains.

True but the difference is that if you buy a standalone version, you can use that until the end of (something's) days. I prefer that above ppm. Ppm you can use whatever they allow you to use at that particular moment. You have no say in any additions or removals of any part of the package.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

True but the difference is that if you buy a standalone version, you can use that until the end of (something's) days. I prefer that above ppm. Ppm you can use whatever they allow you to use at that particular moment. You have no say in any additions or removals of any part of the package.

As I said, I can appreciate not everyone likes Adobe's move to Creative Cloud and personal choice is a wonderful thing.

I was just correcting two common misconceptions in the post I quoted.

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[Fortkentdad]

That is my point J-see. Once I have, possess but perhaps technically do not own, the CD then as long as the program will run on my current system, Operating System upgrades aside, then I can reload it and use it years later.


"Renting" by the month or year may be good for some, if you want or need the latest and greatest all the time.

And if I needed Adobe CS renting might seem less painful on the pocket book in the short term.


But I drive a 12 year old car and it still goes just fine. If you get my drift.

 

[J-see]

That is my point J-see. Once I have, possess but perhaps technically do not own, the CD then as long as the program will run on my current system, Operating System upgrades aside, then I can reload it and use it years later.


"Renting" by the month or year may be good for some, if you want or need the latest and greatest all the time.

And if I needed Adobe CS renting might seem less painful on the pocket book in the short term.


But I drive a 12 year old car and it still goes just fine. If you get my drift.

One of the problems with ppm is that I don't think the contract contains a clause that states from now till eternity they'll ask the same reasonable price each month. If next year they'll up it some and up it some and up it some more, you only have the options yes or nothing. If the next version is not reasonably priced, I happily continue with my current one. It does everything now so it'll do everything tomorrow.

Now there are advantages to ppm, there's no denying that but the bulk of advantages is not really for the end-user. It's not really a move they did with our well-being in mind.

Besides my dislike of ppm, personally it's also not very practical. I plan a pretty long road trip starting next year if all goes well and I simply can't maintain this sort of links. Standalones I can take with me without having to touch base at given times in order to keep all running.

But again, to each their own.

 

[JohnFrench]

Have you tried the free ones yet? Here are a couple of good free ones: Gimp, and IrfanView.

 

[Fortkentdad]

RE: FREE

I used Pixlr (express and regular), Picasa , Irfan and Zoner all for free. Each has some benefits.

I've tried GIMP - great for the price but be prepared to invest time to learn it. If I put myself on a very restrictive budget and had time (as in if I retired) then I think I'd cocoon myself in my PC room and just learn that sucker - lots of potential for anyone willing to learn how to use it. I've seen it compared very favourably to full Adobe CS. There is a whole community of GIMPers out there.

There is also the Serif line which are cheap but beware they do like to email you - a lot - suggesting upgrades etc. But they do continually offer deep deep discounts.