So many different versions

Photoshop CS4 is the latest version. Photoshop elements is a scaled down version but has enough for most users. The way I got the full photoshop was at 1/2 price. I purchsed a wacom tablet for $99 which came with Photoshop Elements (not the latest version though - but enough for me to learn on) - then as a registered wacom user of photoshop elements I was able to purchase the full version of Photoshop at 1/2 price. So I was able to get my feet wet with Elements first and then upgrade. Not sure if Wacom is still doing this offer but worth checking out because you get the benefit of the tablet too!