Gfx ?

CS4.:)

The question you need to ask yourself is "what do I need a graphics app for?".

For anyone who just needs to create the odd Sig file or correct a few digital photos then one of the freeware options is fine - Gimp Paint.Net or even Picassa.

If you are serious about graphics work then Photoshop is a really the only option - Photoshop skills are a salable skill in the employment market , and is so well supported online with tips and tutorials that it can be easier to learn than simpler options.

One thing to consider is that with the release of CS4 the real world price of CS3 has dropped so may be a better economic option for the beginner than CS4. The same would apply to Photoshop Elements if you do not require some of the more professional functionality of CS4

The purchase of a graphics application is something that should be given a lot of thought as people tend to stay with the package they are used to more that with any other type of application.

PaintShop Pro 9 is the last good version to get, avoid anything after Corel took it over. Of course, GIMP is free and very good and CS4 is pretty amazing if you can take time to go to classes to learn how to use it.

PaintShopPro 7 The Anniversary Edition was the last one I got while it was still owned by Jasc Software and you actually got great big thick instruction books with it

As indicated by Nigel, the first question to be answered is, "For what purpose do you want/need a graphics program?"

If to do the odd siggy, fix a photo here or there, etc then PS 7 (if you can find it), CS3, PS Elements, and gimp are all good, low cost alternatives. I know a wedding photographer who still uses PS 7 for what work he has that needs PS touching.

If you are going a little higher end and/or need to work with camera RAW files, etc then you probably want to look to either CS3 or CS4.