When photoshop was first released, if offered many tools that we used for simple image editing such as layers, channels, color minipulation and such. The basic tools one needs to minipulate a photo, change its contrast, blur out the background, sharpen the image etc. these such tricks can still be used with an older version of photoshop.

In my opinion, the one complete version of Adobe Photoshop that we really need is the regular CS. That offers enough power tools and what have you to achieve digital media work.

Some newer versions of Adobe Photoshop offer options such as:

* color management was totally revamped with rev 6 and is much better
now than with 5.5. In particular, if you’re printing much the soft
proofing feature introduced in V 6 will pay for the upgrade in fewer
wasted prints, I feel.

* 16 bit/channel support is much better, including layers and
adjustment layer support. You may not need 16 b/c often but when you
do you’ll appreciate the later versions.

* text tool is greatly changed, for the better.

* shadow/highlight tool added in CS is very handy for improving image
shadow detail quickly and worth the upgrade to most of us.

* built in RAW support.

Remember, a computer and its software is just a tool, the actual design and ideas should come from you as the designer, without a relative frame mind of an artist, even photoshop is of no use don’t forget that.

here is a list of all the Photoshop Versions Relased by Adobe

Adobe Photoshop release history

Adobe Photoshop 0.63
Adobe Photoshop 1
Adobe Photoshop 2
Adobe Photoshop 2.5
Adobe Photoshop 3
Adobe Photoshop 4
Adobe Photoshop 5
Adobe Photoshop 5.5
Adobe Photoshop 6
Adobe Photoshop 7
Adobe Photoshop 7.0.1
Adobe Photoshop CS (8.0) ( this is the one i use )
Adobe Photoshop CS2 (9.0)
Adobe Photoshop CS3, CS3 Extended (10.0)