Whats the big difference between CS, CS2, CS3?

[DarlingDesigns]

Hi, might be a stupid question but im not yet an advanced graphic designer and there for im curious what is the big differences between Example: Photoshop or illustrator CS, CS2, CS3?

I have CS only, and i honestly dont afford to upgrade to CS3 yet (im a student) and im just curious if "im missing out alot"? Is there a big difference between them? Like for instance is the difference that big that i have to use specific tuitorials for each version?

Thanks for answers!

[obesebee]

You're not missing out. The best thing you can do now is work on your ideas and more theoretical stuff. All you'll need is in CS and you'll pick up CS3 or 4 when you need to. Sure there are lots of nifty things in the newer ones but nothing that will make you a better fundamental designer.

[budafist]

What version are they teaching you on at school?

As a student, you are fine with CS. Don't sweat it. The basics are there - if anything, it could be better that you learn the basics on CS so that you can't take too many shortcuts (like livetrace). That way, when you eventually get to CS3 there are some things that will be a breeze, but you will be able to do things the proper way should you ever need to.

Just remember, if you want to freelance once you graduate, then it is advisable to buy CS3 before you lose your student discount.

[seosamh]

tbh either one will do, there are things that make working easier. but no real essential must have differences that you can't live without..hell i could live with photoshop 6 if i had to..

[DarlingDesigns]

Ok thanks for your answers!

Now i hope i dont get any angry messages back by writing this, but what if i download a cracked version of CS3? Will it work fine eaven if its cracked you think?
Cause somhow it would feel better having "the latest" thing so i dont miss out on anything...

[Typically]

tisk tisk

[reuber1]

Now i hope i dont get any angry messages back by writing this, but what if i download a cracked version of CS3? Will it work fine eaven if its cracked you think?
Cause somhow it would feel better having "the latest" thing so i dont miss out on anything...
You probably should have stopped at "OK, thanks for your answers!"

Get an old version off of eBay or something, and upgrade. Or check Pricegrabber for software...I've seen CS3 for cheap on there a couple of times (full install, commercial version). And if you are in school, you get a VERY sizeable discount on CS3.

[DarlingDesigns]

HEHE LOL :) got your message!

No but i dont think i would like to have cracked software anyway, wouldnt feel like the real thing...

OK thanks for your answers! :)

[reuber1]

Bear in mind too that with CS3, you are getting formerly-Macromedia software, such as Flash and Dreamweaver in the Design Premium package. And Flash CS3 has VERY large differences from its older versions.

[Virgo Nightingale]

Don't forget that as a student you can get crazy discounts on software at sites like academicsuperstore.com. The software is exactly the same, the student version just doesn't come with the fonts and clipart that the regular version has (at least this applies to the Adobe software suites, not sure of the differences with other software that you might purchase).

I would honestly just stick to the software versions installed at your school's computer labs. Makes life easier when transferring work between home and school. I know from experience. :D

Just a side note: this forum does not condone software piracy. I know you're not asking for pirated software or where to download it etc., but that is a bannable offense. You've done nothing wrong, but I just want you to be aware. ;)

[garricks]

I would honestly just stick to the software versions installed at your school's computer labs. Makes life easier when transferring work between home and school. I know from experience. :D

I have to agree with Virgo. InDesign files are not very backward compatible. You can save them in InDesign Exchange format (.inx), but new features won't transfer back and differences in the composing engines likely will cause text reflow.

So if your school is using CS or CS2, having CS3 isn't going to help you much.

[DarlingDesigns]

ok thanks for answers!

virgo, you are right! that was a bit stupid of me to mention that! :)

[Virgo Nightingale]

No harm done, just wanted you to know. :)