How to get started in digital photography...

1. Decide if you want to begin with a digital camera or stay with film and scan your images for computer manipulation. 
2. If you currently use an SLR and want to stay with that format in digital, select one which will use the same lenses you already have on hand. If you want to try a digital Point & Shoot camera before leaping into a digital SLR - choose one from the same manufacturer as your current model. It will make the transition easier. 
3. If you prefer to stick with film and scan your images - look for a high level scanner that will scan slides and negatives in the formats you commonly use or look at sending your images out for scanning. 
4. Select the imaging software that fits your budget and your skill level. Photoshop is the most expensive but Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop Elements are excellent programs. But don't be afraid to use some of the smaller programs on the market which take less space on the hard drive and require less RAM; also, the larger and more complex the program, the steeper the learning curve. 
5. Keep in mind that your PC/Mac must be up to the software you select (hard drive size, RAM, scanners, etc.) and that will be a deciding factor. If you decide to make a new purchase, buy the most you can afford. Many club members are experienced and willing to share their experiences.
6. Check out the online tutorials available on the Internet (a selection of links can be found on right side of this page). Don't be afraid to ask for help. 
7. Classes for Photoshop and other programs can be found online and at local schools, workshops and camera clubs.
8. Find a good club to learn from and good friends for encouragement. 

Links about:

Cameras/Lenses (information)

Printers (information)

Photoshop (information)

Paint Shop Pro (information)

Other Photo programs 

Tutorial and Tips:

Photoshop 101 (tutorial site)

Photoshop (tutorial site)

Fresh Tutorials (Photoshop)

Paint Shop Pro  (tutorial)

Photoshop Elements (tutorial)