Image Management & Organization HELP

[D70 User]

Hi everyone, Newbie Here!
I have some questions that I hope someone can help with.

1) What software does photographers used to organize and manage the images?
2) What hardware (if any) does photographers used to back-up there images?
3) Do most photographers send out pictures to get printed or do they purchase a good printer?

I have an old version of photoshop elements(4.0), that I don't use. I was told to down load all images on windows (pictures), then move an image to photshop to edit before sending out to print. I would like to know if thats normal practice or should I be using photoshop 4.0 to manage and organize all my pictures? Also if photoshop is the software I need to keep, should I upgrade to 9.0 and buy scott kelby book on photoshop element 9.0? Thanks
John

[Jim Poor]

Kelby's books are great, but honestly, I'd recommend sticking with the software you have until it can't do what you need / want it to do anymore.

There's no sense in sinking money into upgrading before you've mastered what you have.

As for DAM - Digital Asset Management, there are sooooo many different ways to do this that you really should just read a lot and find what works best for you.

"The DAM Book" is a good place to start. I can't remember the author's name off the top of my head though.

[Biomech]

1. I have 2 500gig harddrives in RAID1 with an external 500gig for backup hidden elsewhere (incase the bungulars come :O)

2. I use Lightroom for my management and general post processing.

3. Currently get them printed at Photobox :P But I'll be heading down the printer route very soon