Photoshop Creative

I have heard a lot of people talk about plug-ins. What are they? What do they do? Why do I want them?

Hi Danny. I am sure someone will give a more detailed answer but basically a plug-in is a filter. You can get some really cool plug-ins and some nice results to transform your photo. Sort of an action but they load in the filters list

Danny,
Plug-ins are additional modules to give new functions to a software. They are developped to be fully integrated to the software. Common plug-ins for Elements include: curves, noise reduction, sharpening, resizing, portrait retouch, new file formats compatibility, lens correction. Generally, plug-ins are compatible with any version of Photoshop or Elements.
Actions are simpler: they are more like 'macros' that is a record of a set of commands which can be played simply. You can't record actions in Elements, you can in Photoshop. Actions with Photoshop specific features won't run in Elements.
Generally, plug-ins are easier to install in Elements. Most of them are not absolutely necessary in Elements since the last versions: you already find noise reduction, better sharpening, simple curves, lens distortion... but many plug-ins give a better result and they are generally provided with good installers.
My favorites are smartcurves (free and very powerful), Ptlens for lens correction (very affordable), Neat Image for noise reduction (there are other good ones, like Noise Ninja).

I agree with Michel's favourite plug-ins. Just like to add some more - all FREE!

Magic Enhancer http://www.imageskill.com/magicenhancer/magicenhancer.html

Simpel FIlter RGB Color Mixer Light (a kind of channels mixer, very easy) http://www.simpelfilter.de/en/bildbearbeitung/channelmixer.html

Virtual Photographer - a very good BW filter, plus lots of film effects. http://www.optikvervelabs.com/

Thanks. I downloaded the freebies and will try them out.