Do you want to create 3D designs? print and web publishing? video and audio?
Most likely, digital images.... If so, Photoshop Elements 4.0 would be a good way to start and then try Photoshop CS2. Also, there are a variety of other products that compete with Adobe. Some are also much less expensive..
7.0 is very easy, and much cheaper at this point. Believe me, its still a very good program even though it is a few years old. I'd go for it, and if you ever feel limited by it (I don't think you will), then you can buy the latest version.