Move tool (v) - This tool is what you need to use to move objects on your canvas. NOTE: You cannot move a layer that is locked (such as the background layer of any .jpg image). You will first have to open the layer palette, double-click on the background, and make it a new layer. The shortcut to move any object is to hold down command (ctrl on Windows), click, and drag. You can also move objects by using the free-transform tool on a layer by going to Edit -> Free Transform or by pressing command+t (ctrl+t).
Marquee tool (m) - This is the tool used to make basic selections. You can choose between a rectangular marquee, elliptical marquee, or a single row/column marquee. Just click and drag to select an area. You an invert the selection by going to Selection -> Invert or by pressing command+i, and you can deselect by going to Selection -> Deselect or by pressing command+d.
Quick Selection/Magic Wand tool (w) - This tool is used for more complicated selections. The Magic Wand is useful for selecting a single color range. By checking the box on the top tool bar that says "Sample all layers," the color range that is selected will be taken from every single layer in your image. If you want to only select the color from a single layer, uncheck that box. The Quick Selection tool is one of the most useful for complicated selections in Photoshop. You simply have to click and drag to select an area. Like all automated selecting tools, it is sensitive to color changes, so if the colors are blurred where you are selecting, you will have to be more careful. NOTE: You can also unselect parts of your selection by clicking the image of a paintbrush with a - sign on the top tool bar, or by holding down option (alt) while clicking. This is very useful since it is almost impossible to make a perfect selection the first time!
Lasso tool (l) - The lasso tools are also very useful for making complicated selections. The original lasso tool allows you to create a free-hand selection. The polygonal lasso lets you create straight lines in any shape you want, simply by clicking to create an anchor point. To delete an anchor point created previously, simply press delete on your keyboard. The magnetic lasso is one of my favorite selection tools (along with the quick select tool). Simple click to start an anchor point and slowly move the lasso around an object. The lasso will identify colors and adhere to them, giving it a "magnetic"-like feel. If you need to create additional anchor points, simply click. If you need to erase erroneous anchor points, press delete on your keyboard. NOTE: Even with the awesome Photoshop selection technology, you may find your selections to be pretty rough. If this is the case, go to Selection -> Refine Edge where you can make your selection look pro. Have fun!
