I am new to Inkscape but have considerable experience with Photoshop. For the most part I really like inkscape, but there are two functions that I use all the time in Photoshop and can't find in Inkscape. I don't know if they don't exist or just aren't obvious, or require a work around.
The first is the ability to select exactly what I want to select. All I have been able to find is a means to select entire objects.
My second problem is a way to merge layers so what I have accomplished to a certain point will be preserved as I try other things.
If there is a way to do these things, would someone please tell me how to find them?
Thanks.

Not sure what you mean by, ... "the ability to select exactly what I want to select." Sorry, never used Photoshop so I'm missing your drift. Inkscape being a vector based app, you work with objects and paths and each are individually selectable.

Your second problem is easy, select everything in your drawing and group them. They will all wind up in one layer.

Jaws,
In Photoshop and all other photo editors I've used, one can use a variety of selection tools to select any imaginable part of any photo or graphic. Since you apparently don't know how that can be done, I'm supposing it can't be done. Thanks for the solution on the layers problem.

You are bumping your head against the differences between raster and vector graphics. With Photoshop or GIMP, you can choose individual pixels. With Inkscape, you manipulate objects and paths. To tweak a path, select it and use the node tool (this one: ) to manipulate the nodes and curve handles until you get what you want. You have to change your head space to think in terms of objects and paths.

Your second problem has to do with SVG. There are no layers in SVG. Inkscape emulates layers with groups. In Inkscape, a layer is a group with a special attribute that marks it as layer. To move an object or path to another layer, select and from the Layers menu, select "Move Selection to Layer Above" (Shift+PgUp), "Move Selection to Layer Below" (Shift+PgDn). You will also find that have your drawing spread out over many layers does not cause the same difficulties as in Photoshop.

Shawncorey,
OK, I guess that about covers my questions. Thanks to you and thanks again to Jaws. This thread can be closed now as far as I'm concerned.