To see a filter applied to the image above, simply select it from the nested list above. The exact settings for that filter will be listed directly below the image. Some filters are worth discussing in more detail, so extra information may appear. Okay, I admit it.
Filters are way cool.
They are attractive to first time Photoshop users because with relatively little skill, they can do an extremely complicated effect most other programs can't do, even when used by a Grand Master. But they quickly become cliched. Verbal cliches were obviously at some time considered extremely witty and clever, but their overuse quickly degraded them to the point that their mere utterance is punished by cold glares, or sometimes severe beatings. Likewise, lens flare looks pretty nifty, but the hoards of Photoshop newbies that adorn banners, buttons and photos with inappropriate overuse of flares are quickly becoming an international nuisance. With that aside, please try and use the filter menu with some level of restraint.