CR2 files

[mikeyboy1962]

I'm new to both digital photography and CS2.
So here goes:
My Canon camera RAW setting gives me a CR2 file when downloaded onto my computer but cannot be viewed either as a thumbnail or full sized in CS2.
Jpegs appear ok in any location.

However CS2 says it cannot recognise this (CR2)format and it needs to be converted first.

When converted they change Tif.s........ is this right?

I thought the idea of taking Raw images on my camera would allow me to manipulte images before final conversion to Tif or Jpeg?? Yes or no???

I'm also having difficulties in locating Raw converter in CS2.It's not in the view as menu described in many tutorials.

Thanks