I'm not trying to poke the Bear but. Just spend a little extra time playing with your shots. Instead of just trying to take that one good shot, try to make that shot (I.E) take your shot the way you would normally take it (in auto), then set your camera to manual and then start changing different settings take a few shots. Work with only aperture or speed in a set to start out with. Learn how to make your pictures instead of letting your camera make your shot. Its a lot more fun and you will learn more about how light, speed and aperture all balance out to create your final picture....then move on to Photoshop. Most of all "Just" have fun! I'm not a pro at all but I have some time with one. Camera that is.
+1 The A,S,P, and auto settings will always lock aperture, shutter speed, and ISO respectively, but like others said, not every shot is the same, although some of the more important tips i would say are....(for sunny shots)
1) always put the sun out of frame (unless you're looking for lighting a spot problems)
2) make sure to check your light meter and take some test shots from initial setup in order to start tweaking settings.
3) for a longer depth of field turn the aperture number up (shrinks the diaphragm)one f-stop at a time (and re check the light meter to compensate
4) take test shots until u feel comfortable with using your settings, then you can start changing more of the shutter speed, and ISO
you may have already known most of these things, but just keep at it, similar to riding a bike (IMO) it just takes getting the hang of things at first, then you'll be cruisin'
