ArtBistro

This is a free product that has everything photoshop has and more!

In this program you can go to the forums and find new plug-ins that can give you things photoshop can't

YES you can even get brushes with this product so the other review wasn't accurate. You can download all plug-ins on their forum and see different tutorials on things you can make.

I personally use this product every day and on every single image I capture or create!

wonderful product with one thing photoshop or any other store bought products will ever have... Free updates always! Never pay once!

I used PhotoShop CS3 at my high school, and then got myself this program when I went to college. It's free and VERY easy to download (two of my favorite things). While I haven't used this for photos per-se, I HAVE used it to edit my artworks, and this program is GREAT for that! I like the fact that it's like PhotoShop for beginners, and it has an unlimited undo feature (which I love and abuse like you would not believe). This is a great tool, for either the beginner OR for someone (like me) who forgot how to use Photoshop. Plus, the site you download this from has a help section explaining what all the tools do. Highly recommended.

In its basic form, Paint.net is a cheaper (free) version of Photoshop, meaning it also compromises. The tolls it features aren't as refined and of such a great quality as the expensive Adobe or Corel editors, but it serves the basic needs. Great features include the basic adjustments such as contrasts, hue, saturation, levels, curves etc. It also makes use of layers. It is also very easy to navigate. There are also several additional free plug ins and brushes available for download. Overall, Paint.net is a worthwhile product if you aren't able or don't feel it necessary to go for the more expensive programs.