Question What program should I use?

I've been looking into purchasing a Photoshop-esque program; I've been using Paint, and I'm starting to get tired of the limited possibilities. I was just wondering what you use, and what you'd suggest me buying (hopefully something not too expensive; under $50 would be preferable ^-^). I've never used an image-editing program outside of Paint, and I have Windows XP.

Thanks! (And if this is in the wrong section, I apologize.)
~Jade

 

i suggest GIMP. its complicated at first,but it works ^^

 

I use PaintShop Pro X.
Its very user-friendly and much cheaper then Photoshop.

 

GIMP is what I used, until I just recently bought CS2.
It roughly has about....59 percent of what PS has.

 

Yeah, just google GIMP, and download it from one of the sites. It's free ;) Won't cost ya a penny. Much better than downloading a 30 day trial of PSP, or paying about bloody £200 for it, ne?

 

I have Adobe Photoshop 7.0, but its not in your price range...

I agree with everyone else, GIMP would be your best choice ;)

 

Go with GIMP. If you're really into it, and feel you need an upgrade, then buy PS.