Gimp can be difficult to learn. There are more resources (books, tutorials, "recipes" in the application) available to learning Photoshop Elements.
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
www.faststone.org is excellent and free...
I am using GIMP for all my photo retouching and editing.
It's Open Source, free and just as powerful as Photoshop et.al.
GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program
GIMP - Windows installers
I like the full screen edit page, and 4 way compare.I just downloaded and screwed around with 'faststone'. I like it. Easy to use.
ANYTHING but Photoshop ,unless you enjoy being frustrated, dazed and confused