bttt
PaintShop Pro works pretty good, in many cases I use it instead of PhotoShop. I can put Ted Kennedy's head on an orangutan's neck a lot faster with PaintShop.
http://photobucket.com/albums/v244/tsiya/
"Is there something in between Essentials and CS2?"
Try GIMP, the free open-source project. It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. The Windows version is at gimp-win.sourceforge.net and the main project page is at gimp.org .
GIMP isn't yet at the Photoshop level but it is more powerful than Essentials.
Ditto what swampsniper said
I sometimes use a program called "The Gimp." It's free and has a lot of features.
I use PSP for all my ebay pictures.
It is easy, quick, and super.
Highly recommend.
I only go to my Photoshop when I need to do serious editing. Photoshop if fine, but it's bulky and does far more than I'll ever need.
I see from the ACDSee website they've got a variety of programs. The one I use is the old viewer/editor, version 3.01 (2000).
Bump for later look.
bttt
Photoshop is the best. Avoid Microsoft photo programs like the plague. To get Photoshop, register for a local college class, and then buy Photoshop at a student rate - great savings.
I use Corel's PaintShop Pro (formerly Jasc).
I find it much more easier to use and never could get used to Adobe's user interface.