[EveningStar]

bttt

[SWAMPSNIPER]

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/

[PastorBooks]

"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.

[martin_fierro]

Ditto what swampsniper said

[pcottraux]

I sometimes use a program called "The Gimp." It's free and has a lot of features.

[Lokibob]

I use PSP for all my ebay pictures.

It is easy, quick, and super.

Highly recommend.

[nicollo]

For simple editing (converting format, resizing, color/balance), I use ACD See. It's also the best viewer out there -- super easy and not stupid like most photo viewers. Great program!

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).

[Pontiac]

Bump for later look.

[w_over_w]

bttt

[aimhigh]

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.

[smith288]

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.