PhotoPlus6 is from freeserifsoftware.com. It's basic but FREE.
I also used Photo Impact 7 from ulead.com (I think this was a freebie when I got it). Very powerful...slight learning curve...I'd say comparable to early versions of PhotoShop.
Currently getting into Corel Paint that came with Corel Draw 12. So far, does what I need it to do.
Susan