Hey guys, anyone who wants a cheaper version of PS but doesn't like gimp, there is a great program available from Corel. Corel Photoimpact X3, it has 99% of the features that PS does, and as an added bonus there is a forum available where you can get a rather extensive education on how to use it for free. It's at
http://photoimpact-international.com/forum/ but if you go there please be aware that most of the members are older women who got nto it because of scrap-booking so please be nice. If you do check it out be sure to say hi, I'm a moderator over there.
The program itself is on sale now, I think it's about $60. It's pretty close to PS in it's use, and can use most PS plug ins.