I have tried GIMP and found it quite difficult to use. The software that I use to do that kinda crap is PhotoPlus10! by Serif (
http://www.serif.com) and you can get it online for about £59.99 (approx $90) and they support the product downloads if you can't be bothered to wait for postage
. If you try and get anything else of their's aswell, they'll usually do you a great deal on other packages.
The programme itself almost mirrors Adobe's working environment for about 1/10 of the price and I have not had any problems with it at all. I found it a lot easier to use than the GIMP and their online/telephone support is great (not that I have had to call them, cos their stuff is so easy to use). Plus, it will support all of the leading Plugins out there.
If you do go for it, please let them know of any feedback that you have, as that definitely gets you into their good-books for any future purchases, if you know what I mean...
Say no to tradition, go for the rank outsider!
