Cheap graphics software!

WOW! Ive been looking at the costs of graphic software and they are really really expensive! Can anyone recommend a cheap graphics program that easy to use for a newbie like me?

thanks

Matt

Maybe you should give a try to the GIMP

It is a free open source application for graphics manipulation

http://www.gimp.org/

I am a big open source fan and I would like to give it a try too.

But is it compatible with photoshop files?

I litterally downloaded GIMP this morning :) I have heard a lot of good things about it - will post more feedback after I have used it properly but considering its FREE you cant really go wrong :) :) :)  ;D

There is a not so good plugin for psd files

 http://registry.gimp.org/plugin?id=481

What do you mean by a 'not so good' plugin? What sort of compatability issues does it have?

I've never used it but if you take a look at the web people say that it has some bugs, and it is not full compatible

Am I right in saying Paint Shop Pro is probably the cheapest 'big' graphics program?

I didn't know that PSP is still alive. I remember it when I was kid. Is it worth a try? Can it read photoshop files?

I think its still alive... not too sure - i remember using it about 3 years ago. I dont think it can read Photoshop files.

Paint Shop Pro is still alive : www.jasc.com
in version 9 right now, i think.
and it can read photoshop files. :)

sorry, just remembered...

here's another graphics software you could try out:
http://xara.com/

the flash movie demo looks pretty good!

Yeah I use Version 8. I like it. I only payed 40$ not 800$ or anything. I think its good to start with.

GIMPshop is a good alternative for Photoshop. Try it out.

gimp is certainly the cheapest.  ;)

I think gimp is a great program. Give it a try, its free so there's nothing to loose.

I've never tried gimp but I have heard it is ok. I don't think there is a lot of great work done with gimp though, but that is probably because people who are serious about graphics will usually get photoshop.

A friend of mine used to use Paint to do some of his graphic work lol It was only for very basic things but it got the job done.

This friend of yours is really a hero LoL

Paint as in MS Paint? :D Unless it's for pixel drawings or something like that- you've got to be kidding :P

I used to use Paint Shop Pro until I realized that Photoshop is a lot more powerful :)
I'm a PSP version 4 veteran.

I've tried GIMP but I guess I'm too used to photoshop... If you use it to make a living I guess it's worth the money