Here's some people have reccommended (I have PS Elements- so I really haven't tried any of these BUT they are pretty popular);
Gimp -- For Windows. I have heard it's rather similar to Photoshop, but a little buggy (of course I heard this awhile ago and it has had several updates since then which could mean it has gotten better). Paint.net -- According to it's website, it was engineered by undergraduates with help from Microsoft and was intended to replace MSPaint. Looks rather appealing and is still being updated. With this one, you can use plugins, like Photoshop which is rather cool in my opinion.
VCW VicMan's Photo Editor -- Originally the Pro version was sold and the freeware version was only for enticement, but until recently, the pro version is also free to download. Has special effects, draw on them, fix your photos, and more.
You might even be able to find some online that you don't have to download. By what it sounds like what you want to do, usually people use online programs for that. In order to use this, I would HIGHLY suggest you have decent internet (no dialup- it would be too painful to wait for it);
Gif Works -- I've used this once or twice. Not too bad. But this was awhile ago when I used it.
You can find a crapload of online programs that are similar to this; 3D Word Maker
If you are JUST looking for image editing to make sparkles or flames around an image... simple. Just add "myspace generator" with the effect you're wanting to your seacrh inquiry as it has become rather popular among myspacers to do.
Post edited at 9:32 am on Jan. 17, 2008 by dreamweaver
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