Hi all,
I'm new here and new to the photography scene. I have a Nikon D50 digital SLR camera that I'm learning the in's and out's of right now. I just started learning to use the cloning brushes in Jasc Paint Shop Pro 7, when my trial version ran out. The question I would like help with is this: I'm at a crossroads as to what photo-editing program to go with, as a beginner-intermediate. Should I upgrade to the full version of Jasc? Adobe photoshop elements? Microsoft Picture It?
Any input would be appreciated. I'd love to be able to edit and enhance my photos to post here, as I've really fallen in love with this site.
Thanks for any and all input I receive here, Carol :-)

As far as I know Microsoft have rebranded PictureIt into a new digital imaging package called Digital Image 2006 both this and Photoshop elements are available as free try before you buy download trials so I would suggest you give both a whirl and see which you feel most at ease with - all three cost around the same so ultimately it will be what is best for your needs after you have tried all three.

There is also .. the Gimp ... though I have not used it .. Others, here, have

It's FREE .. and could possibly tide you over until budget matters solidify .. or .. you're able to make a rock-solid choice

Also having a nikon DSLR you would benifit from nikon's raw editing software, nikon capture. It allows you to do some amazing stuff. It doesn't have some of the important things like brushes and such, so it needs to go along side a photoshop or something like it. But ya, it is awesome.

Thanks for all your help everyone! Now i have something to go on... Thanks for the tip on paint shop pro hottrockin' ;-)
Looks like i can try some free software and trials before i decide which to buy.

I do most of my photo-editing on the Gimp. If you just need some lighter stuff, try picassa.
Both are free and relatively easy to use.