graphics compatibility

[peroxidepirate]

The story is, I've had a series of iMacs over the past eleven years. The most recent one up and died a couple of weeks ago. Desperation caused me to buy the cheapest computer I could find at the first store I went to (a Toshiba laptop). Which is fine for web, email, fic-writing, etc.

However. I neglected to find out ahead of time whether my most favorite shareware graphics program, Graphic Converter, has a PC version.

It doesn't.

As you might be able to tell from my current icon -- this is the best I can do with what I got.

So. Anybody know a decent, PC-happy graphics program I can get for less than $25? Or helpful tips for making Picasa and/or the "draw" portion of Open Office behave like an actual graphics program? Or any comms dedicated to sharing information any of the above? I would appreciate any suggestions.


ETA: Windows paint program is pretty much a pain in the butt. Yet it seems to be a little better at resizing .jpgs than Picasa... WTF is that about? Anyway, the icon I'm now using as my default is a bit less embarrassing than the last version I had up there. But the plea for help still stands.

Comments

[ecsluver.livejournal.com]

Try getting Paint.Net. It is a free download off the net and pretty awesome. I always use it.

[peroxidepirate.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[peroxidepirate.livejournal.com]

Ok, paint.net is awesome! I just made this icon and it took me like 20 minutes even though I'm just learning the program. It's at least as good as the Graphic Converter program I miss so much. Thank you, thank you for telling me about it!