free graphics program GIMP vs PhotoFiltre

[ummhend]

Hi all
I use a free program called Photofiltre, it offers some great features (i think its www.photofiltre.com) but im looking around to see if there are programs that do the same and then some.
Bearing in mind i need a free program.
Is GIMP (windows) what you all recommend? tried and true the best free graphics editor?
I love PhotoFiltre but looking for more since im doing more designing now.
And which of the big programs is gimp similar to? (eg, paint shop, photoshop etc.) so i can look at their tutorials to get ideas!
Thanks in advance

[faltered]

I used to swear by Photoshop. Then someone around here recommended The GIMP and I use it extensively now. I can't give any comparison to the program you use, but I find it easy to use and powerful.

Best of all, free.

[ummhend]

thanks a lot!
i did a bit of reading on their site and it looks a lot better than what i have! much more advanced.
Thanks again

[bwakkie]

Hi,

If you will use layers a lot Photoshop has a much easier ways to group layers together which i love(d).

Loved indeed as I am working on Linux with GIMP all the time now. It is perfect till now except for the above point.

Cheers,
Bastiaan