Forget Photoshop: Paint.NET 3.5 is Just as Good, and It's Free

Don't be thrown by the name: Paint.NET is an image-editing program for Windows, not a Web app. And it's a powerful one, too, with Photoshop-caliber features like layers, special effects, and plug-ins. Best of all, it costs nothing.

That makes it a no-brainer for any business user who needs to edit, enhance, and otherwise modify images without spending big bucks on Photoshop.

The just-released 3.5 version of Paint.NET adds an updated user interface, new effects, improved startup performance, and a long list of tweaks and fixes.

The program requires Windows XP, Vista, or 7, and Microsoft's .NET Framework 3.5.

I use IrfanView for basic image-editing tasks like resizing and cropping photos, but turn to Paint.NET when I need drawing tools and other advanced capabilities. It's yet another example of open-source software offering nearly all the benefits of its pricey commercial counterpart. Take Paint.NET for a spin, then hit the comments and tell us what you think!