Should You Replace Pricey Photoshop with Free Paint.NET?

Don't let the name throw you: Paint.NET is a Windows-based image-editing program, 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, Paint.NET costs absolutely nothing.

That makes it a no-brainer for any business user who wants to edit, enhance, and otherwise modify images without spending big bucks on a program like Photoshop. At the very least, you should give Paint.NET a try. The program requires Windows XP, Vista, or Server 2003 and Microsoft's .NET Framework 2.0.

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!