Am currently looking for a photoshop alternative my computer cant handle me multi tasking :lol: :lol:
My best suggestion would be to use GIMP. It is a great software to use if you don't want to buy Photoshop.
Yeah its too expensive the solution I would use is photoshop elements its cheaper but has less feature compared to cs3/ cs4
I personally use Jasc / Corel Paint Shop Pro, I'm not sure but Ive seen it pretty cheep at some stores, and it is fast.
try looking here http://sixrevisions.com/graphics-design/10-excellent-open-source-and-free-alternatives-to-photoshop/