The better program? Photoshop CS. In terms of raw ability it makes PSP run home to momy and it makes the Gimp look like the crazy uncle in the attic you don't introduct to company. But that is in terms of >absolute< ability. You may never actually need all that. I would definitely run Photoshop elements (inexpensive) before PSP or the Gimp, but if you don't do that I would run PSP before the gimp :) So, in order... Photoshop CS Photoshop 7 Photoshop Elements PSP The GIMP