This one is free and is usually recommended.

paint.net

www.getpaint.net

Quote:Original post by lukeluke
I am trying to find a good photo editing program. I do not know what I need to look for. Can anybody tell me what are some really good programs?

If you are inexperienced and you don't know what features you need, perhaps you should start with something basic like IrfanView or XnView (basically viewers but with editing capabilities) and when you need more tools graduate to GIMP, Paint.Net or Pixia (freeware or open source for Windows); then if you aren't satisfied try demo versions of commercial programs.
Every image editor has its special ways to fall short of one's expectations, from drawing asymmetrical ellipses to being incompatible with the particular plugin you want to use.
Regarding "really good programs" recommending Photoshop CS3 is easy but pointless; it is too complex and too expensive until you decide otherwise.