While I've always been a fan of Adobe's PhotoShop, it just seems that I've been using Paint Shop Pro more and more to edit, enhance and repair my digital photos.

With Paint Shop Pro 9 (a newer version -- X -- is out now), you can cover up elements -- even backgrounds -- you don't want in your photos (perfect when you don't have time to make sure you see the full frame when you need to get a fast shot off), eliminate the colored glow that can appear in high contrast areas, correct dark shadows and bright backlight as well as add cool effects, like vignettes or halftones, to photos. This has all been pretty easy with 9, but apparently X makes it even easier.

Corel is now offering a special offer with orders for Paint Shop Pro X -- a free copy of Paint Shop Xtras — Creative Editions. This package extends the creative power of Paint Shop Pro with more than 600 artistic resources to choose from you, including 250 Picture Tubes and Frames. These ready-made picture frame art elements can be added to photos and graphics with a single mouse click.

Price: \$99 (regularly \$129) boxed or download; existing users can for upgrade for \$59 (boxed) or \$54 (download).