As mentioned, there are many software options that are available for use when editing digital photographs, and these various types of software can be grouped into three main areas in order to make it easier for you to decide which is best suited to your needs and requirements. The first category is basically comprised of Freeware, Shareware Promotion or product. The second category is a category of consumers, and there are three categories of professionals.
Adobe Photoshop has become known by many as the industry standard in terms of photo and image editing software. Adobe is the latest in the range of Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 and Adobe Photoshop CS4 is both a program best photo editing software.
There are some other popular choices that can be considered and included editor Picasa by Google, Jasc Paint Shop Pro and Microsoft Picture It! These programs and many others offer free 30 day trial so be sure to take advantage of this in order to try before you buy.
Another thing to consider in connection with free software programs which are often provided with a digital camera or other device when purchased. Some can be very nice but generally most are usually not very good quality and a waste of time and space.