The free version of Project Dogwaffle is pretty cool, especially if you have a drawing tablet.
http://www.thebest3d.com/dogwaffle/f..._dw12free.html
Dunno about actual drawing, really, but I heard GIMP is a good alternative to Photoshop/Paintshop which is free, but is a bit crash-infested. However, for spriting, I very strongly suggest GraphicsGale; does everything that faithful old MSPaint does, plus a little more, but not as much fluff as Photoshop/Paintshop.
OpenCanvas is another nice program, works just like Photoshop almost. I think they've got a free one, but I cant remember if it has a trial period or not..
ArtRage is good and free
http://www.ambientdesign.com/artrage.html
I just bought the latest issue of ImagineFX magazine, and noticed yet another new digital painting application called "Pixel"
Link to Pixel website
Supposed to be small and fast, but with nice features. While its not free, right now its only like $32 -- but, its "still in a development state" so its liable to have some issues, with changes before its done. On the plus side, it appears to be available on not just Windows, but Mac, and Linux, and several other platforms.
No, I haven't tried it yet (I use photoshop, beast tho it can be) -- but thought I'd mention it.
I've heard good things about Dogwaffle, and Gimp, tho
i use Corel over PS. definitely not for beginners (stay far away)
Photoshop. When second-best just won't do.
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ArtRage is good and free
http://www.ambientdesign.com/artrage.html
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i got this one, i was going t o post my first picture, but i cant get it to save as anything other than a .ptg, and photobuckt wont support that 
Try "Export As Image"
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Try "Export As Image"
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thanks ok here it is
keep in mind, its my very first picture
i want to start doing some computer art. nothing to serious, but i want a program with a bit more options than ms paint.
so whats a good program thats not to hard to learn on? gotta be free.....
thanks!