I have downloaded & installed Paint.net ... a slight glitch at first with net.framework, but I've had problems since the last 1.1 security update & recently rebuilt it, so no surprises when I came un-stuck.
Anyhows I wish to thank the developer\s of this programme. I know my way around Paint Shop Pro, so working with graphics wasn't a new experience.
I do a lot of card crafting and chat on craft forums and a lot of the ladies would like to use layered graphics, so I gave this programme a go on their behalf.
Really really super - and I've only played with the basics.
Many thanks.