Originally Posted by dragonfly
I've never used paint.net. Is it worth trying or recommending to my friends who don't know what to use?
absolutely!
but don't take my word for it. go to their website, download it, and give it a shot. it's free so you've got nothing to lose.
the only disadvantage, and the reason i am switching to photoshop elements, is that there are a bazillion (true story, i counted

) books on photoshop and probably none on paint.net.
i really like working with printed reference material but if electronic / informal reference is ok with you then their forum is full of useful info so if you want to know how to do something chances are it's in the help or on their forum.