When I had an old Mac computer there was a great and easy-to-use
graphics program called "Mac Paint"
Is there a similar easy-to-use graphics program available for
PC/microsoft environment?
Please help!
Thanks,
Dr. C

Hello Dr. C,

  Did you know there is a Paint program included with  Microsoft
Windows, and from what I see on the link below, is almost identical to
Mac Paint, with some updates and extra tools.
http://lowendmac.com/macdan/010119mm.html


MS Paint
========
To locate and run Paint:

In Windows XP, go to Start >  All Programs > Accessories > Paint
In Windows 98, go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Paint

If you have MS Word installed, you can download Microsoft Draw here:
http://pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,3815,00.asp

MS Paint Tutorials:
http://www.hhs.homewood.k12.al.us/edgewood/paint.html

http://www.bittybitznpieces.com/LORAINESMSPAINTTIPS.htm

Click on each tool to get a pop-up guide.
http://www.fayette.k12.il.us/99/paint/paint.htm



NeoPaint
========
For something more sophisticated, you can download a free trial
version of Neopaint.

?NeoPaint is $59.95 + shipping for the full version on CD, or $49.95
if you just want to unlock the download version. Registered users of
the DOS version can upgrade to the Windows version for $34.95.?
http://www.neosoftware.com/npw.html

Neopaint has more features and tools than MS Paint, and supports a
wider variety of formats. Neopaint also includes animation tools.


Paint Shop Pro
===============
This semi-professional paint program is favored by many graphics and
web designers, and was made by Jasc, now made by Corel. I use this
program myself, as do several other researchers.
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Products/Display&pfid=1047024307383&pid=1047023911984

You can download a free trial version here:
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Trials/Login&pid=1047023911984&cid=1047024437292

Features of Paint Shop Pro, Ver. 9, including a virtual tour
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Products/Display&pid=1047023911984&cid=1047023964327

The cost is $119 USD for the download, $129 USD for the boxed version.
http://store.corel.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&currency=USD&jspStoreDir=CorelUS&partNumber=OL_PSP9&catalogId=10103&ddkey=SetCurrencyPreference

Finally, you have what is considered the Gold Standard of graphics
programs, Adobe Photoshop. This program is truly professional, has a
huge learning curve, and costs $649. I place it last because it is far
from simple, but you may be interested in seeing what you might want
to use once you are adept at MS Paint!
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/main.html


Freeware
========

Gimp
?The GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely
distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching,
image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating
systems, in many languages.?
http://www.gimp.org/

See Windows screenshots of Gimp, right below the Linux screenshots:
http://www.gimp.org/screenshots/



Evans
?Evan's Image Editor is a freeware image editor designed to work with
digital images. It supports many image formats and works with multiple
layers. It was created to combine many common image editing and
converting capabilites into one program, as well as providing an easy
to use interface for formats with more than one image, such as
animated GIF files. Also, alpha channels were in mind during creating,
and there is support for RGBA 32-bit images.
3-11-05: A new, DirectX enhanced version is in production. Please note
that the EWD format will no longer be supported in future releases; I
am getting rid of it and adding a new native ".eie" format to the
image editor. This format will have compression, unlike EWD files.?
http://www.evanolds.com/ieo.html

Gloodle
?What can you do with Gloodle?
You can create many interesting and organic images with Gloodle, with
powerful features including:
·Several symmetry options, including polar symmetry. 
·The ability to import an image and "gloodle-ize" it. 
·Create a "pattern" out of a drawing, then draw with that pattern (can
create some very intricate images!).
·Add shading to a drawing (or portion of a drawing) to simulate depth,
or use Chromadepth coloring (if you have the right 3D glasses!).
·Import your own shape images to draw with.?
http://www.wondertouch.com/gloodle/gloodle.asp



Top Draw
?Use this easy drawing program to produce a variety of documents. From
graphics to presentation materials, you can add layers, text effects,
shapes, and many other features. Top Draw supports WMF, DIB, DMB, and
PCX formats.?
http://pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,5368,00.asp



GNU
Not MY words - ?Too much of a cheapskate to buy Photoshop? You're in
good company, and luckily there are a lot of free tools that do a good
job of manipulating images. The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo
retouching, image composition and image authoring. You can resize
images, feather edges, erase, fill, magnify, and select portions of
your images using the lasso tool. You can also create layers and add
text to your images.?
http://pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23351,00.asp


There you go! Happy Painting! If these are not the kind of paint
applications you were seeking, before rating, please request an Answer
Clarification. This will enable me to assist you further, if possible.

Sincerely, Crabcakes

Search Terms
Free graphics programs
Paint programs

Excellent Answer.  Very helpful.  Thanks!

Thank you Dr. C, for the rating and the nice tip! Both are appreciated!
Sincerely, Crabcakes

You also might try an excellent freeware program called ArtRage.