I use PS CS2 now I used to use the GIMP which is a free GNU licensed program. GIMP is a great program but I like CS2 way better!
I used to use Photoshop, but I switched from Windows to Linux so now I use GIMP 2.2. I personally think Photoshop CS2 9 was better, but I had used that for longer.
Make your own brushes. =p PS7 is better. I'd reccommend getting it, as CS2 takes up twice the space, and only has like, 3 more filters and a different interface.
I used PS-7 for a long period of time, and I had 0 problems. Works great. But I finally switched to PS-CS because of the brush issues.
Title should say gfx programs? :lol: Photoshop CS Bryce C4d Ultra Fractal Apophysis Fractal Explorer Terragen and the occasional cool3d. As for photoshop 7 being any good. I can only say from other's comments. But, if you have 256 MBs of RAM or less, don't bother with cs2. Cs, and 7 use way less resources. CS2 will just make you lag like crazy for only a few adjustments, not too much better imo.