what is roughly the best (or a really good) picture editing program that I can download for free?
GIMP. http://www.gimp.org/

i just got one for my b-day and i cant figure out how to get the music onto it, but i know how to get the photos on it.
it says it can, but i need step by step instructions.
You may not be able to. not all of them support music files.

You need to read your manuel for where to put the music files on your photo frame and even if the frame will even support the music.

If it does support music, you do it the same as your pics. You choose the song and transfer it to the removable drive of your frame. But there may be a certain way you need to do it like it may need to be placed under a certain folder or something like that.

Adobe Premiere Elements is a very good program where you can do slideshows by adding music and sounds to your pictures.
There is also Cyberlink’s PowerDirector which in my opinion is less powerful but you will be up and running in less than half an hour.
Good luck!

I am looking for photo software that has a lot of effects on it for changing the photos. I currently have Jasc paint shop pro 9, is there anything with more options. Thanks.
The gold standard is Adobe Photoshop. Very capable, but very $$$ and not easy to learn.

Look at Adobe Photoshop Elements. Cheaper and designed for non-professionals.