Free photo editing software? Anyone use GIMP or Photoscape?

Hi does anyone know of a good, safe, free photo editing software i can download. Basically I’m a poor college student and like to dabble in photography and photo editing, yeah its just a simple hobby, so actually buying a program is not something i care to do, lol, anyone ever use Photoscape, or GIMP, if so are they legit, are they going to mess up my laptop. Any other recommendations? Thanks in advance!

gimp is great. but i like photoshop a lot better, and it’s available for free all over the internet. look on the torrents.

What is the best FREE photo editing software and how to get it