I posted this a few years ago and Mike G had it pinned to the top.
http://forums.fishusa.com/tm.aspx?m=33830 Some things have changed but it is a good start.
I edit most of my photos with faststone.
It can be downloaded free at:
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm I have the expensive photo editing programs but use this 99% of the time. It is very easy to use and does most of what any amateur would want,