Graphics

I wonder if someone could help.

I'm trying to design my first web page and I'm very new at all this.
I'm using Arachnophillia and I'm fine with designing the webpage itself.

I'm having a problem, though, with graphics.

I want to add a few simple graphics  - buttons, backgrounds, horizontal 
and vertical lines of different colours, etc etc - nothing more 
complicated than that.   I've downloaded a few free graphics, and I want 
to adjust them.

What graphics program could someone recommend - something simple, easy 
to use (and free, of course).  I've tried Paint Shop Pro, but I don't 
find it easy to use and I think it is an overkill for what I want.

Thanks.
--
Zippy S

Email:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]