personally I love my mocrosoft picture it - its very user friendly and great for doing text and stuff..
anyway you can download trial versions of PSP and other software easily if you check out the manufacturer website
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satelli.../1152796555406
and as for tutorials - depends what you are looking to make or do there are plenty of easy to follow tuts - hive us an idea and we can point you in the right direction. if you click on the help menu in any software you get instant assistance, and PSPX also has beginner tutorials installed which are fairly easy to follow.
and software need not be expensive either - check out ebay computing/software/digital imaging section ..... here is PSPx that I found straight away for $20
http://cgi.ebay.com/Corel-Paint-Shop...QQcmdZViewItem although be aware that their are some sellers out their selling non genuine software and this is an area where you have to tread very catiously, check out the sellers rating/history and buy when you are happy with them.