editing software

I need an inexpensive, safe place to purchase it online. Any suggestions? The price ranges I've seen are from $150.00 to $500.00. I don't need the Creative Suite or other extras, just the good basics.

(For those who don't know who Val McClatchey is, she took the infamous "End of Serenity" photo (which she copyrighted in Jan. '02) that's of a smoke plume supposedly from Flight 93 crashing in Shanksville, Pa. If you are wondering what the big deal is about her and her photo, see my blogpost...