Photo editing software. What and why?

[Nigel C]

I'm expecting this to become a rather lengthy and informative debate, with a variety of opinions.
Arguments and counter-arguments are fine, but please, let's not make any of this personal, or FACE THE WRATH OF THE MODS!!!!!

As they say, lets play the ball and not the man!


So, what photo editing software do you use, and why?
How much would you pay for editing software?
What typical corrections do you normally make for say a full sunny day, a cloudy day, light coloured subjects, dark coloured subjects?
Do you use just one or more programs to get the desired effect?
Was it easy to learn? Tips for beginners?
JPEG or raw editing?


Many thanks in advance. Let the debate begin!

Cheers
Nigel