The closest open-source equivalent to the classic PSP/Photoshop experience.
For those who want a permanent, powerful desktop editor without a subscription or a price tag:
It sounds like you’re looking for a specific older version of PaintShop Pro (version 7.04). While it’s tempting to search for "cracks" or "try and buy" workarounds for legacy software, there are several modern, safer, and often free ways to get the same functionality without the risks associated with pirated files.
The interface is straightforward, avoiding the "feature bloat" of modern suites.
Corel (now Alludo) still develops PaintShop Pro. While it is no longer free, they frequently offer "Trial" versions that are fully functional. Modern versions handle 4K monitors and RAW files much better than version 7 ever could. 2. Photopea (The Free Web Alternative)