Photoshop is basically the best out there, other programs such as Paint shop pro, are good also, but many would argue that photoshop is better...But there are a number of free programs such as GIMP that could do a decent job if you arent looking to do a whole lot to your images, but honestly, if you want to get really into photoediting, i would just reinstall photoshop...👍
I like this update though, good start to your gallery, like you said, some of them could use some brightness, but they have some good overall compostition...keep it up!