To be honest, GIMP is an awesome freeware software that will probably more than suite the needs of a begniner and still have most the features for those Pros out there. I wouldn't call it a freeware version of Photoshop.
I wouldn't call GIMP easier than photoshop either, but I also wouldn't say that it's harder. Both programs take some getting used to if you. If you go from photoshop to GIMP, it will feel very very awkward to the point that you probably won't like GIMP.
Photoshop and GIMP are well matched, but if you just want a professional tool for FREE, GIMP all the way!
I am a long time photoshoper, but I've been thinking of making the switch to GIMP. It's just the UI (user interface) that's been holding me back.