What Graphics Software?

I'm simply not talented at graphics and when I am ready to go online with a "real" site (i.e. professional-looking) will probably hire someone to help. However, it's a lot of fun and I enjoy doing them. Also, I'd like to be able to do at least minor graphics work, such as buttons, text graphics, round corners, etc.

I have Paint Shop Pro 7.0, but I don't really know how to use it very well so I don't have a huge time investment in learning it, i.e. I could change manufacturers. I plan to upgrade and achieve at least basic competency with a graphics program.

Does anyone want to suggest graphics software for me? I don't need anything else as far as personal photography goes; I'm just looking for website graphics. I'd like to keep the cost under $200 US.

TYIA

Macromedia Fireworks is what i personally use. Its a great program.

i agree its pretty straight forward to use plus i think u get a hints n tips pop up before you start playing with it... well i did anyway..

Thanks cat & sypher

no problem sunshine.. just keep playing with programmes you`ll soon figure out whats works for u

Photoshop is the industry standard - use that

Hey, do a quick search in google for free graphics programs. Last time I checked there was a few open source programs available to play with. If you use linux you can get gimp which I know will do what you need. Maybe there is a windows version too.

Basically, the main things you will want are layers, gradients, text control, your basic tools (cut, copy, erase, draw, etc), anti aliasing, and that should be a wrap with basic graphics.

If you ask me, paintshop pro is good enough for you mate. Its really not hard to use at all, and if you already have it, dont waste your money on fireworks. If you want to purchase a professional app, you should keep that 200 and keep saving up for photoshop. Purchasing anything else is pretty much a waste considering you already have paintshop pro, and there are plenty of free or even close to free apps on the net that will work.

Or tell me what you want and pay me 200 bucks to pop out some professional graphics for you

For how many years? Thanks for the good advice, peeps.

Photoshop or fireworks.........the way forward! :P

Indeed! haha

photoshop and fireworks are both great. Which-ever you choose you wont be at a disadvantage. The comment that photoshop is the industry standard, ignore it. it may be. But windows is technically in the same "industry standard" league. and what do we all think of that? ha!

Thanks to all for messages and help. I'm going to use Paint Pro 9 for a while because:
1. I got a copy for $30 (apparently PSP 10 is not a great upgrade)
2. I have a lot of time invested in learning how to use it
3. My plate for learning software/languages is overflowing with javascript, PHP, etc. What the heck is this Ajax, anyway? I'm about to lose my mind as it is.

I have Photoshop/Fireworks on my list, but it's after PHP which is going to be a major time commitment.

AJAX is Asynchronous Javascript and XML. Basically, it allows you to run server side scripts on the fly without having to reload the page. We recently did a project with google maps, servalince cameras, a gps tracking device, etc with DojoToolKit, a free ajax engine, and it works pretty good.

paint shop is good aswell, not up to the standard of photoshop but you can make some very nice images still! at the end of the day its the users inspiration, not what the program can do