I use Photoshop 7, but what really helps me is having a tablet. I'm not saying that you can't come up with outstanding results without a tablett, but its easier, and more like drawing than with a mouse.

Any programme is good when you get use to it. Photoshop is very good, but takes quite a while to get use to. I had nightmares with layers, but now days, they are a peice of cake :) Its all practise.