what would be best for starting?

GIMP would be better for starting but photoshop would be better if you want to do good

like i was told when i was starting

GIMP pro=Photoshop noob

thanks guys, really good info there! i downloaded GIMP last night to try it out, daom :O lol

gna be a while before i can start doing something even use-worthy hah

anyway ill probably spend more time here and less time on the other forums while my skills slowly get better

thanks again!

Ummm well i say phtoshop and just go do some tutorials once youve read enough of them you know where everything is in photoshop and you can start to make half-decent ones without needing a tut.
I've never used GIMP but ive heard its like comparing windows movie maker to sony vegas 9 (or something along those lines)

Gimp is more easy for simple animations and photo-manipulation..
But PS has many more features, however the interface can be confusing to a beginner..
-I suggest Gimp.. or you read a few tuts from out on the net

I suggest PS, you'll always want it, it's more advanced then gimp and has more features, then look at some tutorials here or over at good-tutorials to get you a nice start.

Photoshop is the BEST photo editing software there is. download or buy = (idontrecomend)
and read some tutorials.

-_- gimp has its flaws and there are a lot of stuff ps can do that gimp can't.

I downloaded GIMP a while back.
Didn't like it, too confusing.

Download Photoshop

Photoshop or Corel Paint Shop Pro. Best to start out. If you want to actually draw stuff (like the renders) get Painter.

Photoshop CS2,CS3, or CS4.
End of story.