What software should no graphics designer be without?

I've already noticed that Photoshop and Illustrator are among the favorites. Other than these 2, what are some software programs a graphics designer should always have installed on their PC?

 

you can all the whole adobe suite if you wish but maybe concentrate on what you use then how many programs should sit on the desktop

 

So you feel like with the entire Adobe Suite one should be able to accomplish anything they could ever want to do as a digital artist?

 

no, you seem like your new to graphic design and intend to learn, if thats the case then don't try to do everything all at once maybe start off with photoshop and master it, and then if you intend to get into webdesign learn how to use Illustrator to create logos and layouts. those are the two main programs you will need for designing. bonuses would be Flash, 3dmax or maya.

 

For graphic designers adobe photoshop is a must!
If you got no photoshop your no graphic designer

 

Solid_Nuts: I see what you mean, and I think you just might be right. Thanks for your input. Maybe I'll just stick to Photoshop for a while. It'll help save me some money anyways not having to buy any other software.

 

photoshop all the waaaaaaaaay

 

Photoshop or free alternative Gimp

Illustrator or free alternative Inkscape

There isn't a good free alternative to Dreamweaver as far as I know.

3DS Max or free (better) alternative Blender

free free free

 

Maxon Cinema4D is defenitly a must have for every designer. I made the header of my photoshop tutorials site with Cinema4D.

 

Wow! That is a pretty sweet header you've got there. How long did it take you to make that?

 

The Adobe CS3 Creative Suit Bundle

 

yeah, thats a nice header Celoxdesign. I think C4D is an awesome program too. Have you used it any other webwork? I think a 3D program like C4D or Lightwave can take your designs to the next level. One of those 3D programs with DW/Flash and PS/ILL i would consider a great foundation.

 

I use C4D for various abstract things, never much for web design, Maybe I should give it a shot
But a must have is photoshop, then I'd say illustrator...possibly flash for some animation etc...

 

I didn't take that long, Guess an hour of work. It's basically 2 box shapes and text, make round edges for the boxes and text, then apply some nice materials to it, add lightning, and finally render the piece. It's quite simple really.

No not really, this is my first C4D piece for a website header.

 

Adobe CS3 Creative Suit Bundle - if you are into Web + Print Design

If you are at a Budget then

For Print Design - Illustrator
For Web Design - Photoshop

 

Photoshop, definitely.

But an easier version of photoshop is paint shop pro..

 

You think you can get by with Photoshop Elements 5 in stead of PS?

 

All you need is Photoshop CS2 lol. Thats how I feel atleast.

 

Very true

 

Illustrator and Photoshop should cover most bases. However if you're also into desktop publishing, then InDesign (also part of Adobe's Creative Suite) is a must.