What do you use to make icons, wallpaper, or avatars??

I want to start making icons with the cool flashy lights and stuff but what is it that i need to download to help me do that? i am sure i have heard it before but i must of forgotten.

well i believe the Paint programm is the best tool if you don’t have other programms installed on your computer ,otherwise go for Adobe Photoshop CS ,it a great and power full programm,

Good Luck