I simply use CS5 as many of you guys do. Friend of mine downloaded CS6. Whole new setup and stuff, I don't want to start all by rookie again. Also, I find CS6 odd-looking. Could be me.. Anyways, CS5 is my thing.

I use "Paint.net" too. It's not bad at all and their are a lot of plug-in's available.

At the end of the day, it all depends on yourself. It won't help you if you have the best program on earth if you need a 2 year training class to handle it :D

Personally i stick with paint.net cause i'm used to it and i know what and how i can make with it.

BUT PLZ do not use MS Paint :D