Graphics illiterate

Ok, so, Paint Shop Pro or Adobe Photoshop? (latest versions)
Why?
What's the difference between Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator? What's better?
What's a fantastic software, in your opinion, to make web pages?
Or should I start from scratch?
How on earth do I make [gif] icons/What do I use to make them?

Web sites with would also help big time, thanks!