Adobe or something cheaper?

[fionaer]

Hi all. I'm new here and relatively new to web design and am now looking to take my skills onto a new level.

As a budding new web designer, I'm now considering which software is best. My assumption was that I'd have to go with Adobe. However, after reading a few comments on here, there are some who consider it to be too expensive given that there are other options out there which could also be better.

I was hoping for advice from experienced people who could let me know if you think Adobe is the way to go or recommend any other software.

Thank you and grateful in advance