What program to use......?

Hi I'm new here! I want to get a program to make icons, but I'm not sure what to use. I tried to download the free trial version of PSP9 but it's not working anymore. I just wanted to know what anybody thinks about Photoshop or Pain Shop Pro. Any problems with either? I've looked in the archive & there seems to be more tutorials for PS than any kind of PSP. Maybe it's just me. One last thing: When you say PS could you use Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0? Just curious.....