What are the best free softwares for beginner?

[Secruoser]

I'm a graphic designer at the moment, and have been using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop in my work for a few years now. I'd like to pick up web design and development, specifically on these areas:

• Web Design & related Programming
• 3D Graphic & Animation

I have zero experience in both and would like to start off with the best free softwares around which can help me build a foundation. I'm using an iMac with Snow Leopard. Can I get recommendations on these, as well as good beginner tutorial sites for them? Thank you!

 

[angelwatt]

I recommend checking out the stickies in this forum, they're setup just for people like you and this question.

 

[MOD YOU UPP]

Well, first off, you should download the trial of Dreamweaver. I absolutely love Dreamweaver CS5, and while I don't really use the WYSIWYG part, the code hinting and live view features are extremely helpful in speeding up my workflow.