Photoshop or Illustrator?

[WingingIT]

Hello,
I have been managing for many years to create graphics for my websites and email newsletters using Photoshop Elements 2. I know that it is not really the right programme but when I started it was all I could afford and I have been reasonably happy with the results. 
I am not a web designer but I look after the content on our websites and would like to become a bit more sophisticated in my graphics and images.
Can anyone suggest the right programme for me to invest in? I am thinking of photoshop because I imagine it will feel familiar and I'll be able to use the skills I have learnt in the elements version but it seems that lots of professionals use illustrator.
Does anyone have any advice as to which programme and version of it might be useful for me?
Hope you can help, thanks

[jormeno]

Believe it or not i use .NET Paintshop lol, but it works for me. I would dl the trials and test them out. I know adobe gives out 30 day trials.

[ShaneTFletcher]

I normally use Photoshop but its up to the user which works for them.

[Rob Pomeroy]

Illustrator is for vector design (lines, shapes, etc), Photoshop is for raster design (bitmaps, photos, etc.).  Use the right tool for the job.

If cost is an issue, [http://www.gimp.org/]GIMP[/url] is a good, free alternative to Photoshop and Inkscape is a free replacement for Illustrator.

[Fillinpool]

For me its photoshop do all the job for web purposes.

[Geek-9pm]

I normally use Photoshop but its up to the user which works for them.

Not a bad choice.

The OP might mention what features he is missing? Some things are just novelties that  create 'artistic' effects and are not the main stream of good photo and graphics skills.

Here is a brief list of programs somebody thinks are cool.
Best Graphic Design and Image Editing Software

Judge for yourself, Here is one of the images the represents a program.

And here is another...

This is not a recommendation, rather the point is that now there are so many choices s available that it is hard to say just one is better or ideal.

When I tell people how old my favorite is, they roll on the floor laughing.
 

[Geek-9pm]

Illustrator is for vector design (lines, shapes, etc), Photoshop is for raster design (bitmaps, photos, etc.).  Use the right tool for the job.

If cost is an issue, [http://www.gimp.org/]GIMP[/url] is a good, free alternative to Photoshop and Inkscape is a free replacement for Illustrator.

Best answer. 
Use a tool you understand. Vector design is for fine mechanical detail, like doing a blueprint for a tall building. Great for the workers.
But Photoshop would show what the building will look like to the  visitors after it is finished.
Most web sites use some kind of photographs for expressive presentations.