Free Software
The GNU Image Manipulation Program: A freely distributed photo retouching, and image manipulation program.
Open Office: A free and open source office suite.
Adobe: Free trials of Adobe's software.
Corel Corporation: Free trials of Corel's software.

Resources and References
Morgue File: An archive of free high resolution stock images for use privately or commercialy.
istockphoto: A subscription bassed site for high resolution professional stock images.
Shutter Stock: A subscription bassed site for high resolution professional stock images.
Vecteezy: An archive of free vectors, various creative commons apply.
vector tuts+: An archive of illustrator and vector tutorials.
psd tuts+: An archive of photoshop tutorials.