Textures and a bit more...

Hi all,

I want to ask what is the best program in your opinion for creating textures, and if there is a professional book about creating them, blending them, adjusting colors, and other pro stuff ( basic things appreciated too )

Also, what are all the design programs/plugins that you would recommend and use...

Thanks

depends what kind of textures you're after i would recommend photoshop, very little can't be achieved with it.