I use Paintshop Pro X but so rarely - I really haven't even learn't to use it yet.

For small buttons I was (prior to Xtreme) using a little program called "zpaint" - it did a great job. For really quick small edits I was using "Irfanview" but now I think everything will be in Xtreme.

The bottom line is that any program that can produce gif's or jpg's that you are comfortable with will work. They are only tools. There is no requirement to use a sledgehammer to drive a nail.