Please note that not all software is listed.
What's the best software?
There are quite a few software packages out there these days. Do you need to learn all of them? What are the standard tools used in the industry? Realistically what is needed from me to be considered acceptable by entry level standards? Lets list off the more common software with some details as well as a FAQ to the side.
Also you have to ask yourself what type of 2d artist do you want to be?
Concept
Illustration
PC / MAC
Photoshop
IPAD
Procreate