Fireworks is an excellent hybrid program, capable of dealing with vector-based graphics and pixel-based graphics. Unlike some high-end image editors, the learning curve is very smooth, allowing novices to get started with ekeing the best out of this flexible application.
Its best feature is undoubtedly the compression it can achieve when optimising images, meaning much reduced download times for web page graphics. Added to this feature is the ability to preview several optimisation settings alongside the original before exporting the final file - a definite timesaver!
Almost all the images in this site have been optimised and exported in Fireworks.