What to use, and why?

There are few tings in this world that I would consider myself advanced in. AutoCAD and 2D Drafting are members of that short list. I am venturing into 3D CAD and know which direction I am going there, as many as possible!! However, I am having difficulty determining where to go into visual design.

What is the difference between 3DS Max and Maya? And what about Flame, Smoke, Flint, Inferno, Combustion, and Toxik? I want to venture into visualization software but I don't know where to start.

My first applications would be to add content to websites and videos.

So, I am turning to the great readers of CAD-a-Blog.com. What do you use? for what and why? What is the difference between the programs?

Tanks for the help.

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