Other Programs?

(it could be that I'm a noob with this stuff)

No offense meant, but I'd say that's it ...as Photoshop is a mighty powerful program where, used right, is capable of just about any effect you can imagine.

Why don't you try a web search for "Photoshop tutorials" or "Photoshop tutorial sites" [without the quotes] ...you'll find a plethora of sites/links that have tutorials for just about any kind of effect you're trying to achieve.

I am fairly familiar with Photoshop but I can't seem to find anything in Photoshop that could recreate some of what I see

Trust me ...the capability is there, within Photoshop ...you just have to understand how to achieve your desired effects. Tutorials are the way to go ...and lots of trial & error on your part.

With practice, you'll get it.

Take a look at the icon-a-day tutorials on getting the look you want. Mormegil used corel draw but all the same tools exist (in some form) in Photosop.

WWW Link

I don't use Photoshop, so I couldn't begin to explain how that effect is accomplished (I'm lousy at explaining such things anyway, since I've yet to actually finish a tutorial..... once I get the jist of it, I tend to come up with my own technique..... )But once you see how it's done, you'll be slapping yourself upside the head at how simple it really is.
Take the advice of Erk!, and Zubaz, and check out some tutes...

Here are some tutorials from CausticFX WWW Link">Link

The 'Transparent Borders' should help with the logon dialog.

Here is the address for a fun one showing how to make the OSX wallpaper:

http://dr-photoshop.com/tutorials/index.php?id=60

Sorry, I can't seem to add a second link, so just copy the address into your browser address bar.

That should help with creating the additional reflections across the top of the logon dialog - although, those are probably made using a cropped shape, a gradient (white to transparent, or white to black), and some added transparency.

Good luck.   

BlackDragon17 mentions he uses Cinema 4D in conjunction with Photoshop in his 'Simple Abstract' wall and 'Deteriorated' logon....perhaps worth checking out...

thanks for the responses guys i'll check out some of the tutorials around the place and learn how things are done.