Giant and very helpful pixel art tutorial book:
http://www.pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_p ... ?TID=11299For pixel art Programs, you can use the paint program installed in every computer as always or download one of the other following:
-Fireworks
-Graphics gale (probably one of the most recommended)
-Photoshop (pretty good aswell)
If however you're using a device like an iPhone or iPad, artstudio and SS (sprite something. It's an actual app) are good pixel art apps for you too.
Hope these help you on your path to pixel art making and encourages you to sprite pretty well