Fonts
I recommend using http://www.dafont.com for all your fonts, here are some which will be needed for a lot of signatures:
http://www.dafont.com/beyond-wonderland.font
http://www.dafont.com/crop-types.font
http://www.dafont.com/saint.font
I suggest looking through the site and finding any brushes that you like, BUT when using them, make sure they match the signature with lines etc. You don't want a scattered font on a very straight and clean signature.
To install these Download them from the site above and follow the instructions on http://www.dafont.com/faq.php#win
Renders!
Renders are the basis of all your signatures and what everything is designed off. You can cut out your own renders but this takes a lot of time and can not bring the intended result. I suggest to use one of these sites:
http://www.planetrenders.net
http://www.gamerenders.com
http://www.sneakybaron.com
It would be a good idea to sign up to these websites as it gives you a lot more access.
Brushes!
Brushes can be very usefull when you need to add lines to make a signature flow, add lighting or even make a signature with just a brush. Here are some brushes to get you started:
http://mark-s.deviantart.com/art/Fractal-Brushes-Set-20484978
http://seleneheart.deviantart.com/art/Flourish-Brushes-39043963
http://www.brusheezy.com/brush/1158-splat-circles
To upload brushes to PhotoShop,
"Quick brush tutorial:
1. For Photoshop CS and above, click the download button, unzip the file, and then copy the brushes into C: program files > adobe > photoshop > presets > brushes. Then load photoshop and load the brushes." Taken from http://www.deviantart.com
C4D's
C4D's are used to add depth and flow to a signature. They are made in a program called Cinema 4 and hence where the name comes from. Some Good C4D's come from:
http://dontfreaknow.deviantart.com/art/C4d-Color-Flow-96640835
http://elementsunleashed.deviantart.com/art/C4D-Pack-1-40562597
http://grener.deviantart.com/art/FIRST-C4D-73081263
http://www.planetrenders.net - in the renders gallery section
When using C4D's remember to make sure the colours match! Also that they flow, rotate, resize, whatever you have to do to make it the same direction of the signature.
Getting Photoshop!
I STRONGLY suggest that you do not download it from Limewire or programs alike, they are just virus' and will leave you even more angry. Try using youtube as that's where i obtained mine. Or as R3P suggested,
1. Open up the crack in winrar
2. click on the README/Instructions folder. It will tell you EXACTLY what to do and EXACTLY where to put your crack.
for memory when you go to extract the files in the folder, export them to
C:\Windows\systems32\drivers\32
3. It Is VITAL that once you torrent the crack, AFTER you have downloadded and installed the TRIAL version of photoshop CS4, that you DO NOT open CS4 until you have extracted the crack and generated a key. THEN open up photoshop and enter this keygen.
Download From: http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4553995/Photoshop_CS4_Extended_(Activation_Tutorial___Keygens___Screensh
Any Question or mistakes you can see please ask or tell me. Hope this has helped you guys and if you'd like help on other things, just request it and i'd be happy to write something up.