If the network is being clogged up by virus traffic originating from computers owned by students in the dorm, you could run around and install a free virus scanner on all their computers.
I'd choose Photoshop over Fireworks. However, if you're doing alot of work in Flash, I'd suggest learning Fireworks as well.
Fireworks has some limitations compared to Photoshop. Hence, it's position as the best image editing solution.