We mostly use Max here, you don't use it as an editor for BF2 though, basically you use it to create assets which you then throw into the BF2 Editor. The plug ins for Max allow you to create assets which are compatible with the BF2 Editor such as Bundlemeshes and Staticmeshes. You'll also need a plug in for Photoshop that allows you to create textures which the editor can use too. Maps themselves (terrain etc,) tend to be created within the editor itself.Good luck with your first dabbles with these programs, what field are you particularly interested in? Modelling, texturing, mapping? Or are you undecided at this point?
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