Iball Tablet Do I Need A Specific Software To Use A Graphics Tablet With My Laptop?

Do i need a specific software to use a graphics tablet with my laptop? - iball tablet

IM or planning to buy a Wacom tablet, I checked with the my Sony Vaio laptop with Windows Vista.
Do I need to use a special software. If so, what kind and you do not have to buy separately or can I get with the pill?
I am a student of animation and graphic designers is that each brand of pill would you recommend? I need nothing too extravagant or any other characteristic overwhelming.
Thanks