GIF animations add movement to your page, but they don't let users interact with your animations. There are a number of technologies and software programs that allow you to add interactive animations to a Web page. Here's a rundown on some of the options that are available:
Macromedia Flash MX at www.macromedia.com/software/flash/ (Windows, Macintosh, Linux). ($499 to purchase.)
Adobe LiveMotion at www.adobe.com/products/livemotion/ (Windows, Macintosh). Creates Flash and QuickTime animations. ($299 to purchase.)
AnFX at www.stepaheadsoftware.com/ (Windows). A very affordable program that creates interactive Java or Flash animations ($19.95).
CoffeeCup Firestarter at www.coffeecup.com/firestarter/ (Windows). A full-feature Flash animator for a budget price ($49.00).
Mix-FX at www.mix-fx.com/. Create Flash buttons, banners, text effects, and other animations ($27.00).
Axel at www.mindavenue.com/en/home/ (Windows, Macintosh). Creates 3D interactive QuickTime and Flash animations ($295 to $595, depending on components included).