I am a novice at this but it would be great if someone could tell me about any animation software that a novice could start using as an introduction. It would be great if the software comes with a guide (well, a helpful one).

Thanks again.
Cheers to this community!

Are you looking for 2-D or 3-D animation?

Hmm.. never thought about 2-d as a simpler animation to start with (or is it? ) . But, I was looking for a 3-d, though.
Thanks

I don't use animation software but like to shop :D

In searching third party reviews of 3-D animation software - for ones praised as being good for beginners - Xara (http://animation.about.com/od/softwarereviews/gr/xara3d6.htm)
Looks like one worth giving the trial version a try.

... don't rush out and buy it though; keep surfing for others with good reviews and pricing, and maybe a 3-D software user will pipe in on this thread, too.

Hey thanks man.

I didn't notice the reply for a while but there you have it.yea, I'll try the Xara.
Yea some 3-D software user is what I'm looking for around here.

Now that we are talking about animation, I had a quick question. I have basic concepts ONLY and lots of interest on database and animation. I have thought of doing something that combines the two. What kind of opportunities/possibilites are around with that kind of combination? Or am I just dreaming?

Thanks again for the tip man.

Don't start with 3D animation! That's much harder. Then you have to start using maths as well in :S

My advice is to download a 30 day trial of Flash (http://www.adobe.com/go/tryflash). It's interface is simple to get to grip with but the program is extremely powerful.

Examples of what you can do can be found at Newgrounds (http://www.newgrounds.com) amongst others.

Some places for tutorials:
FlashKit (http://www.flashkit.com)
W3Schools Flash section (http://www.w3schools.com/flash/default.asp)
Good ol' Google always works too (http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=flash+tutorials&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8)

thanks LTheobald. U know actually I wouldn't mind maths on animation but I guess to make it simpler flash is better huh. By the way, what kind of math does that involve, somewhat geometric or freaking differential equations or sth! Just curious.

Xara allows u 2 only play with texts and move it around. I dun see much happening with it, I guess I was expecting too much from a starter animation software. Hah.
but thanks guys.