Have you ever used Morpheus or Kazaa?  You might 
try looking for the nice expensive GIF animation 
software on that network before you buy it.  I've 
found all kinds of nifty treasures through my 
fellow file sharers on morpheus. I happen to have 
Microsoft's GIF animator -- it came pre-loaded on 
my computer with the MS Works Suite.  I know its 
Microsoft, but hey... I didn't have to pay for it 
& it's easy to use.

--amanda