I have a (bootleg) copy (works perfectly) of Adobe Photoshop and ImageReady CS - the newest version available.
But to be honest, Photoshop is great for images, but is not needed to make animations. You can edit your images on Photoshop, if you like, but the actual moving image is made with ImageReady.
This tutorial suggests you make it in photoshop and animate it in ImageReady - hmph! I just use ImageReady for the whole thing.
There is SO much I have yet to learn about these programs, but I've come a long way in the 3 weeks since I discovered this tutorial, haha! I'm serious. I've only been at this for less than a month. Other photoshop stuff, I've messed with for a good 8-9 months now, but these .gif files are a new hobby.
You'll learn in no time! and if you need help or advice or anything, feel free to ask (but you can PM me instead of opening a public thread, haha. It's ok.)
TUTORIAL:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com...inkie_as.shtml
PS. If anyone is interested in owning a copy of Photoshop, etc - I can burn you a copy and mail it to you.