Recomended Software for someone starting flash

Id like to make a flash intro to my site and dont really know where to start. i usually learn fastest if i just get a program and start playing around with it.
I have seen a few flash creation tools but they are quite large files and i dont want to have to download half a dozen of them looking for the right one, so could someone tell me the best flash makers for someone just starting in flash but is a fast learner, nothing to basic but nothing professional. its just to replace the index.html of my site and have a few links on with a bit of animation.

Maybe Flash would do the trick.. It's large, but it's THE ONE..

I'm surprised suzie hasn't popped in here to tell you about Swish.

@ suzie

http://www.swishzone.com/


I would suggest the real deal though. http://www.macromedia.com/flash/

Start at the top with Flash.

Think about your investment in time. Learning a piece of software is time consuming and when you outgrow it you start all over again.

Also, files you create in a program other than Flash may not be editable in Flash leaving you dependant on the lesser program even if you upgrade to Flash.

Starting with Flash will help you build a strong foundation with the technology and you will be able to keep up with advancements in the technology much easier.

I'd say go for the Original, Macromedia Flash..

my mate said he would bring round a copy of swish he has on disk so ill check that out.

Ill go D/L flash now.

Thanks for your advice.

Hope you heard it: FLASH !!!

And anyone who thinks Swish is the option to make Flash movies (OK, some cool effects for text -sure) better than Flash itself must be smoking something...

Swish, Flash, both are good and it just comes down to which one you like better. Of course alot of people will scream "Flash!" and some "SWISH!", its just like the whole Paint Shop Pro vs. Photoshop thing, it just depends on which one you like more and there will always be some people saying one is better than the other.