Hello! I've got the task to make subj (including animation, video, 2D, 3D, flash...). Please, answer one or more of the following questions:
1) what software do you use;
2) what do you like and dislike in it;
3) what software did you use formely and why stopped;
4) what are the main tendencies in technology and software for web graphics.

Write your own opinion, the arguments aren't necessary. I'll appreciate every answer. Thank you.

1) Fireworks MX 2004
2) Like - vector tool capabilities, ease of making buttons w/rollover effects, so many extensions available, the way it integrates with Flash and Dreamweaver - Dislike - problems with transparent backgrounds particularly when images are viewed on IE
3.) Paint Shop Pro - my copy wasn't purchased, somehow I got a really long free trial
4.) Not clear on what you're looking for with this question.

Thank you for reply, RootedOnTheWeb.
With the last question, I'd like to know, for example, the following things:
1) Does it become popular to make rich flash-based GUIs where few years ago HTML with scripts were dominating?
2) Does it become popular to make GUIs using .NET components, Java applets or something else rather than HTML?

Excuse me if I said nonsense. I'm not professional in web-design and graphics.