if you come across macromedia fireworks it is more easy
what you need to consider is whether you want to create:
1.animated gif(a picture with animation)
2. normal gif

for normal gif you have to open /create the picture then yo go to FIle-save as-(select gif) -save

for animated gif
you are supporsed to have more than one picture(eg 3 pictures)
then open all pictures with fireworks
then select the first picture then go to frame, then select duplicate the frame
and u will be given the option to add number of frames you need
example 3 then click ok
then the picture will have 3 frames
then u just copy and paste the other immages in those newer frames by selecting the frame then you add the picture
then you have to set time for each frame(it is allocated beside frame number)
then you have to follow the steps
file-save as - animated gif -ok

for more clarifications you can contact me via <EMAIL SNIPPED>

g.day!!