what is the best way to do animated avatars?

i know many use animated shop or imageready
but i want to know something easier because i have vista so i really have problems with movie maker
plz help soon

Perhaps some of the tips on this site will help you.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Create-an-animated-Avatar/

Or this

http://picasion.com/

Or using Photoshop – look here

http://www.showandtell-graphics.com/myspace-avatar.html