>As to screenshots with GIF: at least with the screenshot utility that comes with the HTML Help Workshop, I found that I had to set the monitor to 256 color before taking the screenshot. Otherwise, the quality would be inacceptable.

I always mentioned to any company who really want to do nice documentation, which includes screenshots to use a professional tools just for that such as SnagIt. I've always considered this tool a killer one. And, it's really not expensive at all. I've been using it for more than 10 years now. It provides all kinds of variations, settings and works extremely well.