So where do I start?

[cider float 2,539]

I want try my hand in making animation. So where's a good place to start? What program is needed for as basic as Flash animations? Can I get one for free?

[[NULL] 907]

You start here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_basic_principles_of_animation

 

As far as software goes, there's always Flash or Toon Boom. For 3D, you can always use Blender. The animation industry usually uses Maya, but it's ridiculously expensive.