How many webmasters here use a favicon.ico on their website(s)? Now, how many of you actually remember to make this thing?? I've been working on my site for over a year now, and just remembered about this tiny 16x16 graphic! I haven't made one of these guys in years. Created this one a few mins ago in Photoshop. Check It:
Ha! Yep! I had about 20 tabs open in FireFox tonight, 5 were from my url, and my 5 looked really out of place without an icon.
...and here is where you can easily create a favicon for your website: http://tools.dynamicdrive.com/favicon/
If you use Photoshop there is an add-on here that you can download and use for free: http://www.telegraphics.com.au/sw/ I use it all the time...
I only remember half the time to make one, it is usually last on my list, but thats how I find site in my bookmarks now, looking for a sites familiar little icon.
The static part black was done in photoshop. Then I went to http://www.favicon.cc/ to make it into ico format which inspired me to make it into a animated flame hahaha
And you can be sure you get everything you need with it. I wouldn't rush using animated favicons. To me they look like an amateurish idea overall, maybe it's just me though.
Animated icons might not be a good idea for a professional business, but for a fun gaming site or an amateur blog, they can add some characteristic to the site.
I always make them when i'm designing a site. Even when I design a site for someone else, I will put a favicon in there.