Blender?

[Calvin]

It's pretty much a free "open-source" 3D program. Many that I spoke with say that it's easier to use and better then 3D Max. Never used 3D Max, so I'm not sure.

[Cody Carey]

I tried using it and I personally don't like it... It really doesn't have anything going for it that that 3-d Studio Max doesn't, except that it is free. Also, I'd actually say that the UI is also ALOT harder to get familiar with than max's.

[Calvin]

I would recommand Blender to beginners who cannot afford Maya or other expensive 3D software. I have created a walking gingerbread man (link below) in less then 3 hours having ZERO knowledge of 3D.

The GingerBread Man

There are many extensive tutorials all over the internet.

How do I make my own GingerBread Man?
1) Download a copy of Blender
2) Go HERE (Online Book)
3) Read Chapter: Understanding the interface
4) Jump to: Your first animation in 30 + 30 minutes

Enjoy!