If your in need of a Ajax based content slider, take a look at this tutorial/script by WebDesignBooth.com.  I found it very EZ to set up and manipulate.

This script is based on jquery and jflow.

Another good scrollable content slider is available at Flowplayer.org.  Actually they have a great set of scripts all based on jquery. An impressive scrolling content slider is located at http://flowplayer.org/tools/demos/scrollable/demo-area.html.

See a live demo here.

The only issue I have with the script from flowplayer.org is getting the content to autoscroll. The script by webdesignbooth.com has a autoscroll version available for download thus much easier to get started with unless you’re already a jquery wiz.

AJAX is more or less fancy Javascript that can be used with ASP.net, HTML or PHP. Since I’m not much of a backend programmer, I usually search for a script that I can make my own. Usually the scripts are free or require a donation.

If you need to add some cool image effects, nice looking forms or tables or web 2.0ish effects to your site then you should check out the following:

• AJAX Rain – a library of over 1100 AJAX scripts. If you need an image gallery, check this site first. Most are free if you give credit to the author or be nice and make a small donation.
• Freeajaxscripts.net – All the scripts listed here are free for non commercial use.
• Dynamic Drive DHTML code library – In addition to original DHTML scripts
  and components, they offer some AJAX scripts.
• Smashing Magazine – This site is a great resource in general for web designers. The link from here directs you to a post with some useful AJAX scripts.

Here’s a nifty script for pulling in dynamic content into a DIV, http://www.dhtmlgoodies.com/index.html?whichScript=ajax-dynamic-content.  You can load external files into DIV’s on an existing page. This can make for easier content management and works as well as server side includes or php includes.

I found an ultra cool AJAX sliding effect that uses mootools, noobSlide. You see the “sliding” effect on many homepages like Amazon and Shopping.com.

For you AJAX newbies (me included) this script is fairly easy to install.

If you’re looking for an alternative to light box then check out mooSlide. Rather than popup a new overlay in the middle of the page, the popup comes straight from the bottom. I could see this coming in handy when linking to external sites and you want to show a thumbnail and addition information.

Greybox is a nice little AJAX effect for pop up windows. If you want a nice image gallery or an alternate way to display external links on your own site, give greybox some serious consideration.

JCarousel Lite is an AJAX script used to create that neat scrolling effect you see on so many web 2.0ish websites. what I really like about this script is it can be used for more than just images. You can create text based content and even mix images and text. Other features include using external content, vertical carousels, auto scrolling and image sliding.

Need a lightbox for an image gallery? Or how about fancy looking form? AJAX Rain has the scripts you need. With over 1100 AJAX scripts in their library AJAX Rain has the largest collection of AJAX scripts. Most scripts are free but may require a link back to the author’s website.

I have used a few scripts listed on AJAX Rain and with my limited knowledge of AJAX I was able to manipulate them for my needs. If your having trouble with a script, many authors offer up help via their websites or email. Be sure to leave a donation if you use a script, the folks who write them could use a few bucks if they offer the script for free