i always forget what its called – is it a wash or is it a gradient. It takes me as long to remember what to ask as to get it done. Anyway, i do find the easiest to use is…. and i hate to promote microsoft in anyway …microsoft!

CSS Gradient Background Maker: http://ie.microsoft.com/Testdrive/Graphics/CSSGradientBackgroundMaker/Default.html

and, bless’em, they even include code for opera – the best browser, and my favourite, since about 2000-2002??