What connection does the company Compuserve have with gif's?

Compuserve is the company that introduced the .gif in 1987 although Unisys held the patent.

Please explain image optimization for the Web?

Image optimization for the web is the use of compression, or getting rid of information in the image that won't compromise the quality and make the image easier to download. The three main methods are jpg gif or png.

How does screen resolution affect a website?

It affects the size, so has a direct impact on the viewable area of the website.

What does it mean to be Section 508 compliant?

508 compliant means that you've included the "alt" information in the html of images placed on a web site.

Disjointed Rollover

Image Map

Find at least 2 to 3 positions you like, provide the link to those job postings

#1 position: Senior Visual Designer: http://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp?linkTarget=fullJob.asp&jobID=147031

#2 Web Designer - Corporate : http://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp?linkTarget=fullJob.asp&jobID=146721

What skills within the position requirements do you have?

#1 position: photoshop, hand drawn illustration, motion animation in Flash,self starter, flexible, team player

#2 position: photoshop, illustrator, fireworks, flash, financial service

What are some of the most common skill requirements you found in your search?

photoshop, html, css, javascript, jquery, wireframes, UX

Assuming that you are currently not qualified for the job openings, what would be your plan to get those requirements? How long do you think it would take you to get there?

Take more classes. Find freelance work to gain experience. A few years - hopefully.