I don’t really use Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, or the other social networking stuff that the kids are into these days (bah!), but I do try to keep up with more useful web 2.0 applications. Here’s a list of some of my favourites.
Firefox
This is the best browser, period, and it finally surpassed IE! One of the great things about open source programs like this is the add-ons that people contribute. In particular, I recommend:
WordPress
The best blog and website authoring software for intermediate to advanced users. To really help with webpage design, I recommend working with the Atahualpa theme. Some of the best plugins:
- Announcement and vertical scroll news
- Contact Form 7
- DM Albums
- LJ Custom Menu Links
- Ozh’ Admin Drop Down Menu
- Quote Comments
- Quotes Collection
- Superb Slideshow
- Theme My Login
- Viper’s Video Quicktags
- Visitor Maps and Who’s Online
- WP-Table
- Youtube with fancy zoom
Skype
Free online video chat and inexpensive long-distance to land lines. Extremely useful for keeping in touch with friends and family.
Google Earth
See the whole world from the comfort of your chair (unless your chair is uncomfortable).
Mendeley
Free reference management program that you will love, trust me.
PBWorks
Wiki software that is WYSIWYG rather than Wiki-code. Very useful for collaboration.
Webspiration
A free online (and not free desktop) concept mapping/flow chart program that can be useful for organizing ideas.
Google Reader and iGoogle
Keep track of your favourite blogs, news feeds, journal TOCs, and even automatic literature searches.
Dropbox
Online folder synchronization to keep everything synced on multiple computers.
Animoto
A very cool app that creates animated slideshows with music automatically using uploaded photos and videos. Major kudos for their offer of a free pro account to any non-profit humanitarian organization.
OpenGoo
A free lab management program that lets students and advisors keep track of projects, share files, and set schedules.
Wordle
Word usage for any text — very neat.
You were right, I am loving Mendeley. Thanks for pointing it out!
Don’t you think WP-Table should be part of the default package?
Another great WordPress plugin is Featured Content Gallery.
Earrnz(Quote)