ala 2010--free software-now what?

Free software--Now what?

Andrew ShupingALA 2010

June 26, 2010

Jack Tarver Library, Mercer University

So what are we covering today?

• What questions do you need to ask?• What software is out there?• Finding reviews• Licenses and agreements• Where to download• Some free tools to try • Recap

Why free?

http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/04/06/funny-pictures-bbc-budget-gets-slashed/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80384851@N00/3253329127/

What questions do you need to ask?


What do you want to do?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stabilo-boss/93136022/

What should the program do?


Whose using it?


Can your system handle it?


Free vs. Paid--what's the difference?


Good, mixed, or bad reviews?


What's in the license agreement?


Is it safe to download?


Does free really meet your need?


What do you need?

Can install freely on multiple computers

Runs on Windows XP, 1GB of memory, 40GB HDCan save in .png, .gif, etc. formatsSupports graphic tablets

Tools to crop, rotate, resize images, adjust colors, and create collages.

Easy to use interface

Finding free software • Search for a need• Sites such as:

o Lifehackero Download Squado Techcruncho download.cnet.como MajorGeeks.com o Gizmo's

• Listserves

Most important, colleagues

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43017881@N00/3406657528/#

Library Society of the World (LSW)

Exploration


The where and why of reviews

• Is the program easy to use?• What are it's features?• Does the program still have bugs to fix?• How well does the program do what it's supposed to do?• Are there other programs that might meet your needs?

Places to find reviews• Sites such as:

o Lifehackero Download Squado Techcruncho download.cnet.como MajorGeeks.com o Gizmo's

• Google! Yes, Google! Find out what bloggers say and think

Fear

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/2788648775/

Licenses and agreements

1st I am not an expert in this, but...some questions to ask

• What are the limitations? • What does it require you to

do? • What do you give up? • What's the privacy?• Have someone else read it

The good...

http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2005/11/now-legalese-rootkit-sony-bmgs-eula

The bad...

http://www.pcpitstop.com/spycheck/eula.asp

The ugly...

http://clusty.com/censorship (taken 6/22/10)

What do you need?Paint.net GIMP Pixlr Adobe

PhotoshopCorel Draw

Can install freely on multiple computers

x

Runs on Windows XP, 1GB of memory, 40GB HD

x

Can save in .png, .gif, etc. formats

x

Supports graphic tablets

Tools to crop, rotate, resize images, adjust colors, and create collages.

x

Easy to use interface

Download the softwareBe careful where you download as not every site is safe. Some software maybe malware in disguise or infected with viruses. Download from trusted sites.

Some places to try:• Sourceforge• Download.cnet.com• Softpedia.com • MajorGeeks

Play!



Conference Sessions--Wiggio

• It has multiple features including:o Calendar which can import from Google, Yahoo, etco Folders for uploading files or creating a documento Can have a virtual meeting, conference call, or chat

Virtual has tools such as whiteboard, screen sharing, etc. can only have 10 participants

o Polls o Send messages thru e-mail, sms, sticky note, voice note

• Check out the FAQ for all that it offers

Networking--card.ly

• Easy to use• Simple interface• Cheap social streaming • Easy to embed and share • People can contact you through the sites services• Different themes, although some themes are pay for

Photo editing--FotoFlexer

• Edit photos from other social networks and save to other siteso Can share edited photos easily

• Multiple effects, animations, flashy stickers and other add ons • Flash based• Can handle layers • Check the privacy and terms of service policy before using

Free webpages--Weebly.com

• Free hosting with no limit on bandwidth • Easy to use drop and drag editing • 70+ templates or design your own • NO ADVERTISING! • Publish on own domain name• If you can imagine it, you can do it with them (sell products, forums, slideshares,

etc.)

Online Storage/backup---ADrive

• 50GB of Free storage• Java based upload (does prevent using browser window while uploading)• Any file can be uploaded or downloaded• Built in PDF reader with now downloads • More storage can be purchased• Does not autosync for the free account

Screen Sharing--Screencast-O-Matic

• You can upload to YouTube or export movie (MP4, avi, flv)• Easy to use• Java based • You can add more after accidentally stopping recording (no editing features though)• You choose screen capture size • Free is limited to 15 minutes and there is a watermark

o Pro Account one time $5 fee for 1 hour of recording and no water mark basic editing and more features coming

Text Messaging--Google Voice

• Web based platform• Transcriptions of transactions• Able to block numbers• Route multiple numbers into one number• Pick a number from any area code (within Google's directory) • Easy to use

Other--Aviary

• Flash Based• Multiple tools including screen capture and audio editing• Images stored on their servers• Has layers• Import from other sites (Facebook, Flickr, etc.)• Active forum• Check FAQ closely for information on images and privacy

Productivity--drop.io

• 100 MB of free storage • Password protection and flexible expiration settings• The ability to store and share images, documents, video, audio, and other digital content• Realtime Chat and File Sharing• Also feature present.io as a way to share presentations during real time. Participant sees

everything the presenter does• Also features phone.io for creating simple conference calls and voice mails

Google Documents--Forms

• Different styles and templates to meet different needs• The link can be shared and embedded• You don't need a Google Account to fill in form• Responses are put into a Google Spreadsheet which can be shared with others • No limit on responses• Does NOT have statistical analysis like SurveyMonkey, everything has to be

done by hand

All else fails... Alternative to

• Web based search to discover alternatives • Provides reviews• Can limit by OS or online• Mix of online and downloadable software• Mix of free and pay for • Can filter by type of license

Other tools to tryConference SessionsTinyUrl Chat roomsDimDimFree Conference calls VyewTwiddla

NetworkingCeeveeVisualCV

Productivity EasyPlannerPDF to wordWebpages without RSS Remember the MilkLovely Charts

Photo EditingPhotoShopPicnik FotoFlexerSumo Paint Aviary Phoenix

Other tools to try pt. 2Free WebpagesRoxer Dinky Page

Online StorageBackupify

Screen Sharing zscreen ScreenToaster ScreenCastle ScreenPreso

SMS text messagingPoll Everywhere

OtherLiber Key--portable apsOpenwithPortableApps Survs Zamzar.com

Recap

• Pick a software that meets your needs • Check to make sure that your computer meets the

minimum requirements to run the programs. • Remember when downloading software to your

computer make sure, you can trust the site.• Examine the license! • Play! Make sure the software will fit your need.

Questions?


Thank you!I can be found at:

[email protected]

Link for the presentation will be located on my blog

ala 2010--free software-now what?

Technology