|
| |
Software Tools and Tips |
Sometimes we are asked what we use. Here is a short list:
- Macromedia Dreamweaver and Ultradev are our major tools for laying out web pages. We can see what each page will look like and flip to the underlying code quickly for touch-ups and streamlining. ADOBE has attached its name to the program now.
__________________________________________________________________________
- Ulead Photo Impact gives us most of the features we need for graphic design, photographic enhancement and editing, and some page layout from templates. The price is quite reasonable and its easy to use.
__________________________________________________________________________
- Personal Information Manager and Calendar - EPIM - is free or you can buy the professional version. Looks and feels like Outlook and you can import addresses. We have used it for about a month and are very pleased with it.
__________________________________________________________________________
- Serif Web Design software that is reasonably priced and really worth trying can be found at Serif Software.
__________________________________________________________________________
- VOIP [Voice over internet Protocol] is the technology that SKYPE uses to help me connect all over the world using my computer so that I can talk and listen to my relatives at minimal cost. If we are both on computers, then there is no cost involved for me at my end in Canada (so far). My relatives in the UK may pay a connection and usage fee for their computer, but it is still relatively inexpensive.
If you try it and have problems, contact us and we will help you with as much as we can. SKYPE has good technical support also. One trick is to use their test website to check if your microphone and earphone setup are correct and functioning.
__________________________________________________________________________
- GIMP is a freeware graphics editing package which is useful for professionals who like to stay on top of the latest developments in image manipulation. Although it is free and you can download it from many sites, it is not easy to use. There are, however, some really good online manuals that will help you become proficient.
__________________________________________________________________________
- OpenOffice (sometimes called Star Office) from Sun Microsystems is a nice tool for wordprocessing, technical drawing, spreadsheet applications, and html editing for hardcore "hardcoders". You may still be able to find free versions of it on the net. Spend a few bucks and you get regular updates that make this a very valuable tool.
__________________________________________________________________________
- Azz Cardfile Organizer If you need a neat little program for organizing your addresses, recipes and many more items, check out AZZ Cardfile.
"AZZ Cardfile is a Windows program that helps manage personal information like addresses, phone numbers, references, notes, recipes." It costs $12.00 USD and is licensed to you for a lifetime.
__________________________________________________________________________
- Netcape7.1 Navigator, Composer, and Palm synch tools are very handy and free!
__________________________________________________________________________
- Check Calgary Computer Services to see a site built and published with Composer. Based on a free template and built with a free editor, the costs of publishing a website can be kept quite reasonable. Contact Striped Sands Productionsfor advice if you need help.
__________________________________________________________________________
- Total Commander - a really good file handling and FTP utility. It is well worth the trial and if you like it, the $34.00 USA price is worth every penny. For the technologist, this tool is a must have ( I bet you already have it.) so if you are building your expertise as a computer tech and software user, get it. You will use it always.
|
|
|
