productivity

Weekend picks #014

Babis Konstantinidis | October 7, 2007

I really like searching the net. You start in one point and you never know where you will end up. :-)

[1]

Broadband Speed Test and Diagnostics
If you have problems with your connection to the Internet like I do, then you will find Broadband Speed Test and Diagnostics 1.1 a valuable tool. It is, yet another, extension for Firefox  [I can’t believe it; it seems that there is a Firefox extension for everything]. In the latest version the Broadband Speed Test and Diagnostics can perform a diagnostic check in your Network card, DHCP server, local gateway, DNS server and the web site that the browser failed to reach. It can also run and present a bandwidth performance test [download and upload]. Download it here

[2]

ActiveWords
I came across this blogpost yesterday where someone was saying “let me know and I will shoot you a copy of the WordBase to test. We have had great success with people who use David Allen’s methodology.” Well I always liked free software and testing it in my computer so I left a comment saying that I would like to test Wordbase. Few hours later I had new mail [thanks for the immediate response Buz] with the WordBase attached. Ι had already downloaded and installed Active Words They have a 5 days trial version which you could extend to 60 days trial version by simply registering. Wordbase is actually an add-on for Active Words for the users of Microsoft Office 2007.
ActiveWords is a really different and cool way to use your computer. You can assign a word as a shortcut to everything. Every time you write down this word you have an option by simply pressing F8 to launch a program, site or whatever. The clever part is that you don’t have to write that word in a special box [although you can do that also and press Enter]. You can write it in every program that permits you to insert text. You could for example write down excel in a notepad or a Word document and by simply pressing F8 to lunch Excel. [I have already add the word anb as an active one to lunch in a Firefox window what else, the www.anabubula.com. You can even use it as a Spelling Check program just like Autocorrect in Office but you can use it in every text box even in Windows Explorer when renaming a file. ActiveWords comes with 1800 common misspelled English words that you can use it to correct them automatically as you type them. If you use a tablet PC it is even easier. Just write with your pen the Active word and that’s it!
There a lot of free add-in “applications” for the ActiveWords, you can check them out here .Hey Stefanos there is one for MindManager also.

I was so excited with the ActiveWords that I didn’t “test” the WordBase at all [sorry Buzz]. I will look into it and come back later in the week with a full review.

[3]

Vista Rebooting
What’s this rebooting thing for Windows Vista? I left my computer on last night because I started downloading something only to find out in the morning that a few minutes after I went to sleep the computer downloaded an update from Microsoft and rebooted! I have to start all over again. I thought that UAC [User Access Control] was the most annoying thing about Vista but I now believe that rebooting whenever they feel like it, is by far the winner.

Until next time. Keep on... thinking different!

Our mind's best friend!

Stefanos Karagos | May 17, 2007

My beloved everyday-tool goes 7!
I'm talking about the application that gave to my life [personal & professional] the amazing "flavor" of creativity and differantiation. I'm talking about MindManager.
If you are unfamiliar with the Mind Maps term take a look here.
If you have created a MindMap even for one time, I'm sure that you know MindManager.

I had the opportunity to test the latest beta and I have to admit that I'm so excited and I can't wait for the final version! [May 30]



The new version goes mindmapping another step forward:

Ribbon UI
MindManager Pro 7 uses the new Microsoft Ribbon UI to create a streamlined, uncluttered workspace!

Integrate MM7 within Microsoft Applications
Link to topics from external applications. (i.e. Launch maps from Word docs.)

Central Topic
The Parent Topics are hidden and the new central topic becomes the (Central Topic) and the hierarchy starts from what was formerly the Subtopic.

Topic Styles
Allows creation of named topic styles and using these styles across current map regardless of the level at which topics are located.

Split topic
Create new topic based on text sub-selected in topic editor

Highlight Multiple Topics
Shift + Mouse click selects multiple topics for quick multi-formating

Saved Queries
Allows saving queries in Power Filter/Select/Bookmark dialogs and re-using these queries later.

Saved Views
Saves current view (filtered topics, collapsed topics, zoom factors) and allows reusing these views later.

Multiple Markers within Topics
Option to add more than one marker giving you flexible marking

Add Multiple Attachment to Map
Use multi select in file browse dialog to add multiple attachments to a topic

Advanced Sorting
Implemented sort options for icon marker groups and color marker groups. Allow reverse sorting of text marker groups. Available via markers group context menu, but not available for priority and task complete groups.

The improvements are not stopping here, moving the new MM version to a new very promising level.

It's time for all of you to come to MindMaps amazing world ;-)

Weekend picks #010

Stefanos Karagos | March 4, 2007

I know that I was ..."invisible" the last weeks, but know I'm back again.

[1]

Portable Document Format (PDF) is the standard for the distribution and exchange of electronic documents and forms around the world.
Bellow you can find the best free PDF printer drivers for Windows [Vista compatible]

1. CutePDF Writer (formerly CutePDF Printer) is the free version of commercial PDF creation software. Requires PS2PDF converter such as Ghostscript.

2. The BullZip PDF Printer works as a Windows printer and allows you to write PDF documents from virtually any Microsoft Windows application.
Many useful features. Requires PS2PDF converter such as Ghostscript.

3. doPDF enables you to convert any printable document to PDF format. Simply select the doPDF printer instead of your regular printer and the file will be converted and saved as PDF document. doPDF supports basic conversion features, including customizable resolution, page scaling, predefined page size and quality settings.

[2]

SEO Note is a freeware personal and business information manager that you can save all your personal and business notes in a single file, easily organize them and make your life easier.

[3]

Nothing better than a good organized directory!
The Ultimate Getting Things Done Index is the best directory for the GTD fans! There you can keep track of GTD blogs, software, news, etc. all on one page.

[4]

SpeedCommander is a comfortable file manager. It builds on the proven two window technology and offers a multitude of exclusive features. Sort, copy, move or delete your files either using the keyboard or the mouse.
The internal file viewer displays over 80 graphics and text formats. In addition, SpeedCommander contains a powerful text editor with numerous extras including syntax highlighting. With the integrated FTP client, you can both download files from the net and upload your own web pages. SpeedCommander even integrates a web browser for you to surf the web!

[5]

Are you a golfer? Do you want better results?
V1 Golf allows you to view, analyze, and diagnose faults with your swing simply and precisely. All the uncertainty is removed when you see your swing compared to a PGA professional.
V1 Golf gives you a clear understanding of your current golf swing and how to improve it – the key to lower scoring – and less frustration!
A must have!

Have a nice week!

Weekend picks #007

Stefanos Karagos | January 27, 2007

Digg, dagg, dong :-D
A small problem to my server's HDDs, but I'm back online.

[1]

The 4 best FREE Project management web server-based applications are
1. Dot Project
2. Task Jr.
3. Active Collab
4. PHProjekt
Do you know any good alternative?

[2]

SharpE is an user friendly desktop replacement for Windows XP/2k.
SharpDesk's powerful shell replacement makes crafting a luxurious desktop a delight. A single theme can be customized in dozens of ways with realtime wallpaper effects, icon sets, color schemes, and custom menu content.
SharpE is still in beta stage but is easy to use and looking cool...
So go on, download it !

[3]

ALZip: the most useful and full featured compression utility ever!
Opens 36 formats, create 8 formats, virus scanner integration, self-extracting archives and much more...
Actually if you start using it, you will forget all the others ;-)

[4]

OneNote2007 and MindManager.
Export Mindmaps to OneNote, easily map out the Notebooks, Section Groups etc from Onenote2007 and not only..
If you use both programs this MindManager Add-in is a must!

[5]

Love is all around :-)
Some well-designed wallpapers for the forthcoming Valentine's day ;-)
Even BBC have some!
Wallpaper 01
Wallpaper 02
Wallpaper 03
Wallpaper 04
Wallpaper 05

Take care!

GTD Mindmap

Stefanos Karagos | January 27, 2007

for normal resolutions

Do U GTD [wide]

Stefanos Karagos | January 27, 2007

for wide resolutions

Do U GTD

Stefanos Karagos | January 27, 2007

for normal screens

GTD Clouds [wide]

Stefanos Karagos | January 27, 2007

for wide screens [see the original file]

Weekend goodies #006

Stefanos Karagos | January 21, 2007

It was a ...dugg-day today :-)

[1]

My beloved CMS, Drupal went 5.0!
Till the end of this week Anabubula.com will go 5.0 too ;-)

[2]

I have received more than 50 emails from my readers asking me what program I'm using to make these strange shapes for the images of this site.
Well, if you use a PC the solution is named Rumshot!
Cheers!

[3]

Do you feel that deep inside you hide a ...Picasso?
Try Mr PicassoHead now and discover your... Picasso :-)

[4]

Tasks Jr. is a lightweight web-based task manager to help you manage your personal and professional projects effectively.
You have numerous tasks and projects with sub-tasks?
You need to access on various computers, PDA’s, or web-enabled phones from anywhere?
Tasks Jr. is your solution!

[5]

I'm a MindManager big fan and user for the last decade, but when I'm discovering a similar application that worth a try, I love to play with this.
A very nice and powerful mind-mapping application is NovaMind [for many years only Mac users had the privilege to use it, but now Windows users are welcome too]
And yes, worths a try!

Happy ..digging

:-)