FreeMind is mind-mapping software written in Java. I use it to plan web sites, promotions, business plans. It’s great for brainstorming, capturing your ideas and organizing them.
Since it’s a cross platform Java application, it will run on Windows, Macs and Linux computers, among others. All you need is the current Java Runtime Environment, which is probably already installed if your computer is up-to-date.
I use it on the Mac, and I’ve created a SmartFolder to find my FreeMind (*.mm) files quickly. I’ve tested sharing files with Linux, and it works like a champ, although some of the keyboard shortcuts are a little different across platforms. You can (and will) use your mouse, though -- drag-and-drop, collapse and expand (with a double click) let you zip around your mind maps and focus on the details you want, or zoom out to see the big picture.
Import/Export & Sharing
FreeMind uses an XML file format, meaning that you can read it with a text editor (Text Edit, Notepad, etc.) and translate the data into other formats. Built in formats include a nifty HTML export that includes working “expand and collapse” buttons.
Open Source Update
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
FreeMind has not been upgraded for some time: it’s been at Version 0.8.0 since New Release: FreeMind 0.8.0 (Date: 2005-09-10 09:38).
That’s a couple years now. Yet, there is a ton of traffic on the project at SourceForge, and it’s increasing steadily. I think that if this project continues to grow in popularity, we might see a new version soon, since active projects attract developers, testers, etc.
A recommended addition to the web slinger's tool box.
If you don't want to be tied down to a desktop, you need direct access to your computer in the cloud. Since Firefox runs just about everywhere, it's a good place to start to set up a reliable way to access your accounts. Blog & Social Delicious Bookmarks is the recommended and official Firefox add-on for Delicious, the world's leading social bookmarking service (formerly del.icio.us). It integrates your bookmarks and tags with Firefox and keeps them in sync for easy, convenient access. Syncing slows down startup, though. ScribeFire Blog Editor is a blog editor that integrates with your browser and lets you easily post to your blog. They've also integrated their affiliate Quick Ads advertising program, which I haven't tried.
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