Open Source Technology Blog

Free Mind Map Tools For iPad (Tablet)

OpenTube — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:58:48 +0000

Mind mapping is a great way of visually representing our ideas in a simple way. Very important while the team does brain storming and passing on ideas to new set of people. There are quite a few free mind mapping tools for PCs. Now, it is the ear of tablets and iPad has come a long way. Very intuitive and multi touch screen allows a far more intuitiveness while drawing mind map. There are few free tools to create mind maps on iPad too. These are good alternatives to commercial mind mapping tools such as iThoughtsHD, MindNode, Maptini, MagicalPad etc.

SimpleMind+ (Free)

Mind mapping tool that turns your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch into a brainstorming, idea collection and thought structuring device. AppStore link

MindMeister (Free)

MindMeister is a great tool for iPhone is the companion app for mind mapping.

AppStore link

IdeaSketch (Free)

Idea Sketch lets you easily draw a diagram – mind map, concept map, or flow chart – and convert it to a text outline, and vice versa. You can use Idea Sketch for anything, such as brainstorming new ideas, illustrating concepts, making lists and outlines, planning presentations, creating organizational charts, and more!

MindJet (Free)

Mindjet for iPad lets you easily enter ideas, tasks, and meeting notes into intuitive visual maps that help you quickly organize concepts and prioritize action items. Instantly create new maps or import them from Mindjet Connect.

10 Free Software Services to Store and Manage your Passwords

OpenTube — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:23:00 +0000

Today you need to remember so many passwords that your memory would get filled trying to remember a password for the Windows network logon, password for e-mail account, your website’s FTP password, online passwords (like website member account) and so on. The list goes endless. Also, you should use different passwords for each account because of obvious reasons- one password everywhere will give easy access to hackers to all your account effortlessly. To make your life easy, here are 10 free software services via which you can manage your passwords with easy. You may have to remember just one master password to your password manager and leave the rest to the software to manage.

1. Clipperz

Clipperz is a secure and simple password manager that provides an effective single sign-on solution. It’s a digital vault for your password data that you can use to store secret instead of storing them on the PC or paper.

Clipperz provides security by encrypting locally by the browser before uploading to Clipperz. Its free and completely anonymous. Create your account with a free signup here.

2. LastPass

LastPass is a password manager that makes web browsing easier and more secure. With LastPass, all you need to do is just remember one master password. Then on, you can easily logon to websites seamlessly with single click on the mouse button. It provides synchronization of password across browsers and accessible across all devices.

There are loads of features in the free edition here.

3. KeePass

KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. So you only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database. The databases are encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known (AES and Twofish). For more information, check here.

4. RoboForm

RoboForm is a proprietary software password management program that syncs passwords between multiple computers. It offers a web form filler that automates password entering and form filling on Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, as well offering manager apps on mobile platforms like iOS, Android, Blackberry, Palm, and Symbian. The free version of Roboform limits you to saving 10 passwords. The pro version allows for unlimited passwords. You can try the free version here.

5. KeePassX

KeePassX is an application for people with extremely high demands on secure personal data management. It has a light interface, is cross platform and published under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

KeePassX saves many different information e.g. user names, passwords, urls, attachments and comments in one single database. For a better management user-defined titles and icons can be specified for each single entry. Furthermore the entries are sorted in groups, which are customizable as well. The integrated search function allows to search in a single group or the complete database. You can download the software here.

6. Universal Password Manager

Universal Password Manager allows you to store all your passwords in one highly secure encrypted database. Its strengths are simplicity, portability and security (uses 128bit AES encryption). UPM is available on Android, Windows, OS X & Linux.

You can download the software here.

7. Yadabyte Password

Yadabyte Passwords is very secure AES 256 encryption that works from any USB Key, floppy, hard drive with a simple minimal interface with “Nokia” browsing. Unencrypted data is never stored anywhere. For more information, check here.

8. OpenSimSim

With OpenSimSim, all you need to do is to just remember only one master password. OpenSimSim will generate strong passwords for each one of your accounts. No more using the same password everywhere or using bulky password managers. Your passwords are just a few quick key-strokes away. For more information, click here.

9. Mitto

Mitto is a safe and secure online password manager. The free service lets you add the passwords to all of your favorite sites in one place, then logs you in to each one of them by simply clicking a button. No need to remember or retype your passwords anymore! You can access your passwords securely from any computer, organize them with tags, securely share them with trusted friends, and more… It’s easy, secure, and it’s just what you need. Sign up for free here.

10. Password Safe

Password Safe is a password database utility. Password Safe protects passwords with the Twofish encryption algorithm, a fast, free alternative to DES. The programs security has been thoroughly verified by Counterpane Labs under the supervision of Bruce Schneier, author of Applied Cryptography and creator of the Twofish algorithm. For more information, check here.

15 Popular iPhone Apps from Retailers for their Loyal Customers

OpenTube — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:30:18 +0000

As the mobile users and smart phone apps keep growing, for every retailer there is a need to have a smart phone app for Loyal customers that enhances the shopping experience inside and outside the store. Also, every retailer who has a Loyalty program or Reward program must have loyalty apps that lets customer receive m-coupons, checkout offers, check reward points, view and redeem gift certificates etc using their mobile device. Here in this post we provide a list of apps that are targeted for Loyal customers.

1.Best Buy Reward Zone

Its a loyalty app for Best Buy store that lets you to access points, reward certificates, purchase history and exclusive Reward Zone offers all from your mobile device. It lets you even redeem reward certificates from your mobile device. Using the app, you can find out how many points you have, what’s in-stock at your local Best Buy store, and read customer product reviews.

check out the app here

2. Starbucks

For Loyal customers of Starbucks, there is a Starbucks app that lets the customer to Pay with their iPhone/iPod Touch, check Starbucks Card balance, reload card, Track Stars in the My Starbucks Rewards program, Send an eGift to a friend via email or Facebook wall post and lots of other features that come in handy.

Check out the app here.

3. Target

With the Target App for iPhone you can stay organized with TargetLists, Save money with Daily Deals. Check prices with the Barcode Scanner, use the magic gift card right from your phone, find a store and lots more.

Check out the app here.

4. Walgreens

Walgreens brings you the official iPhone app, featuring Refill by Scan. Simply order your prescription refills by scanning the barcode on your pill bottle. You can also receive refill reminders by utilizing Apple Push Notification Service (APNS). And with our new Pill Reminder, you can set-up alerts so you’ll never forget when to take your prescriptions. Other great features like Quick Prints, allows you to select pictures from your iPhone and pick up the prints in about an hour. Find the store nearest you using GPS. Discover in-store savings in your local mobile Weekly Ad or view exclusive mobile coupons. Add items to your mobile shopping list and share them. Scan barcodes and QR codes from our paper Weekly Ad to learn more about products and promotions and add items to your shopping list.

Check out the app here.

5. Wallmart

The Walmart app for iPhone helps you find quality products at unbeatable prices at home, in Wallmart stores or on the go. With the Smart Shopping List, it’s now even easier to save money, stay on budget and build your shopping list. Add items in seconds using the built-in barcode scanner, voice entry, favorites or suggestions. It also has manufacturer coupons right in the app.

Check out the app here

6. Best Buy

The Best Buy app provides a fresh new way to shop for the latest and greatest technology. Browse the full Best Buy product catalog, compare product specs, and create your technology wish list. It lets you view your past purchases, track your points and view the latest offers using Reward Zone.

Check out the app here.

7. The Home Depot

The Home Depot iPhone app enhances your shopping experience inside and outside the store. With the app you can research and purchase over 300,000 home improvement products, check store inventory and aisle location, scan QR and UPC codes, buy and send e-gift cards, locate stores & in-store maps and many more.

Check out the app here.

8. Lowe’s

he handy Lowe’s app allows you to shop online, review ratings on everything from appliances to hardware, locate the closest store and access inspiring videos and products. Get driving directions to your closest stores via GPS, or find a Lowe’s on the go by entering your city and state into the store locator. Also has the ability to check your gift card balance.

Check out the app here.

9. CVS Pharmacy

The official CVS/pharmacy iPhone App, helps you find the nearest CVS locations – store hours. Order prescriptions by Scanning your refills or via Rapid Refill (no sign in) or via your prescription history. Transfer prescriptions, access your CVS.com account. View ExtraCare information – send offers to card, view Weekly Ads, sign up for offers, deals and more. You can schedule a flu shot – check MinuteClinic locations, services and accepted insurance plans.

Check out the app here.

10. JCPenney Weekly Deals

JCPenny Weekly Deals app provides instant access to great things happening at jcpenney, like fair and square pricing with month-long values and best prices. It lets you flip through the new monthly book and explore the digital calendar all designed to revolve around your life. Also you can find a store near you, shop the full online selection, access jcp rewards, link to your jcp credit card and more!

Check out the app here.

11. Fab.com

Fab is the #1 rated shopping app for design sales and inspirations. There are more than 2 million people turn to Fab for sales of up to 70% off retail on home decor, art, jewelry, fashion, and more – at all price points. The Fab app you can access Daily design inspirations & sales, never miss a sale while you’re on the go, check upcoming sales, browse by color, price, and category, view and zoom in on images, share your favorite designs on Facebook, Twitter, email, and SMS — and earn credits!

Check out the app here.

12. Sears2go

With Sears2go, you can access to all of the items and categories on sears.com. Shop, find and buy right in the app, then pick it up at the store or have it sent to your door.* Search by keyword or category to find what you need fast. You can also see sales and deals from the Weekly Ad, view detailed item descriptions and read individual product reviews and customer rating. If you are a rewards member you can access your account and check your point balance.

Check out the app here.

13. Kroger Co

The Kroger Co. mobile application allows you to view your rewards points and savings.In order to use The Kroger Co. mobile app, you must first have an online account on one of the banner websites (i.e. Kroger.com) as well as a Shopper’s Card number associated with your account profile.

Check out the app here.

14. Gap

Shop Gap and other Gap Inc stores with Gap easy to use app. Find, save, share and buy products when and where it is convenient for you. With the app you browse the latest fashions across all our categories with detailed product descriptions and access to size and color availability. Scan product barcodes in store to find alternate sizes and colors, get product information and more.

Check out the app here.

15. Kohl’s

Tap into even more shopping convenience with the completely redesigned Kohl’s iPhone app. With new, easy-to-use features right at your fingertips, you can find what you want no matter where you are. Cool features are Browse pages of Kohl’s local deals or shop Kohls.com by department and brand, Scan Kohl’s product barcodes or QR codes to quickly access special savings, offers and exclusive information, Use your GPS Locator or ZIP code to find the nearest Kohl’s stores, see hours of operation and get directions and many more.

Check out the app here.

Free Light Weight AutoCAD Alternatives – Free And Simple CAD Products

OpenTube — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:10:51 +0000

CAD Tools are essential for engineers and AutoCAD is a popular commercial CAD software. Though it is very powerful, it costs a lot of money. If you want a light weight CAD tools/software then try the following;

NanoCAD (Free)

Innovate, design and collaborate at no cost. nanoCAD is a 2D/3D CAD for professional design and drafting. A combination of familiar interface, powerful tools, native *.dwg format at no cost makes nanoCAD a best solution to all your design needs.

FreeCAD (Open Source)

FreeCAD is a general purpose Open Source 3D CAD/MCAD modeler, aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits a wider range of uses in engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialties. It is a feature-based parametric modeler with a modular software architecture which makes it easy to provide additional functionality without modifying the core system.

DraftSight (Free for individuals)

DraftSight lets professional CAD users, students and educators create, edit and view DWG files. DraftSight runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.

DoubleCAD XT (Free)

DoubleCAD XT is an AutoCAD LT® work-alike. But free.

BRL CAD (Open Source)

BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, libraries for robust geometric representation, with more than 20 years of active development.

QCAD (Open Source)

QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in two dimensions (2d). With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schemas and diagrams. QCAD works on Windows, Mac OS X and many Linux and Unix Systems. The source code of the QCAD community edition is released under the GPL (Open Source).

OpenSCAD (Open Source)

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and Mac OS X.

gCAD3D (Open Source)

gCAD3d 3D – CADCAM – software for MS-Windows and Linux.

Absolutely Free Survey Tools That Let You Create Great Surveys– Free Alternatives To SurveyMonkey

OpenTube — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:40:54 +0000

There are many online Survey tools such as SurveyMonkey, PollDaddy, FluidSurveys etc. that claim to be free but they are not. They have too many limitations and can’t be really used if you are seriously considering to host a good survey. If you want to use some no hassle free survey tools, then you may want to checkout the following list.

Kwik Surveys

A really great Survey Builder which is completely free and easy to use tool. Try it here. Kwik supports, Surveys, Forms, Pools, Feedback forms and much more…

Google Docs (Forms)

Part of Google Docs – Forms an ideal way to create powerful surveys for free and fast. A must try.

WebAnketa

Free creation of questionnaires,surveys, tests and polls! Check it out here.

Flisti

Create free online polls without signing-up. Check it out.

SisSurvey

With SiS Survey you can create surveys and polls for your website, blog and social network profiles.

Try it here.

MicroPoll

The easiest way to create website polls…FREE!

LimeSurvey

Truly Open Source and Free. LimeSurvey is self Hosted solution and you have complete control over the polls and surveys that you create. Very robust and open. Must have.

How To Edit Videos In Minutes Like A Pro Using YouTube?

OpenTube — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:05:26 +0000

YouTube has been around for quite some time now as a free video hub. From HD videos to funny videos, you get them all on YouTube with a click of button. Did you know that YouTube also has video editing features simplified for dummies? Anybody with little video knowledge can compile a collection of videos, edit, publish on YouTube quite easily for no cost. You don’t need to buy commercial video editing products such as Avid Studio or Pinnacle Video or Adobe movie maker editor etc unless you are a serious video editor

All you need to do is, become a registered member of YouTube, click on Video Editor tab. You have all the things you need; Video timeline where you can drag and drop your video clips, add transitions, add text overlay, add audio tracks etc. Brilliantly simple yet very effective. Play with with it and get amazed with the results.

How to do image stabilization?

YouTube has even more cool features when you upload your videos. You can add annotations, do some advanced editing such as enhancing the unstable videos. YouTube has built in Image Stabilization feature which is really good.

Trimming videos

You can also trim/cut unwanted portion of your videos if need be. Add effects, audio tracks as needed. It is indeed a full fledged video editing software online! Use it as you go, get your videos anytime anywhere!

Great Chrome Apps To Enhance Productivity At Office

OpenTube — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:54:50 +0000

Chrome web store has great tools to enhance productivity at office. Here is a list of 10+ such must have apps for enhancing productivity.

Wedoist – Beautifully Simple Project Management

Assign tasks, manage files, meet deadlines, share status updates, comment on just about anything, real time chat with your team and much more with Wedoist!

Planbox – Agile Project Management and Collaboration

Be agile with Planbox. Planbox is a powerful yet easy to use Agile & Scrum Project Management Tool. We help small teams Plan, Collaborate and Deliver. Right out of the box.

LiquidPlanner – Project Management

MindMeister – Great mind-map tool on Chrome

MindMeister brings mind mapping to the web allowing for real-time collaboration and truly global brainstorming sessions.

Evernote – Save your thoughts!

Evernote lets you save all of your ideas and experiences in Evernote, then access them from every computer and phone you use.

Fiabee – Share files

Access, share and search across all files contained in your devices, even offline. And drop files into your Android from Chrome with Fiabee!

ToDo.ly – Write-down your ToDo List

Todo.ly is an intuitive and easy to use online Todo list, and Task Manager. It helps you to get organized, and to get things done.

Lucid Chart – Online Diagramming Tool

The easiest way to draw flowcharts, mockups, UML, mind maps and more. Work together in real time with your team and clients.

Zoho Project Management Tools

Excellent project management tool to track you project, plan, execute and deliver. Very handy tool and simple to use.

Connected Mind – Great mind maps

Draw unique and memorable mind maps, store them in the cloud for free and access them anywhere

Vyew – Webconferencing

Beyond web conferencing – Collaborate in a continuous meeting room, real-time or anytime: webcam, whiteboard, and doc review tools.

SlideRocket – Awesome Presentation Software

SlideRocket defines the new way to create stunning presentations that deliver lasting impressions and measurable results.

Prezi – Another great presentation software

Prezi is a zooming web-based presentation tool that moves beyond the constraints of traditional slides.

20 Free For Remote Desktop Tools

OpenTube — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:22:29 +0000

After a overwhelming response to our earlier post on 7 Free Tools For Remote Desktop Control here is a fresh list 20 free Remote Desk tools that let to control desktops remotely. It a wonderful tool that is used for sharing information, data and troubleshoot computer systems remotely. This list consists of all Free Open source or Trial versions that are freely available.

1. TeamViewer

TeamViewer connects to any PC or server around the world within a few seconds. You can remote control your partner’s PC as if you were sitting right in front of it. It is supported on Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile – Android, iPhone & iPad.