Friday, September 26, 2008

Flash and other presentation software

The Way of the FLASH (AKA: Flash and other Presentation Software)

Potential Flash Convert: “So here’s the deal, I have this killer idea for a presentation but PowerPoint just isn’t meeting my needs. I want to easily include animations, embed it in my awesome personal website and let other people link to it so I participate more fully in the internet community!”

Flash Master: “Have you ever thought about using Flash to present your ideas.
Flash has become a popular method for adding animation and interactivity to web pages; Flash is commonly used to create animation, advertisements, and various web page components, to integrate video into web pages, and more recently, to develop rich Internet applications.

EXPLORE THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE WHAT THE FLASH MASTER IS TALKING ABOUT↓

Flash Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Flash
A very useful and detailed look at the many evolutions of flash players and author software.
CIN Rating: 8

http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/about/A great article!!
CIN Rating: 7

http://echoecho.com/flash.htm"What is shockwave Flash, Why is it often smarter than applets or GIF's? What do I need to be able to create my own flash movies?"
CIN=7

Flash Magazine
http://www.flashmagazine.com/ - your one stop shop for everything Flash.
CIN = 9 (R-7 this would be a little over the head of a beginner)

NOTE:
Adobe Captive
http://tryit.adobe.com/us/captivate/winner/?sdid=CZQSQ
The most useful and comprehensive presentation software comes from Adobe, anything you make with Adobe looks professional. Down sides are that it costs as much as a professional.
CIN Rating: 7 (is actually more simular to Flash than anything else - thanks Stu!)


Potential Flash Convert: “Oh great master how do I learn the way of Flash?”

Flash Master: “Try and online tutorial of course!”


Flash Tutorial
http://www.echoecho.com/flash.htm - introduces you to the basic functions of Flash and how to use them.
CIN = 9

Flash Tutorial
http://www.w3schools.com/Flash/default.asp
A helpful comprehensive tutorial on using Flash author software.
CIN Rating: 8

http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_4150Macromedia Flash OBJECT and EMBED tag syntax
CIN=3 (R-7 a bit more advanced but very useful)

http://www.qarbon.com/An easy-to-follow site which describes the many different features of Viewlet, including ViewletBuilder where one can create a professional Flash presentation with ease. Or my favourite, ViewletQuiz3. ViewletQuiz3 allows one to develop high-quality Flash based quizzes and surveys. Unfortunately, these great softwares are ONLY compatible with Macs!!
CIN Rating: 7

http://webdesign.about.com/od/beginningflash/Beginning_Flash.htm"Introductions, overviews, new user FAQ's, and quick start guides to help the complete beginner become familiar with Flash concepts and the interface."
CIN=7 (R-6)

http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/help04.htmlthis site is about camera settings - flash player.
CIN=5

Potential Flash Convert: “But Master, I’ve heard so many things in this world that lead away from Flash. How do I know if Flash is the true way?

Flash Master: ”You must search within your heart (and on the internet – see links below) for what is true.”


FLASH RELATED LINKS:

http://www.presentationhelper.co.uk/presentation-software-the-top-ten-10-134.htm - reviews the features of 10 options for presentations including PowerPoint and Flash. A good site because the comments at the end elaborate on what the article may have missed!
CIN = 9

What is Flash, when and why to use it?
http://www.killersites.com/articles/articles_FlashUse.htm - this article outlines the pros and cons of using Flash instead of HTML in website design.
CIN = 7

Powerpoint

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=1764This is a review on Microsoft's PowerPoint 2008. Quite intriguing and inviting. Very, very good. In fact, almost perfect!!CIN Rating: 9

Technology for Teachers
http://oregonstate.edu/instruction/ed596/ppoint/pphome.htm
A turtorial geared less towards kids and more towards teachers. Contains lots of useful information.
CIN Rating: 9

http://www.macintouch.com/reviews/office2008/This is a review of the various options that are part of Office 2008, including PowerPoint 2008. This is an assessment on MacWorld, and I believe Windows is a better system. Unfortunately, this site is inviting and intriguing and I have to give it a good ratingCIN Rating: 8 (I would put 9, but since it is supporting Macs (boo!), I have to give it a 8) (R2 =9)


http://www.pcworld.com/article/144697/powerpoint_2008_vs_keynote_08.htmlThis webpage brilliantly compares PowerPoint 2008 with Keynote '08CIN Rating: 8

Powerpoint 2000 Tutorialhttp://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/ppt/A fairly thurough tutorial of how to use powerpoint 2000. 8

PowerPoint in the Classroom

http://www.actden.com/PP/
A fun and easy tutorial for working with PowerPoint. Geared towards kids but still very useful.
CIN Rating: 7

Microsoft Office Online
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/default.aspx
Get all the information you need about power point, right from the makers.
CIN Rating: 7

PowerPoint for Mac
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/PowerPoint2008/default.mspx#/themes_templates/
Official information of the PowerPoint for Mac program straight from it's creators.
CIN Rating: 7


On-Line Technology Practice Modules
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_powerpoint.htmLots of informative material on how to use powerpoint. 7

Microsoft Powerpoint Tutorialhttp://www.bcschools.net/staff/PowerPointHelp.htmAnother Tutorial on powerpoint. 7


Youtube- How NOT to use powerpoint by comedian Don McMillan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLpjrHzgSRMA humorous presentation of the use of powerpoint. 7... it was funny

Powerpoint FAQ Listhttp://www.pptfaq.com/index.htmlA list of Frequently Asked Questions on powerpoint. 7

http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/powerpoint.htm"PowerPoint is a multimedia tool that reaches students with different learning styles. Students learn visual literacy by communicating in this medium. They can also use audio to get a message across. Furthermore, the program has the capability of including video and easily links to the Internet." CIN=9 (R2=7)


http://www.presentersonline.com/tutorials/powerpoint/everything you need to know on powerpointCIN=7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerpointvery good site on powerpoint. it covers from its history to promats and even more.CIN=9 (R2=6)


http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/look_out_powerpoint_sliderocke.php - a positive review of the sliderocket platform
CIN = 5


http://microsoft.toddverbeek.com/present.html - provides one reviewer's take one alternatives to microsoft's Power PointCIN = 5

http://www.actden.com/pp/I think it is pretty cool for beginners like me.CIN=7 (R2=5)

http://www.macsparky.com/2008/02/02/positive-review-for-powerpoint-2008/This is quite a positive review for PowerPoint 2008. Quite informative, but unfortunately it is lacking in the excitement.CIN Rating: 4

http://weebhoyseducationdiscussion.blogspot.com/2008/03/microsoft-powerpoint-2008.htmlThis review explores the differences between PowerPoint 2008 and its older version. Quite an interesting article. However, the page is very bland and not very eye-catching!!CIN Rating: 4

http://www.sliderocket.com/ - an online presentation program that allows you to easily share content over the web (COOL)CIN = 3

PowerPoint is Evilhttp://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.htmlAn odd take on PowerPoint software. Entertaining but not very useful.CIN Rating: 3

http://www.keynoteuser.com/tips/keynoteppt.html - compares powerpoint 2004 with Keynote 3 (appears to be biased towards keynote)CIN = 3

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/default.aspxcomplete set of tools-creating powerpoint entationsCIN=5 (R2=3)

http://www.tsbvi.edu/technology/powerpoint.htm - how to turn a powerpoint presentation into a websiteCIN = 4 (R2=2)

Composite post on scanning by Dan

Denver- http://www.steves-digicams.com/scanners.html
This site offers news, reviews and other info on scanners.
CIN Rating: 8 (took A LONG time to load!! Once I saw it, I liked what I saw!!)

Stu- http://www.pgacon.com/tips_on_scanning.htm
A simple yet detailed look at scanning and some tips to make it easier.
CIN Rating: 8 (great site. Very interesting)

Dan- http://books.google.ca/books?id=wdjrzhQXdlwC&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq=scanning&source=web&ots=JL8YqPdYPI&sig=rCwAtooh8I-9KQnraMcEHVe2d0E&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result
This is an online book by Herbert Zettl, which describes the various scanning systems including interlaced and progressive scanning. Very good. My only complaint is that its WAY too long!! (36 pgs.)
CIN Rating: 7

Stu- http://www.scantips.com/
A simple yet detailed look at scanning and some tips to make it easier.
CIN Rating: 7

Stu- http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/computing/peripherals/scanners/scansnap/
A detailed look at comparing the different models of the newest revolution in scanners, the Fujitsu ScanSnap
CIN Rating: 7

Denver- http://desktoppub.about.com/od/scanning/Scanning_Tutorials_for_Image_and_Document_Scanning.htmAs The title suggests, his website gives tutorials on scanning.
CIN Rating: 7 (Great tutorial!! Very useful!)

Denver- http://www.imaging-resource.com/SCAN1.HTM
More reviews on scanners.
CIN Rating: 7 (Great review site!! I would definately find this site useful if I were wanting to compare scanners before buying!!)

Denver- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_scanner
Lots of background information on scanners.
CIN Rating: 7 (Great article! But like I keep saying, it being wikipedia it is hard to trust it since anybody can post anything!!)

Vivian- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_character_recognition
The origin of the software that allows you to edit scanned text! (Great article! But like I keep saying it being wikipedia it is hard to trust it since anybody can post anything!!)
CIN Rating: 7

Liebschen- tutorials http://desktoppub.about.com/od/scanning/Scanning_Tutorials_for_Image_and_Document_Scanning.htmscanning tutorials for image and document scanning.
CIN Rating: 7 (R2= 6)

Vivian- http://wordpress.com/tag/how-to-scan-photos-scanning/ -
a blog dedicated to how to scan photos...
CIN Rating: 7 (R2= 6)
Denver- http://facweb.furman.edu/~pecoy/mfl195/scan.htm
VERY basic directions on how to use a scanner.
CIN Rating: 6 (WOW! Those are basic instructions!!)

Liebschen- scanning software http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/scanning/Scanning_Software_Tips_and_Help.htm
instructions how to get the most from your scanner
CIN Rating: 5 (R2= 6)

Dan- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99kRIbp4FBQ
A very helpful step-by-step instructional video on how to use the Goonfleet Scanning System
CIN Rating: 8 R2= 6 (only focuses on one kind of scanner)

Vivian- http://desktoppub.about.com/od/scanning/Scanning_Tutorials_for_Image_and_Document_Scanning.htm - FAQ on different scanning issues from about.com (a good place to start)
CIN Rating- 6 (helpful!!)

Liebschen- http://www.pgacon.com/tips_on_scanning.htmtips on scanners
CIN Rating: 5

THESE POSTS ARE OKAY, BUT NOT WORTHY OF THE COMPOSITE POST!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vivian- http://www.sentex.net/~mwandel/tech/scanner.html
How to turn your scanner into a digital camera
CIN Rating: 5

Stu- Wiley InterScience Journals: Scanning
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/113412420/home?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
A special issue of the scientific journal looking exclusively at scanning.
CIN Rating: 5 (R2= 4 cuz there was an error on the page and was unable to view it)

Dan- http://www.scanning.datalogic.com/
This site is similar to Amazon but it is dedicated to the Datalogic Scanning System, the recognized worldwide leader of POS Scanners
CIN Rating: 3

Liebschen- Web2.0 Scanning Complexities
http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1881
article discuss challenges faced....read more on site.
CIN Rating: 1 (R2= 3)

Liebschen- if you want to buy one...here is the site for you...
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=25
Shop for and buy the best Computers Scanners, Bar Code Scanner, HP Scanners, Photo Scanner at TigerDirect.ca; your source for the best computer scanner
CIN Rating: 3

Dan- http://www.mun.ca/copyright/scanning.php
This site mentions and describes The Access Copyright Scanning System. Unfortunately, this is pretty unhelpful if someone is looking on how to use a scanner.
CIN Rating: 3 (R2=2)

Dan- http://www.scanning-fams.org/
A social network where one can scan and upload numerous pictures. This site looks like it has potential, but you need special access to view this site.
CIN Rating: 2 (since you need special access to view this site)

Vivian- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8W2AxXfbvM
A scanner sings 'ode to joy'!
CIN = undecided (it's funny but not informative so i guess it's a 1) (SO AWESOME!!! :D)


Stu- http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0081455/
A 1981 horror movie directed by David Cronberg. It is completely irrelevant to the topic. This is a reminder to review your search results because they could have nothing to do with what you are looking for.
CIN Rating: 0

Friday, September 12, 2008

Other Internet Technologies

Home videos make your memories last forever. Now you can share those memories with friends and family using a variety of different websites. Check it out!
http://www.dvguru.com/2006/04/07/ten-video-sharing-services-compared/ - reviews several video sharing sites including vimeo, eyespot, and blogspot.
CIN = 7

Ever wondered what an RSS Feed is? Click Here
Keep the world updated! The link below helps you set up an RSS feed.
http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=2175271 - explains what an rss feed is and common mistakes made when trying to set one up.
CIN = 3

Internet Social Networking

A social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.

In our increasingly global community social networking goes far beyond simply sharing blogs. Photos, video, and personal profiles dominate the social networking culture of today's youth.

Though a useful tool, there are a few things to keep in mind when acessing a social networking site.
Social Networking 101


Some Social Networking Sites:

Facebook Review
http://social-networking-websites-review.toptenreviews.com/facebook-review.html
This website reviews one of the most popular social network websites.
CIN Rating: 7


Habbo Review
http://social-networking-websites-review.toptenreviews.com/habbo-review.html
This website reviews a not so popular social network website.
CIN Rating: 7

Edited by Factsnet Blog Coordinator.

Browsers

Netscape...Internet Explorer...Mozilla...Maxathon...Safari...Google Chrome...

When it comes to choosing an internet browser it may seem as overwhelming as trying to order a "double espresso extra hot soy venti latte with no foam and light whip" at Starbucks!

Never fear! The links below make choosing a browser easy.

Top Ten Reviews
http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/ - allows you to quantitatively compare internet browsers on features, speed, security, technical help, and supported configurations.
CIN = 9

PC World - Browser Wars
http://www.pcworld.com/article/118959/browser_wars.html This site gives reviews on pretty much everything computer related but this page is on internet browsers.
CIN = 8 ... 'cause it was written in a less serious way

Browser Review
http://www.yourhtmlsource.com/starthere/browserreview.html
This site offers reviews of internet browsers.
CIN = 7

Blogging

This is a blog and you can too...
Below is a great article on blogging followed how to get started as a blogger and reviews of specific blog sites! (The links have been organized in order of information value by catergory)

Opinion columnists may not have views any better than your own, but they have one thing you probably don't—an audience. Fortunately, you don't have to convince J. Jonah Jameson to hire you. A blog can help you disseminate your views, and a hosted blog service can help you get started cheaply and easily. You can write about politics, gardening, your cats—anything you like. Depending on the service, you can post to your blog by browser, e-mail, or even phone. Enthusiastic bloggers can post breaking news before Peter Parker makes the scene.

Blogs are everywhere. Doonesbury's Zipper Harris is a blogger. Howard Dean tracks his presidential campaign in a blog (http://www.blogforamerica.com/). Dan Bricklin, father of the electronic spreadsheet, shares his thoughts in a blog at http://www.danbricklin.com/.
For every celebrity blog, thousands are maintained by ordinary people.

Launching a blog is about the simplest way to create a personal Web site. Once you've configured your blog's appearance and characteristic options, you simply start posting. The blog software organizes your posts with the newest at the top and a calendar linking to older posts. You can keep the whole thing private, like an old-fashioned diary, or let a few trusted friends view it. But for most bloggers, the challenge is to attract as many readers as possible, and they let in anyone who stumbles upon their blogs...

Continue reading at:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1403731,00.asp
Blog Tools is an article written for PCMag.com explaining how simple blogging really is.
CIN Rating: 3

How do I get started?

Blog Basics
http://www.blogbasics.com/index.php
A simple website designed to help users find which blog is right for them and how to use each blog site or software program.
CIN Rating: 7

ProBlogger
http://www.problogger.net/
This site is designed to give tips and pointers to bloggers and people who want to become bloggers.
CIN Rating: 7

Blog Comparison Chart
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/images/blog_software_comparison.cfm
This website has a great comparison chart that highlights the pros and cons of various different blogging software and websites.
CIN Rating: 7

Some Popular Blog Sites!

MySpace
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/myspace-review.html
This site gives ratings and descriptions of many different aspects of the MySpace website.
CIN Rating: 7

Xanga
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/xanga-review.html
This site gives ratings and descriptions of many different aspects of the Xanga website.
CIN Rating: 7

Blogger
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/blogger-review.html
This site gives ratings and descriptions of many different aspects of the Blogger website.
CIN Rating: 7

Windows Live Spaces
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/windows-live-spaces-review.html
This site gives ratings and descriptions of many different aspects of the Windows Live Spaces website.
CIN Rating: 7

WordPress
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/wordpress-com-review.html
This site gives ratings and descriptions of many different aspects of the WordPress website.
CIN Rating: 7

Yahoo 360
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/yahoo-360-review.html
This review has an excellent description of what Yahoo 360 is. Very helpful!!
CIN Rating: 7

TypePad
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/typepad-review.html
This review is very interesting because it compares TypePad with a list of other top sites. Very helpful!!
CIN Rating: 7

LiveJournal
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/livejournal-review.html
This review has an excellent description of what LiveJournal is, and also gives some ideas of what would be helpful in creating your first CSS. Although, it was somewhat strange when it noted how TypePad is better for stats and such!!
CIN Rating: 5

AOL Journal
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/aol-journals-review.html

This review is good, but unfortunately not as helpful as the others on this site.
CIN Rating: 3

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