Screen Capture
ScreenRip32
I know, I know. Screen capture software is a dime a dozen. You can find it anywhere and everywhere, which makes it really hard to find the good stuff. So why choose a dead dog like ScreenRip32 when there must be fresher freeware meat available? The primary reason is ease of use. Somewhere out in the virtual business world, we are being bamboozled into believing bigger is better. If infinite features are out of this world, then infinite features plus one must be heavenly. What a mess. I digress. Take ScreenRip32 for a tour, and you will soon find it to be a trusted companion in your design toolbox. If not, I’ll refund your money.
Scripting Language
PHP
What could I possibly say about PHP that you don’t already know? Probably not much, which is a good thing for a designer trying to learn a new scripting language—there is plenty of support and tutorials available for free on the Web. Just like MySQL, PHP is available with most basic hosting plans, which is a major advantage over proprietary languages like CFML, VBScript or Java. If you’re new to programming, and you need to add increased interactivity to your Web sites, I strongly suggest you start with PHP. A little advice: First learn about common security issues and PHP error handling, then move on to database manipulation and XML parsing. You will find that if you can master those four areas, PHP will serve you well.
Video Editing
Windows Movie Maker
I hesitate to recommend any video editing software that is freeware. If you find you need to edit video for the Web on a regular basis, subcontract a professional or purchase an amateur video-editing suite. However, when the occasional need arises to snip a clip, delete some sound or add simple text effects, Windows Movie Maker will suit you well. The primary disadvantage is it only works with Windows XP (as does my choice for runner-up, Avid Free DV, which can be found at Avid.com). If you’re interested in taking a crack at video editing, then this is a good tool to get you started on learning the basics.
VoIP
Skype
Skype, just like Gaim, has gained widespread acceptance in the public eye. It deserves every bit of praise it has received this past year, and I’m amazed that such an impressive and useful tool is free. A friend and freelance Flash designer turned me on to Skype because he was sick of paying out the wazoo for client conference calls. Both you and your client will need Skype installed in order to use voice-over-IP, but it’s worth recommending even if your client isn’t tech-savvy. If they won’t bother, you can opt for SkypeOut, a paid service with rates that will blow away your long distance phone service or even a competitor like Vonage.
Keep Searching
This is not meant to be an all-encompassing list. Trendy freeware pops up all the time, and I suggest you find what works best for you. The recommendations here should at least help you think more creatively about how you do business as a freelancer. You can learn to save some good coin by cashing in on the tireless toil of others.
To continue your search for fabulous freeware, try the following Web sites:
And for assistance with some freeware that fights back, I recommend Experts-Exchange.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment