Free open source web tools & open source software.

Free Web-Based and Open Source Software Communication Tools 

1. Gmail – This is Google's online email (Web mail) service that allows you to register for a free email account and access a number of features that includes storage, search, built-in chat, mobile access, voice chat, spam filters and more. 

2. Meebo - This integrates many online communication channels and platforms into a single service. The Meebo Messenger allows you to access your friends on all the major networks (AIM, Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber) in a single friend list.

Free Web-Based and Open Source Software - Collaboration and Scheduling Tools

3. GanttProject – This is a free and open source desktop tool for project scheduling and management. It can be utilized by students for sharing projects and collaboration. It runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux systems.

4. TimetoMeet - This is a web-based scheduling tool for allowing students to find a common time for meeting with others to work on assignments and projects. It allows you to automatically synchronize your calendar from Outlook, iCal or Google and display all your appointments in one place.

Free Web-Based and Open Source Software - Document Editing and Management Tools

5. EditGrid – This is an online spreadsheet service offering a number of same features seen in Excel. It permits you to share, collaborate and publish your spreadsheet online.

6. Google Docs – This is a free web-based productivity spread offering students free software to work with documents (word processing), spreadsheets, presentations, drawings and forms. It allows you to upload files from your desktop, access files from any Internet-connected computer, and join with classmates and teachers.

Free Web-Based and Open Source Software - Presentation Tools

7. Embeddable Presentations - This is from Google Docs permitting you to make and collaborate on slideshow presentations. It allows you to add text, images, video more directly to your presentation slides. 

8. Zoho Show 2.0 – This is an online tool for making presentations. It offers pre-built themes, clipart and shapes along with features like drag-and-drop that makes it an easy application to use.

Free Web-Based and Open Source Software - Task & Time Management Tools

9. Google Calendar – This is a free web-based tool from Google providing an easy way for busy students to create, organize and schedule assignments, lectures, social events and more. It allows you to share your schedule so family and friends can view schedules that others have shared with you.

10. Remember The Milk – This is a free web service that assists you in managing your tasks online. It allows you to make and manage tasks, set due dates and then get reminders about your scheduled tasks via email or instant messenger.

Free Web-Based and Open Source Software- Mathematics and Modeling Tools

11. GNU Octave - This is an open source high-level interpreted language that is oriented for numerical computations. It offers capabilities for the numerical solution of linear and nonlinear problems, along with performing other numerical experiments. It also offers a wide range of graphics capabilities for data visualization and manipulation. 

12. Graphing Calculator from e-Tutor – This is an online web tool that allows students to enter functions of x via a standard mathematical format. The students only need to type one or more equations into the graph box on the site for using the graphing calculator.

Free Web-Based and Open Source Software - Note Taking

13. NoteMesh – This is a free online service permitting students in the same classes to share notes with each other. It works by making a wiki for individual classes for users to edit. 

14. WebNotes (Lite version) – This is a free online service allowing students to highlight and add notes to Webpages from within the web browser. It allows the notes to be saved automatically with them reappearing any time you visit the page.

Free Web References and Educational Guides for Students

15. EasyBib – This free web tool offers instant bibliography and citations allowing you to search for a source, build the bibliography and then print or export it.

16. Google – This is a multi-functional "app" for students. Its search engine assists you in searching articles for research. It also acts like a calculator, definition finder, a conversion tool and more.

17. Google News search – This has an archive search option and is a good tool for students who are researching historical or current events.

18. Bookfinder – This is a search-based online resource that assists students in looking for the best prices on new and used textbooks, rentals, old editions, and international edition textbooks.

Open Source E-Learning Platforms for Educators

19. Claroline – This is an Open Source e-learning and e-working platform permitting teachers to make effective online courses and managing learning and collaborative activities on the web. It is based on PHP/MySQL and has been translated into 35 languages.

20. Dokeos – This is an online learning suite software that is offered as a free download with community-based support. It has some features that include SCORM compliant course import, support for multimedia content, test creation, course sequence building, forums, and videoconferencing. 




source:efytimes

Married Couples Resolutions

Hug and kiss more often

Promise yourself, that in 2014, you will cuddle, hug and kiss each other more often. Life can be boring and tedious, if you don't make an effort to spice it up. Being affectionate is something that most couples take for granted and end-up ignoring it. Kiss your husband before you leave for work, cuddle after a tiring day in office and hug each other every time you feel like. You will realise that soon you will be doing things spontaneously and you will be happier than ever before.

Schedule date nights

Juggling your career and family life often takes away the romance from your marriage. Couples tend to lose that special spark when they are too tired to go out and have some fun. Decide to schedule two date nights every month. You may feel tired, or have a headache after work, or some other reason might come up, but don't let that come in the way of your date. Go out, watch a movie, eat out, go for a long drive and return home with a big smile on your face.

Kiss and makeup

Fights, petty or nasty, are a part of married life. Who says the sorry first should not matter as long as both of you makeup soon. Many couples often rake up the past and make accusations against each other. This only worsens an otherwise petty issue. Make a resolution this year to not let your ego get in the way and that you both ensure a fight doesn’t continue for too long.

Plan for the future

Why not make a resolution this New Year to sit and talk about your financial planning? Your savings, investments, allotted budgets etc. are some things where in most cases one of the partners simply takes the decision when required. Why not decide to sit and discuss these things together? Not only will it rule out misunderstandings, but also bring you both closer. It will also help you save money to plan something together.

Compliment more than criticise

Familiarity often breeds contempt, and this is especially true for newly married couples. You need to understand that both you and your partner have certain positives and negatives. Instead of harping on the bad points, decide this year that you will compliment and appreciate each other more. Focus on constructive criticism or make requests. This will make your partner feel positive, happy and encouraged to make a similar effort as well.

Lend your ear

Sometimes, all a person needs is a patient ear to vent out all the feelings. It could about office politics or a fight they had with their friend. Whatever it is, sometimes you just need to give them the shoulder to lean on. Decide that in the New Year you will be patient and more sensitive towards your partner by being a good listener.

Workout together

After the wedding, it is easy to let go and put on the kilos quickly. That is why, this New Year, you need to make a resolution to exercise together. This will not only help you to spend some quality time together but also to get rid of that flab.

Spend time with family

It is easy to forget your family and immerse yourself in work and your marriage. But, you must realise that your parents need your love and care too. Make a promise that you will make more efforts to spend time with both your families. Take them out for a mini holiday or maybe just a lunch on Sundays. Talk to them more often, give a call, and just make them feel loved.

Surprise each other often

Surprises are expected on birthdays and anniversaries. But this New Year, decide to surprise your partner more often, even without an occasion. Buy some flowers or their favourite perfume, or simply turn up at their office for lunch, or even plan a romantic weekend. This is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond.

Source: yahoo