Free! Now what?

Andrew ShupingGA COMO 2009October 9, 2009

Jack Tarver Library, Mercer University

Why free?

http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/04/06/funny-pictures-bbc-budget-gets-slashed/

So what are we covering today?

• What questions do you need to ask?• What software is out there?• Finding reviews• Licenses and agreements• Where to download• Recap

Questions to ask

• What do you need?• Does free really offer you what you need?• Are there free and paid versions and what's the

difference? • Does your system meet the minimum requirements? • Good reviews? • What's in the license agreement? • Is it safe to download?

What do you need paint.net GIMP Project Dog

wafflePixlr Corel draw

free and online x

Runs on Windows XP, 1GB of memory, 40GB HD

x

Can save in .png, .gif, etc. formats

x

Supports graphic tablets

Tools to crop, rotate, resize images, adjust

colors, and create collages.

x

Finding free software• Search for a need• Sites such as:

o Lifehackero Download Squado Techcruncho download.como MajorGeeks.com o Gizmo's 

• Listserves

Most important, colleagues

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43017881@N00/3406657528/#

The where and why of reviews

 • Is the program easy to use?• What are it's features?• Does the program still have bugs to fix?• How well does the program do what it's supposed to do?• Are there other programs that might meet your needs?

Places to find reviews• Sites such as:

o Lifehackero Download Squado Techcruncho download.como MajorGeeks.com o Gizmo's 

• Google! Yes, Google! Find out what bloggers say and think

Licenses and agreements1st I am not an expert  

• What are the limitations? • What does it require you to do?  • What do you give up?  • What's the privacy?• Have someone else read it 

 • Article 1• Article 2• Article 3

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035583134@N01/2698947622/

Download the softwareBe careful where you download as not every site is safe. 

Some software maybe malware in disguise or infected with viruses.  Download from trusted sites.

Some places to try:• Sourcefourge• Download.com• Softpedia.com • MajorGeeks

Play!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57617841@N00/842383871/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38246638@N00/3248964671/

Recap

• Pick a software that meets your needs • Check to make sure that your computer meets the

minimum requirements to run the programs.  • Remember when downloading software to your

computer make sure, you can trust the site.• Examine the license!  • Play! Make sure the software will fit your need.

Questions?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76283035@N00/1507585665/

Thank you!

I can be found at:ashuping.net

ashuping@gmail.com

Link for my presentation will be located on my blog