open source

Graphic Design with the Gimp!

Submitted by brian on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 09:19

Gimp is the GNU Image manipulation program. It is an entirely free and open source alternative to Photoshop, PaintShop Pro and other photo editing and graphics software packages.

For simple resizing of images and very basic photo editing, I often recommend Irfanview (free for non-commercial use) but if you want to go that bit further with your photos and images, without restriction or burning a hole in your pocket, then Gimp is the perfect tool for budding and experienced graphic designers.

For those who are new to graphic design and photo manipulation here are a couple of tutorial videos to get you started...

The Gimp User Interface

A basic introduction to the interface to help you get started in exploring GIMP.

Gimp basics

A showcase of some fundamental functions in GIMP.

Here are some more advanced Gimp video tutorials for those of you who have more experience with graphic design packages.

Open Office 101

Submitted by brian on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 07:40

We're all feeling the pinch of the credit crunch of late and I for one have embarked on an economising drive. When the going gets tough the tough get going, as they say and innovative ways to become more productive are always welcome.

OpenOffice.org helps in both regards - it's a free (and open) office productivity suite. It's been around for a while now, so some of you may have already come across it but it is now at version 3 and more robust and compatible with other office suites than ever.

The download is available for all the major operating systems (Windows 142MB, Linux 167MB and MacOS 163MB) and while much smaller than in size than other office suites, you'll probably need a broadband connection to download it. Those of you on dial-up could maybe ask your local library to download and archive a copy.

So if you haven't tried it out yet, I recommend you do so - Happy and free productivity!!

If you're still not convinced here are a couple of videos which may help you to make the move...

From Google TechTalks (42 mins)...

  • What is OpenOffice.org?
  • What does it mean that it is open source?
  • OpenOffice.org components
    • Writer
    • Calc
    • Impress
    • Base
    • Impress
    • Other components
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • How to migrate?
  • Integration with other office suites

This one is a bit shorter (10 mins)...

Syndicate content