Notes
Slide Show
Outline
1
The Tech Writer's Essential Toolkit
  • A roundup of “can’t-do-without-‘em,
  • under $100” helper tools and resources
2
Introduction
  • Each of us has a set of indispensable tools that help us accomplish our daily tasks: software, Web resources, and reference books.
  • The STC Carolina Chapter conducted a survey last year of the most helpful and popular tools.
  • Frances Wirth presented their findings at the STC Conference in Baltimore.
3
Agenda
  • There are 3 categories of tools:
  • Software Tool that's free or under approximately $100
  • Web Resource, such as a download, Web site, application, discussion group, etc.
  • Indispensable Reference Book
4
Overview
  • The survey requested:
  • I use it to do the following kinds of tasks
  • I really like it because…
5
Software Tools
  • XnView, graphics utility, www.xnview.com free for non-commercial use
  • ClickArt 200,000 and others  http://www.broderbund.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=47&path=1%2C2%2C6%2C47
  • FormTool 2005 29.95 http://www.broderbund.com/jump.jsp?itemID=586&it#emType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C106%2C5%2C36&KickerID=452&KICKER
  • Visual Thought http://freeware4u.com/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=141&title=Visual%20Thought  ,
  • CoolRuler http://fabsoft.com/products/ruler/ruler.html
6
Software Tools
  • Audacity, Sound Forge, http://audacity.sourceforge.net Free
7
Web Resources
  • eLearning Guild http://www.elearningguild.com Free
  • Internet Resource for Technical Communicators http://www.soltys.ca/techcomm.html Free
8
Web Resources
  • Onelook, www.onelook.com Sponsored by KnowledgeNews in part. Free
9
Other Resources
  • Other Media Tools
    • Total Recorder Standard ($11.95)
    • http://www.highcriteria.com/
    • Capture and save streaming audio from any source.  If your PC can play it, Total Recorder can record it.

    • Gspot Codec Appliance (free)
    • http://www.headbands.com/gspot/
    • Determines the necessary video and audio codecs to playback unknown video (AVI & MPG) files.

  • Text Editors
    • jEdit (free) http://www.jedit.org/
    • Awesome text editor with plugins for HTML editing, programming support, etc...
10
Other Resources
  • Webdev Aids
    • SmartFTP (free for personal use; professional use prices vary depending on license count)
    • http://www.smartftp.com/
    • Powerful FTP app.

  • Protection
    • AVG Anti-Virus (free for personal use)
    • http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php
    • Good alternative to Norton or other commercial anti-virus apps.

    • Ad-Aware (free personal version)
    • http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
    • Spyware detection and removal.  Used in conjunction with Spybot provides really good PC protection.
11
Other Resources
  • Productivity
    • Macro Magic  ($39.95)
    • http://www.iolo.com/mm/index.cfm
    • Really easy to use and powerful macro program for recording or playing back mouse and keyboard functions.

  • Misc
    • TitanTV (free)
    • http://www.titantv.com/
    • Better than TV Guide.
12
Where to Get More Information
  • http://www.stc.org/51stConf/sessionMaterial/dataShow.asp?ID=167 (Frances Wirth, The Tech Writer’s Essential Toolkit)
  • http://freeware4u.com/modules/mydownloads/


  • Don’t forget to turn in your survey with your “Essential” resources listed!