I wanted to list a couple of applications that made a difference for me in 2008. Some of these have changed the way I work on my computer, some of them have been instrumental to my knowledge and online experiences. I thought I’d share them here for others to learn about.
- Zemanta – Zemanta is a superb tool that has revolutionised my blogging experience. As you type your blog post it suggests images, hyperlinks, other posts and tags that are contextually relevant to what you’re posting about. A must-have for every blogger.
- Digsby – part of my desktop now. It lets you combine multiple IM clients into one (I use it for GoogleTalk and MSN) and also keep an eye on various social networks (I use it for FaceBook and LinkedIn), as well as a widget for your blog so people can talk to you directly.
- Twhirl – An awesome Twitter client that has also become part of my desktop selection. It makes Twitter a doodle to use, shows a stream of incoming Tweets and lets you retweet and interact with other Tweeters at the touch of a button. Couldn’t live without it.
- WPAuctions – WP Auctions is a WordPress plugin I wrote with Hyder that lets bloggers auction items off their blog without paying any fees to Ebay or any other auction house. It was instrumental in my getting my hands dirty with AJAX and I learnt lots of CSS/Javascript/PHP through building it. So it makes my special list too.
- OIO Publisher – Another WordPress plugin that has made things managing advertising content on my blogs a doddle. It lets you sell, manage and merchandise space on your blog any which way you like. A must for anyone who wants to monitise their blog.
- Firebug – Firebug is a Firefox extension that is absolutely essential for anyone involved in web development. It lets you edit, debug, and monitor CSS, HTML, and JavaScript live in any web page and I just couldn’t live without it.
There you go, some applications that made 2008 great for me. Do you use any of them? What would you add to the list? What should I try for 2009?
cady on January 3rd, 2009
1
the auctions application sounds awesome. i hate having to pay ebay fees when i want to sell something.
Maureen on January 3rd, 2009
2
Zemanta and Digsby sound pretty cool. I don’t currently use any of these applications- I’m not sure I’m as technologically advanced as some of the bloggers in our network!
Heather in Beautiful BC on January 3rd, 2009
3
I’m going to take a look at Zemanta right now! Thanks
Sadie on January 3rd, 2009
4
Thanks for the info on Firebug! Just installed it.
Barbara on January 3rd, 2009
5
What an impressive list. I’ll have to check this out..Thanks!
Diane Scott on January 3rd, 2009
6
Owen, you’ve done it again! Installed Zemanta and by all appearances this is going to be one really cool tool to use this year. I’d already made a post today on our blog, but I just might have to up that to two (or send everyone your way tomorrow!) Excellent!
daria369 on January 4th, 2009
7
Goodness, this is a great post! I have to look closer into a few of your suggestions very soon – thanks…
Julie on January 4th, 2009
8
I am REALLY interested in Digsby. I’ve been poking around the site for awhile now and I can’t seem to find support for IRC. Do you know if they have it? I currently use Pidgin because they support IRC, but the don’t have any Social Networking site support.
Owen on January 4th, 2009
9
@Julie: IRC is sooo 1980s
Julie on January 4th, 2009
10
HEY NOW! I’m an old school computer girl, and I still have lots of friends on IRC!
Linda on January 4th, 2009
11
Hi just installed zemanta and trying it out! Thanks for all of the goodies to try out.
valmg on January 4th, 2009
12
I’m going to have to check out Twhirl. I’ve seen it mentioned a couple of times but didn’t know what it was.
Connie on January 5th, 2009
13
I love Zemanta and learned about it from you. I have to check on Digsby though. Seeing that you recommend it helps me feel more secure about it.
Scott on January 5th, 2009
14
Thanks for the resources there are a few that I will be checking out.
Agnus on January 6th, 2009
15
Good to know about the 6 tools that had impressed in 2008…I never tried this in the past..I would like to try previous and the new updates if any in 2009..