brian

Killer Sites

Before we get in to this week’s Freeloader, I’d like to remind you that the annual Freeloader Freeware picks episode is coming up in a few weeks. Send in your freeware picks to brian AT macmerc DOT com.

We’re going to take a break from downloads to look at a bunch of sites each with a kind of connection to free.

CMS Matrix

Those that know are aware of the slew of free blogging applications. This site lets you shop these by feature. By far, this site offers the most comprehensive examination of content management systems on the web.

Wikinews Beta

The group that brought you the Wikipedia free encyclopedia are testing out a new concept in community maintained news. The experiment in wiki news is viewable and waiting for your contributions.

Lulu.com

This new face in print-on-demand offers a no-cost way for you to bring your masterpiece to the masses. Lulu prints and ships your book, calendar or music to buyers you bring to your free Lulu hosted shop.

The Extension Mirror

This site hosts an exhaustive list of Firefox and Thunderbird extensions and themes, including hundreds not listed on update.mozilla.org. In fact, the folks at Extension Mirror even have instructions of updating defunct extension to work in newer version of Firefox and Thunderbird – and host many of these ‘revived’ extensions.

That’s it. Don’t forget to send in your suggestions for 2004′s freeware picks!

Brian

More Christmas Freeware

‘Tis the season, and once again I have a collection of Christmas-themed freeware.

We’re getting closer to my annual freeware picks, so continue to send in suggestions to brian AT macmerc DOT com.

mu More Christmas FreewareX-MasTree

Add some seasonal fun to your desktop with a floating Christmas tree. It comes in three sizes, with lights of course.

mu More Christmas FreewareSnowman

Tree not your style? How about a snowman? This free application is for you.

mu More Christmas FreewareChristmas Tree Creator ’04

Not happy with others’ Christmas trees? Make you own. This free application lets you decorate, light and share your tree to email, a greeting card or an animated screen saver.

mu More Christmas FreewareGiftory

Track your gifts, incoming and outgoing, with this simple program. Useful in avoiding duplicates and noting who was responsible for that argyle sweater.

mu More Christmas FreewareAmazonShopper

Still have some shopping to do? Waste no time with this quick application. It interfaces directly with Amazon’s web services to give you a clutter-free interface for searching Earth’s biggest selection.

Have a merry one. I’ll be out next week, but back in two for the 2004 wrap-up.

Brian

mu More Christmas FreewareDownloads provided by MacUpdate

Free Online File Storage

freeloader 20070913 212511 Free Online File StorageThis week rumors leaked on Google’s pending foray into online storage. So, what is the current state of online storage for the Mac?

Memories of awkward upload interfaces and tiny space restrictions are gone. And, new integration with online applications let you store and edit your files on the web without downloading a thing.

And, our friends in Southern California will remind you that hard disks burn right along with your house. Backing your files up online has never been easier and more flexible.

Join me for a Freeloader Friday look at backing it up online with a Mac. Also, as we near the end of the year – start sending in your nominations for the ‘Best of’ freeware episode to brian at macmerc dot com.

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