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| Open source productivity suite very similar to MS Office (i.e. anyone who uses MS can use OOo without training) and in many ways better. Completely compatible with MS--it reads and writes MS files--and also can save in PDF format without needing additional software. Includes word processor with desktop publishing features, database, spreadsheet, graphics drawing program, presentation planner and other features. The word processor also has web editing functions that make creating a website quite easy for a non-technical person. Like most open source software, it has a library of plug-ins made by volunteers, which you can use to customize the software to your needs. Google Docs is a free web-based office suite you can use anywhere with just a web browser -- no installation!
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| Open source Content Management System, software that manages and maintains a website with little effort necessary. This software is geared toward initial configuration by an experienced web developer, then day-to-day use by non-technical people. In other words, after it is set up it is designed to be easy to use for someone with no experience. Essentially, it allows users to edit content rapidly and easily without knowing anything about website design. |
www.openfreeway.org
| E-commerce applications manage an online store. OSCommerce is a very quick-to-set-up open source solution. Magento Commerce is another popular and easy to use e-commerce package, and The Freeway Project combines point-of-sale with e-commerce. You simply configure the program for your needs (colors to use, how much tax to charge, shipping costs, etc.) and add product photos/descriptions. The software can do virtually everything but actually ship the products. This software also makes it possible for you to place computers in a physical store so customers can self-serve if they are using credit cards, gift certificates, etc. Or you can have a checkout person collect cash/checks and enter orders. Thus it is easy for a customer to purchase items already onsite and those that need to be shipped, all at the same time. As the program handles the inventory and accounting, much less labor is needed to maintain a store and whatever you do for a physical store is already on the web, too. The main work involved with this software is initially putting all the products in, but that's a one-time job. After that, replenishing stock takes seconds (just type in quantity) and adding new products a few at a time can be done quickly. |
| www.phplist.com | This free utility maintains email lists and newsletters. Click 'details' to see a nice list of the different features it uses to automate communications management. One especially useful feature is list management delegation--an administrator can designate others to manage particular lists and users. For instance, a person who sets up the software on the server can then delegate control of a Degree schedule newsletter to a District Deputy or an events publicity list to a Program Coordinator. Since this is managed via website, different lists and newsletters can be managed by anyone, anywhere, yet they would have access to the same content and users. You can also organize a phone tree this way, by maintaining an email list of callers who would distribute by phone what you send them. Individual users manage their own subscriptions and email addresses, so the administrator doesn't have to keep updating and revising the lists. |
| www.edicy.com | Free, easy to use non-technical web editor.
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| This web utility converts documents to PDF format and emails them back to you for free. There is a version you can download and install on your computer, also free.
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SERVICES
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| | As of 2008, Microsoft is providing free basic websites to organizations. They include an easy CMS utility that allows you to create an impressive website in an hour or two without knowing anything about web design. They also include free email addresses you can manage. There are some very simple database/list utilities and a few customizing options. You can also delegate administration to 5 other people to spread the work of updating. MS also allows you to transfer your existing domain name or choose one (domain names from MS currently are free for the first year, $15/year after that). Virtually all of the features can be extended and more features can be added for minimal costs. If you like this website, you'll probably appreciate OfficeLive. Freewebs is a similar service with somewhat more powerful features. The main drawback of either is that you can't change the software, so none of the free programs above will work with them. They are probably best suited to individual council websites or additional free 'link-to' websites--anything that needs to be set up quick and maintained with minimal hassle. For functions like mailing lists, e-commerce, and databases, you need a traditional webhost like www.webmasters.com which is economical yet reliable. Many other good webhosts are available (we can make a list for you). |
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| Knights of Columbus councils speak Spanish, French, Tagalog, Polish, and who knows how many other languages. It makes sense to give your visitors the means to translate your website into their preferred language. FreeTranslation.com will only translate one page of your website at a time, but it's free! |
| Create free web surveys to gather demographics or opinions. You could poll your parish on a new program you're planning or get feedback on one of your fundraisers. |
| www.qipit.com | Send faxes and make electronic copies for free by using your digital camera, scanner, camera phone, or any type of computer document. This is especially handy for faxing all those forms to Supreme: fill out the form and then take a snapshot. No more fax or postage costs. |
| www.browsershots.org | So you've created a fancy new website that looks great on your screen? But what about everyone else's screen! Browsershots is a free web service that allows you to see how your website will display on different computers and web browsers. You may be surprised..... |
www.myfonts.com/WhatTheFont
| Ever tried to edit an old web page or press release but couldn't remember which font you used? Now you can submit an image of the text and this utility will identify which font was used or a very close match. Saves you from having to retype an entire document merely to make a few revisions.
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| www.kiva.org | International microfinance lender lets you adopt third-world entrepreneurs to stimulate a community economy. Rather than simply sending an anonymous donation with no results, Kiva keeps you connected with your entrepreneurs so you can see the progress they make with your loans. Once they become prosperous and pay off the loan, you can lend it again. |