During the past two years I have tested some different solutions for mind-mapping (VYM, for example, is one of my favourite because it has a very enjoyable graphics) but the most efficient formula I have discovered is composed by the addition of FreeMind - a multiplatform (Windows -also portable -, Linux and MAC OS X)- mind mapping java software for desktop and WiseMapping -an online free service to create-store-share my mind-maps. FreeMind is a very intuitive software which allows you to create complex mind -maps after just few clicks. Its side menu contains all the graphics elements you need to create your maps and all the main commands can be easily activated with the mouse right button. On the other hand,WiseMapping contains a very simple but efficient menu bar which allows its user also to import FreeMind Files and to export mind-maps to SVG, PDF, FreeMind or PNG formats. This last PNG option, for example, is very useful if you want to insert a mind-map into a website. Try them and you will be very satisfied with the results you get!

“Remember the Milk” can be installed on Google Calendar, Gmail, Iphone/Ipod Touch, Twitter and there is also a “Milk Sync” version for Windows Mobile. In my opinion, the best feature is represented by the integrated to-do list for Google Calendar. Anyway, “Remember the Milk”, is easy to manage and very simple to use and share with your team. Moreover, this particular task manager contains many interesting and useful features; just for example you can add an active link to a web-page directly in your to-do note. If you prefer, you can also organize your tasks in a -tag cloud- style. Last but not least, it is possible to receive reminders via email, SMS, and instant messenger (AIM, Gadu-Gadu, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN, Skype and Yahoo! are supported). As you can imagine, “Remember the Milk” portability is very wide and it has 100% passed all our tests; in few words: we have not found any bugs! Recommended!

FEBE and CLEO are two fantastic Firefox extensions which allow you to backup all your personal Firefox settings. FEBE is a multiplatform add-on (Linux, Windows, and OS X) easy to install and to manage. In fact, the “FEBE Options” is a complete menu where it is possible to choose: what to save, where (destination folders) and frequency of the backups. Personally, I do suggest to change the default options and not to backup your usernames, passwords and cookies using FEBE. In fact, the backup file, a .xpi, could be stolen and easily reinstalled on a third part computer. Last but not least I want to underline the key role of CLEO which allows FEBE to create the installable .xpi file with all your settings. Recommended!

In our opinion, Wink: the best free “tutorial and Presentation creation software” for Windows. We installed Wink with just few clicks and after a reboot (recommended) we were ready to try its features. Wink is easy to use, includes audio features and it is possible to add notes directly to every single frame. Anyway Winks has many output formats as Macromedia Flash, EXE, PDF, PostScript and HTML so you can decide if you prefer to create a video, a standalone .exe for pc users, a printable manual or a webpage. Moreover, Wink allows you to choose your best ratio between performance and video quality. Unfortunately its Linux version runs only with x86 computers and we have to wait next release to completely enjoy Wink’s features. Recommended!

La campagna FREE++ mira a sensibilizzare gli sviluppatori di software freeware verso le opportunita' offerte dal software libero e ad espandere la base di codice condiviso in licenza aperta. Gratis e' bene, libero e' meglio!

Dark Horizons: Lore Invasion mette il giocatore al centro della più letale macchina da guerra mai costruita per combattere nel 2055 sulla terra flagellata da guerre. Connesso tramite un link neuronico remoto, tu controlli il tuo Veicolo d'Assalto Meccanizzato (MAV) in una squadra di guerrieri tuoi alleati mentre cerchi di conquistare terre per la fazione con la quale hai deciso di combattere. Il gioco offre frenetica azione in prima persona (fps) online, dove rapidi riflessi e nervi di acciaio sono la strada per la vittoria. Il tutto è incentrato in un universo online in cui il conflitto è persistente, infatti le statistiche di gioco e i record delle battaglie disputate vengono salvate permanentemente per misurare il progresso della fazione e per percorrere la propria storia di guerriero MAV. Ora il gioco è disponibile gratuitamente.