This week I've been exploring Open Source software. I have always been torn about the usefulness of that kind of software. While I can understand the benefits and availability of it, I've often found open source software to be crude and unfinished. There are the few exceptions of software packages that have been refined to be very user friendly applications, but while those are shining gems they are still few and far between. Still I've always held hope when I'm looking for software to solve temporary problems and needs, someone would have refined a package enough to make it simple and usable.
With that said, I'm now going to tell you about a piece of software I found this week. KeyNote NF is a tabbed notebook application. In other words, it's a viable alternative to Microsoft's OneNote. KeyNote is a useable tree based hierarchical notes organizer which helps in note-taking.
KeyNote NF allows you the ability to create folders, to do lists, and has other options making it easy to organize and reorganize information. It has a small footprint, meaning it can be placed on a flash drive and used on any computer. The programs allows you import and export files and ignores the incompatibilities of proprietary formats.
Unfortunately, like many open-source software it's not without it's fault. I've come to realize that KeyNote is no longer supported. This means that no bugs or problems will be resolved unless you are able to fix it yourself. This means that one of the biggest issues I had, the importing of images, will not be improved anytime soon. This also means the simple, unpolished look will remain, which can be either a good or bad thing depending on your preferences.
KeyNote is a great alternative to more expensive programs, such as MS OneNote. If you're able to give up many of the polished features MS Offers, and prefer a solid simple note taking program this is definitely one worth trying. For students, the price and portability is a prime factor and the import/export ability makes it easy for sharing.
Source:
http://keynote.sourceforge.net/
C - We absolutely loved Keynote for years. Well, until we got fed up with trying to fix the issues :) Decided to program our own with Keynote as inspiration. Would love your thoughts on our note taking software when it's ready! http://digipim.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to give you my thoughts. I love trying new things. I'm a firm believer that software needs to be simple and intuitive, yet be able to become more complex as the user requires. I know it's a difficult balance to create, but i think it can be done. This is one of the reasons why i like open-source software, but at the same time i loath it because it seems to be in a constant state of incompleteness.
ReplyDeleteI could argue that Microsoft products seem to be in a constant state of incompleteness, too! Have you used Explorer much? *shudder*
ReplyDelete:)
So much open source angst! Like many things, Open Source is a mixed bag, but that is where you can find it's vitality! The very mature packages, like Stellarium, Wordpress, and even Tux Paint, look and work great. Other software is just about functionality, like Audacity and Firefox. If it works, I don't care what it looks like. Just so happens that Audacity and Firefox look pretty good, too.
In these budget times, Open Source is a blessing. It's nice to be able to provide the tools to students for free, too.