Free Toys and Downloads List 3

I have scoured the Internet to find more free toys and downloads for you. If you have not seen my previous list of goodies, check them out here:

Free Toys and Downloads For Authors

More Free Toys And Downloads For Authors

Now, on to the new list:

1. Tiny Spell- Have you been typing in a program like Notepad and later found a spelling error? Well, now there's a nifty little program that checks all your spelling in any window environment. You can customized the dictionary, turn it on and off, and change up the settings. So, if you always wished your application had a spell-check built into it, now it can!

* Security Note: 5/28/2010- After using Tiny Spell for a while, I noticed this potential risk: When you misspell a word, the spelling you use appears in a box above the misspelled word. This includes password fields. So, if people are looking over your shoulders, they will see your password if it's not a word recognized in the dictionary. One thing you can do to minimize this risk is to add the password to your custom dictionary to limit the opportunity Tiny Spell has to display it on your screen.

2. Capture Fox- If you are a FireFox user, here is a nice add-on. Capture fox allows you to record a video screencast of your computer screen for free while also capturing your narrated audio. While you may not have all the bells and whistles found in a program like Camtasia, you can still put out a decent video with this tool. {Note: for other free screencast options, check out my other lists at the top of this post}

3. Jaycut- The bad thing with most free video screencapture programs is the lack of editing ability. Well, now you can edit your videos online for free at JayCut. It doesn't have all the features of a premium editing program, but you will be surprised at what you will be able to do with it. Once your done with the edit, you can share, embed or download the final product.

4. Writeboard- This nifty free online application allows you to collaborate with people all over the world with your documents. Every edit is saved so you have a history from the first draft to the final project.

5. Basecamp- The creators of Whiteboard also make Basecamp, an online project management tool. I have used this in the past and really love it. You can set milestones, tasks, and just about everything you need to manage a project. You can also assign roles for others and limit their access to only the areas of the project they need access to. There is a free version of this tool, but you have to look hard for it. In the pricing area, look at the small print directly under the paid options.

6. FaxZero- Ever need to send a fax from your computer? Well, now you can for free at FaxZero. The free version does send ads on the cover page, but if that's no big deal, the this tool can get the job done for you.
User Submitted in comments (James): Got Free Fax- "...send free fax online to the US and Canada. Plus, it does NOT add ads to user's fax." Thanks, James!

7. Meetup- Meetup.com is a great place to go to find local meetings in your area on just about any interest. Many of these local groups would love to have an expert visit their group, so it's a great resource to check into to help increase your exposure..

8. GOOG-411- At $2 a pop, directory assistance can really add up. If you are looking for a local business, Google has rolled out GOOG-411. Just call 1-800-466-4411 (1-800-GOOG-411) and in a few seconds you'll be connected for free to your local business.

9. Evernote- Evernote is an application with a free option that allows you to gather all your notes into one place. Whether you type them, slice a piece of a web page, choose photos or videos, you can do it all through Evernote and collect them into one place. You can even take a picture of your post-it notes and upload them! But what makes Evernote really powerful is that after you upload them, Evernote will automatically categorize them and make them searchable for easy access by you later. Of course, you can also categorize your notes yourself.

10. Dropbox- Do you ever wish that you could access all your important files from any computer you have? With Dropbox, you can. Even if you work on a Mac today and a PC tonight, you will still have access to everything whenever you need it. And the free version starts you out with 2 gigs of storage.

11. ReQall- This is a cool new tool that allows you to call a phone number and record a voice note. ReQall will then transcribe it and even e-mail it back too you. This can be great for grocery lists if you don't have a pen and paper handy, but the applications can be far reaching as I'm sure you can see. And the pro versions even expand the capabilities of the free version. In fact, when you sign up, you will be given the pro account to try for free. After 15 days, your account will automatically revert to the free account unless you take action.

Well, that's it for this Christmas in May! I hope you find some great tools you can use. Make sure you don't forget to see the other free Toys and Downloads I have found for you. You can access those lists at the top of this post.