FreeMind: Mind-Mapping Software

(http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page)

If you’re not already using FreeMind, download it—you won’t regret it. The program is completely free and is among the best of its kind.

FreeMind is a mind-mapping program that lets you draw out schedules, school projects, or ideas. In fact, once you start using this software you’ll always find new uses.

Just what is FreeMind? Essentially, this program offers a simple workspace where you can put your thoughts in order.

You begin with a simple bubble in the middle of the screen, symbolizing your main idea. You then add different subtopics to branch out from your initial idea, which leads to the creation of more specific subjects, and so on.

What you end up with is a simple view of your project or idea. The process allows users to freely brainstorm without having to remember all the different ideas and how they interconnect (hence the phrase mind-map.)

For example, with school projects, you can separate main ideas and map out references and key points for each one. For research projects, you can map out subjects, parts of subjects, and information that needs to be found for each one—updating your map as you go along.

To keep your mind-map simple, entire branches can be minimized, leaving only the ones that are important for the moment. You can also customize their color, size, font, and style; or add graphics, connect different parts, or put areas of the mind-map into thought bubbles.

If you make several mind-maps, the program lets you switch between them with just a couple of quick clicks. The process of switching between mind-maps is surprisingly fast, with little to no loading time.

You can also add hyperlinks to Web sites and zoom in and out of the map. Plus, the program is easy to use and doesn’t take long to learn. To get you started, the software comes with a tutorial (written as a mind-map). The FreeMind Web site also offers an instructional video.

FreeMind is a Java-based program and requires very little of your system performance to run smoothly. It’s available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

You can download the program free at: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page