I think the promise of Web 2.0 is finally coming around. I recently reloaded my machine because it had too many crappy shareware/freeware software apps on it with bad install routines and even worse uninstall routines. It was just becoming a mess, so a fresh start was what I needed.
Of course, after reloading I was left with both a workstation that was completely devoid of software, and a sense of uneasy foreboding at the thought of reinstalling some of those software apps. Luckily, these days I’m finding it easier and easier to just Google for what I’m trying to do, and add the word “online” to it and POW! I find something amazing.
If you need to do some Visio style drawings but don’t have the cash, the software, or the gumption to install an open source package, then give Gliffy a whirl. Have a video file you need to convert to another format, there are several online services out there that will do it for you. Need to adjust the color in some photos to Sepia tone? How about using Phixr, they don’t even require you create an account! In less than 60 seconds;
I was able to do all this in under a minute without downloading or installing any software. The best part is, with innovation around every corner, if any of the services mentioned above disappear, there will be others stepping into that void in no time. Ahh the magic of web computing!
Tags: software
