If you are into video-editing and are always hunting for an open-source, full-fledged video-editor, then your search ends here. Open Movie Editor is the way to go for amateur to semi-pro video editing needs.

The Open video-editor has a large number of developers and is supported by a huge community of artists and indie project developers. The biggest downside of this capable software would be that it is only Linux compatible and does not support the use of operational systems.

The biggest boon for users of Open Movie Editor would be the huge range of formats it supports, including various Frame Rates, Frame Sizes, Video Codecs and Video Containers. The more picky crowd can stay happy with the plethora of tools and filters available for use, which make the final output look even more appealing.

Overall, the software holds some of the neatest features that will suffice for every amateur editor and it really does the job well. Being an Open-Source software, the developer allows users to modify it and use as-per-will.

Related Links:
Offcial Website

Doxillion Document Converter from NCH Software converts documents to and from DOC, DOCX, HTML, PDF RTF, TXT, and WPD formats one by one or in batches of thousands.

Use the menu at the top, the right-click menu or simply drag and drop directly into the list. Then choose the output folder and type of format, press convert and away you go. You'll have even large documents in seconds.

Doxillion also converts pictures from different formats but add-ons were required for my little job (i.e. jpg to png) . These popped up quickly and free, and were just as easy to use.

Just a note, the software converts DOC to PDFs but not the other way around, you will get a message that it's having trouble converting pictures.

With all conversion Doxillion quickly processed the batch (drag a whole folder of docs in) and saved the output to the selected output drive.

It couldn't be simpler with handy option like Burn to Disc, Suite, Remove Files and Add Files right in front of you in the menu across the top. There's also a good HTML-based Help file (not that you'll need it) as well as buttons labeled Burn to Disc and Suite. Clicking Burn to Disc will download and install a disc-burning utility, while Suite opens the NCH Software Suite, a selection of the developer's titles.

Related Links:
NCH Website
NCHSoftware on Facebook
NCHSoftware on MySpace

Have a knack for editing pictures and then uploading them on Facebook for all to see? Well, here is something that will fit your app needs to the maximum level and that is Pixlr-o-matic. It truly redefines the simplicity of 1-2-3 editing by making everything intuitive and simple.

The app was created by one of the Top Developers on the Android Market, AutoDesk Inc., who has made quite a few mind boggling productive apps in the pat and Pixlr-O-Matic definitely takes cue from the legacy.

This app makes the task of adding olden-age effects to images a total breeze. People fascinated with sending their pictures back-in-time will swear by this app and its fluid functionality. You can also layer filters, lighting and borders, to get the entire retro effect.

The user-interface of the app is really slick and shows black wooden flooring as the default theme. The options are straightforward and need no head scratching. Color filters get the job done really well and help with basic fixes straight of the bat with the inclusion of options such as amplify tone, cool it down, or add surreal shades to the pic.

The lighting effect adds drama, sparkle or grunge look for a better finish and a more convincing tone to the picture. The app provides the user with quite a neat set of border options and style to fit the tone of the picture and create a more dynamic rule of thirds in the photograph.

Overall, it is a great editing app that does the job above par. The results are good and unlike other mobile editors, it does not scale the picture to a petty 64kb retaining the sharpness of the original image.

Related Links:
Developer Website

Ever felt the need for a photo-editor right on your smartphone? How many times have you got the picture-perfect look, but a little tweak would not do any harm? Well than, say adios to your desktop editor and lay your hands on the Adobe Photoshop Express for Android.

The Photoshop family is nothing new to the editing scene and with its availability on Android platform, the game just gets bigger. Photoshop Express gets editing done in a jiffy and before knowing, you are ready for Social Networking upload.

Photoshop Express does not get the entire desktop functionality to the smartphone. In reality it brings you basic touch-ups and fixing tools like Crop, Flip, Rotate, Add borders and other quick fixes. So the entire concept circles around photo sharing on social networks.

Although the desktop edition of Photoshop comes with a gamut of options not available in the smartphone app, do keep in mind the huge price gap. There are quite a few editors in the game for Android, but with Adobe brand-value and a Photoshop tag, people should be more than willing to give it a try.

An interesting functionality within this app is the support for uploading and sharing of pics on Photoshop.com, Twitpic, Facebook, E-mail all with a single-tap. Users with a Photoshop account get additional access to store mobile photos on Photoshop.com. Then sync pictures taken on your mobile device with photoshop.com Library, giving you full access to all the pictures on any device.

The Adobe Photoshop Express app has many limitations to it, and the new update has gone down not-to-well with users. Some are complaining about how the original resolution of the pictures is not maintained. Few have also mentioned shortcomings such as the lack of change log, no editing on downloaded images, problems in Facebook uploading. However according to some, these might be device dependent and users with the latest Android OS update should have non of such problems. Hopefully.

Related Links:
Adobe Photoshop Express Website
Adobe Photoshop Express Appbrain
Adobe Photoshop Express on Facebook

Developed by Autodesk Inc. this is one app whose quality and tool integration cannot be questioned. AutoCAD WS really brings power of accessibility into the hands of the users.

With AutoCAD WS users can annotate and go through their drawings anytime and anywhere; with DWG and DXF files received by emails being easily opened within the app. The application allows for all the aspects of the DWG file to be scrutinized, including external references, layers and image underlays. It also takes full-advantage of the multi-touch ability of the iOS devices with support for pinch-to-zoom and pan features.

Editing on the app is as easy as 1-2-3 with objects being selected with just a tap, being further moved, rotated and scaled. A very useful feature, which I found under the editing mode, is the ability to select between Snap or Ortho mode, depending on the type of editing required at the moment. Paper mark-ups are a thing of the past as users can directly add text and annotations to the file in the device itself.

AutoCAD WS also allows users to directly share their files with others via email and work with other people simultaneously on the same DWG file. Edits to drawings can be viewed in real time as AutoCAD WS immediately captures changes made by the users and others within the online workspace.

The current updated version 1.3 of AutoCAD WS also brings in options like 'layer management', 'area management', file management', and 'unit typing'.

This app is really a great product with all the high-end tools of AutoCAD desktop integrated within it. Further, I would highly suggest for users to have an AutoCAD WS account for seamless sharing of files between multiple users.

Users can also take a look at Free CAD tool software.

Related Links:
Developer Website
AutoCAD WS on MAC App Store
AutoCAD WS on Android Market
AutoCAD on Facebook
AutoCAD on Wikipedia

If scribbling on pictures was your childhood obsession, then you have the chance to live it all-over again with Skitch. Yes, this app allows users to scribble on any past, current and every picture you can lay your hands on. It not only allows to scribble but also annotate, edit, and save right on the device.

The buck does not stop there, users can also sketch something entirely new, makeup an existing photo, and save it to Evernote or share with various applications and sites.

Skitch is the next-level of image manipulation for casual users looking for some really non-boring editing with a fun twist to the scene. The app is really fun to play around with, especially when it comes to the wide range of choices in colors, sketches, diagrams and the works.

Skitch is not all fun and no work thou. After being acquired by Evernote, the app also became very well integrated with the Evernote services. There is an option to take a snapshot of the people present at the conference, annotate the pictures with respective names and save it to Evernote. Further, users can also download pictures attached with an email, open with Skitch, add comments, and save it to Evernote for later review. All this is possible due to the high seamless integration.

There are other useful editing tools with the Skitch app; such as crop images, zoom-in & zoom-out, markup-text with specialized highlighting tools, quick sketching of maps and rough drawings, and creating of smooth lines for the explanation of an idea.

This is one of those few apps that really heightens the entire fun-factor. Moreover, Skitch can easily integrate and share images in just one-touch on sites such as Facebook and Twitter, so social-networking does not take a back-seat.

The apps is currently available on Mac and Android. Good news for iOS users thou, Skitch will be making way to the home-screen of your device very soon. So keep checking.

Related Links:
Skitch on Mac
Skitch on Android
Skitch on Twitter
Skitch on Facebook
Evernote on Windows
Evernote on Android
Evernote on iOS
Evernote on Blackberry

For people who prefer to write their blogposts offline, Windows Live Writer 2011 is your best solution. If you're running a Windows 7 OS, chances are you might already have this software installed on there somewhere. For those who are running an older Windows OS, you can grab the download and get started with blogging right away.

The software is a great way to write your drafts and easily upload, even publish them, to your respective blogs. No more griping about losing everything the moment you lose your internet connection while saving. It supports blog themes, categories, tags and so much more that there's really no need to head to your blog's interface just to write your post. 

When you first start up Live Writer, you have the option to choose which type of blog publisher you're using. The Writer then customizes and adopts the look as well as feel of your blog interface.

One notable feature  this updated version has is the ribbon layout. The ribbon makes it convenient to input text, add images or videos, place tags, emoticons, links and so much more onto your post. You can even edit HTML codes and tweak everything to your liking.

Moreover, there's a spellchecker available in several different languages apart from English and also a chance to preview the post. This preview option uses your existing blog theme and showcases how your post will look like as if it was up on your blog. As soon as you're all done, you can cap off by hitting publish. If you like, you can also click "Post draft to blog" if you still have plans of editing everything one last time.

This 2011 version is definitely a step up from before. It makes blogging so much more convenient and eliminates that frustrating and awkward moment you lose your 500 word post because your internet faltered right at the exact moment. Give it a try and see if this works for you.

Related Links:
Windows Live Explorer 2011 Official Website
Windows Live Explorer 2011 on Make Tech Easier
Windows Live Explorer 2011 on Neowin
Windows Liver Explorer 2011 on CNET

Pinnacle Studios has received a handful of criticism for limited functionality of its software, but things seem to have changed with VideoSpin. VideoSpin is a free video-editing software that offers plenty of options for beginner editors. This video-editor performs really well in comparison to its other free counterparts, making this a perfect choice for casual use.

This obviously is no match to the full-paid editors, but does a decently good job by providing options like transitions, various codec supports, output of clips for Video networking sites such as Youtube, Metacafe, just to name a few.

VideoSpin starts of as a trial software on the first download with an evaluation period of 15 days. Within the trial period, all features of the software are unlocked and gives users the ability to output video files in DivX, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, Flash, Real, and MPEG-1 formats, further allowing for storage of files on a user specified memory location. After the trial period, the functionality gets limited to the basic, but remains ...

VideoSpin also packs in functions such as enhancing films, uploading images, graphics, blending effects, multiple transitions format, ability to add text (various formats), adding sound files and under-laying videos with music just to name just a few. The UI is very clean and uncluttered and has a feel of the Final Cut Pro.

At the end of the specified trial-period, users can continue using the software minus the ability to output videos in DivX, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 format. So users have the option to choose from AVI, Flash, Real, and MPEG-1 codec. Also, the interface size gets fixed, and full-screen mode goes for a toss. Other limitations include, no brightness adjustment for dark movies. There is no audio editing, except for levels. Biggest drawback being, no ability to import from DV camcorders. A tutorial after the break.

To continue using full-fledged features of the editing suite, and prevent the kick-in of limitations, users have the option of buying a set of codecs for $15, and if that is also a bit costly for your casual video editing needs, you have the option of buying individual codecs for $5 each. Chances are you won't need any of them, but if you will, the company is making money by providing them to you.

Comparing it to the Adobe Premier Express online editor, I used simultaneously to the Pinnacle VideoSpin, the former forced a dozen of limitations on the user. Unlike other video-editing suites, the hardware demands of VideoSpin are fairly moderate and the software would basically run on every recent machine.

If you are the type who likes casual editing and finds Windows Movie Maker a tad bit boring, VideoSpin from Pinnacle is the perfect bedroom Video-editing solution you can get, without burning a hole in your pocket, and even when the trial period ends the functionality offered by the software should suffice any beginner.

Related Links:
VideoSpin Website
VideoSpin on Cnet
VideoSpin on Wikipedia
VideoSpin on Facebook
Pinnacle VideoSpin Help

Looking for a DJing software, but all you could find is either too complicated to use or hefty on the pocket? No worries, here is Mixxx; an open-source, free DJ software that punches everything from live performance to casual mixing in the house.

Mixxx really has the perfect combination of tools for a rookie entering the DJ scene. Hot cues, looping control, cross-faders, pitchers - you name it and its there in the user-friendly interface to get you started without breaking a sweat.

The software also loads folders, where you usually store music files. So if iTunes is your game, then Mixxx will instantly load up your entire iTunes library for easy and full-access.

Experienced mixers will also find it helpful to have the BPM estimation feature, as well as the way to detect the BPM. The software is simple to use, and since it's new updated version was released songs can be now dragged from the library and be placed in the cue with one move of the mouse. What the software desperately needs though is a real-time fullscreen mode, and not the windowed mode UI that gets quite annoying after extended time of use.

Users get a choice of different UI schemes to choose from according to their comfort levels. Overall, this DJ software is a good bet for the casual mixings and is very helpfull for picking up the basics of DJing; all without making you go through the trouble of buying a professional DJ turntable.

With ability for Live broadcast via Darkice and Icecast2, recording of mixes, live-editing, syncing and everything you expect from a DJ console, Mixxx is one the best bets for everyone looking for a DJing alternative software for free. Available on the Windows, Mac OS X and Linux platforms.

Related Links:
Mixxx Official Website
Mixxx on Wikipedia
Mixxx DJ tutorials on Facebook
Mixxx tutorials on Threadbox

With the help of the Image Composite Editor, you can now create simple panoramic images even without using a wide lens camera. It's the perfect program for seamlessly weaving together different photos and creating a gorgeous panoramic picture of choice. Whether you use 4 photographs or 200, it can get the job done without much fuss.

With a simple interface and tons of reliable features incorporated, this neat little program will serve its function well. The program is primarily geared towards the Windows system and works great on a Vista, XP and even Windows 7.

The Image Composite Editor is so good at what it does that you won't even need to pull out Photoshop for this project any longer. It can take several images with different vantage points and piece them together as if it was one big photo taken at one time. The nice thing is that it offers the image in high resolution. Providing you with a beautiful shot that's definitely worth raving about.

With a simple-to-navigate interface, the program is easy to use even for beginners or those who aren't technically proficient. When preparing to create a composite, you can easily drag and drop the individual pictures. There are several options for the style or angle of the camera you want the final image to have as well.

Apart from using pictures you take, it can also create a composite from film stills or frames. For the resulting composite image, the editor can automatically crop it or users can do it manually. You can then save the final image into different formats including JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF and even Photoshop.

Unlike other programs that are more complicated to use, the Image Composite Editor works like magic. It creates panoramic images with hardly any trace of the seams. Moreover, thanks to the high resolution, the final image is a beauty to behold. This is certainly a must-try program for photographers all over.

Related Links:
Image Composite Editor Official Website
Image Composite Editor on CNET
Image Composite Editor on CinemaSquid
Image Composite Editor on CorrosPhoto Blog
Image Composite Editor on Illustration Info