Best Free software

In keeping with the focus on Cloud Computing, here are some apps that anyone (consumer or businesses) can make use of  -

Evernote – this desktop and web app, allows you to keep track of notes and anything else you may come across.

From their website “Evernote allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere.”

DropBox – a desktop app that allows you to sync, store and share your files securely online.

Instapaper – a fantastic website that allows you to mark weblinks to read later. It is more simplier in functionality than Delicious but that is what makes it many more times useful. You don’t even have to register – just supply a username. iPhone and iTouch apps are provided as well.

Aptana Studio – a free IDE that is based on Eclipse that provides excellent development environment for Php, Ruby and Ajax. It also is integrated with Aptana’s Cloud Studio and Jaxer (an AJAX server).

SlideRocket – the best web app for making presentations online.

MindMeister – online mind mapping.

Please feel free to add your favourite web-based applications.

Cloud Computing – interesting links and articles

Here are some links and articles that focus on cloud computing -

A to Z of Cloud computing – an article highlighting issues and topics in cloud computing by contributors of Sys-Con’s Cloud Computing e-zine.

Cloud Computing – The ultimate recession technology – an great article by Benjimin Tomkins highlighting how the current economic conditions are making it a perfect time for companies to start considering Cloud computing platforms.

Pinpointing Products in the hype cycle – an interesting article on how Clod Computing, Mashups and SOA relate to the Gartner Hype Cycle.

TrustSaas – web service that allows one to monitor and be alerted of downtime in web services.

10 common mistakes architects make – highlights mistakes that can be made when planning Force.com applications.

Top programming languages – a popular website that lists programming languages in order of their usage and popularity.