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This page was created to let people know about great software downloads that will hopefully make your life easier and more efficient in terms of computers. 

  • As technology progresses at an incredible rate, it has become more difficult to keep up with the latest downloads.  This page reflects some of the products I have used over the last several years, although newer products are constantly created.

  • The software listed on this page is all free or Open Source and is downloadable

  • No CDs are needed, but a high speed internet connection is preferred. 

  • Please see the system requirements (what specifications your computer must have) before you you install any programs. 

  • These software titles have been tested by me (Dave Kootman), but please install  after reading and complying with any product information.

  • Use at your own risk.  Mr. Kootman assumes no liability for software issues that may arise in rare circumstances.

What web browser does Mr. Kootman prefer?

  • Most of the time I use Firefox on my personal computers. It is safer and more secure, as well as more customizable. Check out this entire page dedicated to getting the most of your internet experience using free tools.

  • Click below

Check it out and see the additional features it may offer you, including the many add-ons and plug-ins.

Do you wish you had Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint...), but don't want to pay $300 for it?

  • My current favorite is Google Docs, followed by similar products Zoho and ThinkFree

  • Try Open Office.  It has all the productivity of Microsoft Office and includes a powerful illustrating tool as well. 

  • Just remember to save your file as a Word document or RTF if you want it to be compatible with MS Word

  • Note that every once in a while the formatting will not be completely synchronous with Word.

  • Also try AbiWord

What does Mr. Kootman's class use to edit and record sound files for podcasts and voice over narration?

 

My Anitvirus software subscription ran out.  Are there any free ones?

Try:

What do you use to make the multimedia slideshows I see in your classroom?

Microsoft Photo Story 3

  • free download from Microsoft

  • Tutorial on creating title or caption backgrounds

  • Microsoft Movie Maker can also be used.  You should find this in your program menu already if you have Windows XP

Are there any free image editing programs like Photoshop?

  • There are a host of free Web 2.0 tools that will do this, including Picasa, Aviary, Fauxto, Piknic and more, but no browser-based tool can compare to a full install.

  • GIMP is a great image/photo editing software product that is comparable to Photoshop. 

    Try Gimpshop for a familiar interface.

  • Paint.Net (note that the address is different than the title) -powerful and pretty simple

  • Also, Draw is packaged within OpenOffice (listed above).  This is more similar to Adobe Illustrator (vector based)

  • Skencil- another vector based program similar to Adobe Illustrator

  • Tuxpaint is very "kid friendly".  Make sure you download the stamps collection too!

How can I capture any images that I see on screen and edit them to my liking?

try 2020, by ByLight Technologies.

Check out my full write-up.

Update: Windows Vista has a remedial feature that will do this and Macs do as well. These days I use Snag-it, by Tech Smith

  • capture exact images of what you see on your screen.  It can be a small shot or the entire screen.

  • edit images and use special effects.

  • insert arrows or highlight specific parts.

  • Please use according to applicable copyright laws.

How did you make the tutorial about posting comments to your blog (and other tutorials)?

  • That type of tutorial is called a screencast.  Essentially a series of screenshots with audio included.

  • Free software program called Wink.  Pay programs include Adobe Captivate, Camtasia and Snag-it. Web 2.0 product, Jing is also great.

  • great how-tos and tutorials in the help menu of the program.

  • Notes from my  presentations - for more great screencast tips

  • Powerpoint to go along with the presentation

  • How to change your monitor resolution

What did you use to create this web page?

I use Microsoft Front Page, but I also really like these 2 free products:

  • NVU- create web pages the same way you would create a Word document

  • Mozilla - from the makers of Firefox, comes an entire web suite, check out SeaMonkey too

Are there any free paint/drawing programs for kids?

  • I love to use Tux Paint in primary classrooms. 

  • Great for illustrating math concepts or just playing around

  • Download the extra "stamps"

Google Earth - A great free program with tons of uses

Microsoft Publisher Open Source Clone: Scribus

Look like a professional and combine a Powerpoint with a video file for impressive presentations and tutorials- Microsoft Producer

Take your Excel graphs to the next level!- Free version of Crystal Excelsius

How about software for music instruction?  In the Chair

Mr. Kootman's class website is uploaded using the free FTP program Filezilla

 

Need to save disk space, create back-ups or compress files?  Try Zip Genius

Bored of your current fonts? 

Try downloading some of these great free ones: 1000 Free Fonts

Just download the file, then for a PC install go to "Control Panel" > "Fonts" > "File" > "Install New Fonts", then select the location of your font.  It sounds tough, but it's simple.

 

 

For more great free software search CNET's Download.com , DigitalDark's Open Source Guide, Freewarehome   or   the GNU free software directory - there's even  sections for education, including programs for student drawing, typing, math facts practice...

 

Anything else you'd like to see here?  Let me know!