Applications that function in a desktop environment of the Web 2.0 trend are infiltrating every aspect of Internet life, from images and sounds to news and maps. Among these, notable sites like Flickr, Del.icio.us, and Digg stand out.
Photo Sharing: Flickr (www.flickr.com)
Flickr is one of the best online photo-sharing platforms available today. The site features a bright layout and is equipped with user-friendly tools such as tagging to categorize photos, selecting similar content, and searching later. Flickr employs AJAX technology, allowing users to tag and comment without needing to refresh the page. Additionally, the service supports the creation of a contact list for sharing information with friends. Flickr is free to use, but a membership fee of $24.95 per year unlocks additional features that Yahoo, the owner of Flickr, asserts are well worth the investment.
Video Sharing: Vimeo (www.vimeo.com)
While Flickr excels in static images, Vimeo stands out as a top video-sharing platform. This site facilitates file sharing among friends through a contact list. One of Vimeo’s standout features is its ability to quickly search and access videos with ease. All videos are converted to QuickTime format, making it simple for users to download or watch them directly. Users can also upload videos to the bookmarking site Del.icio.us with just one click, accompanied by clear and concise comments.
Bookmark Sharing: Del.icio.us (del.icio.us)
Del.icio.us is famous for its clever and memorable domain name (derived from the word “delicious”). After being acquired in 2005, Yahoo made minimal changes to the site due to its immense success. Del.icio.us allows users to save information that interests them, such as music, favorite websites, and movies, and share it with others. The site has an attractive layout, albeit somewhat complex, and new users may need some time to familiarize themselves with it. All uploaded data is tagged for easy future access. Del.icio.us operates for free and is an essential tool for anyone wanting to showcase their personal interests.
News Sharing: Digg (www.digg.com)
Digg is a site dedicated to providing information and interesting stories from the web. Content can be “dug” or discovered by users, with the most popular articles featured on the homepage. The site primarily focuses on technology, science, and related topics. Users can keep up with the latest stories on Digg through RSS feeds or create a personal account to post their own findings online, tagging them for future reference. The site also features interesting tools like DiggSpy, which allows users to track what others are “digging” and writing before they officially post it. With high interactivity, Digg is particularly appealing to those who enjoy commenting.
RSS Tools: Bloglines (www.bloglines.com)
Bloglines is not just a simple blog platform; it can also be used as an RSS tool. Managed by AskJeeves, this site allows users to follow their favorite personal websites via RSS, meaning they can log in from any computer to check news and changes on blogs without needing to download software. Users can also create their own blog, sharing their web content with friends and vice versa.
Homepage Creation: Netvibes (www.netvibes.com)
Maximizing AJAX technology, Netvibes allows users to get started without needing to register for an account. Initially, users are equipped with a price tracker, Gmail, RSS, a Flickr slideshow, a to-do list, and a Google search toolbar. Users can name their page and add content or feeds (RSS-supported pages) that interest them. Netvibes is considered the perfect personal homepage for anyone involved in the Web 2.0 trend.
Text Processing: Writeboard (www.writeboard.com)
Writeboard will satisfy those looking for a web-based word processor, allowing multiple users to log in and share ideas. Users can quickly create a board and invite friends to collaborate on documents. The RSS update feature notifies them whenever changes are made to the file. Furthermore, the program automatically saves multiple versions of the same document for easy comparison. Users can also convert the board into a text file or email it for quick access and sharing.
Maps: Google Maps (maps.google.com)
The giant search engine has captured a significant portion of the Web 2.0 landscape with its remarkably effective mapping software. Based on AJAX, Google Maps allows users to view detailed models of cities or specific areas worldwide. Users can zoom in and out to observe individual streets in satellite imagery. The Google Maps Application Program Interface (API) also empowers developers to maximize their creativity when building mapping software.
Navigation: Google Local (www.google.com/local)
All users need to do is enter their location address and the keywords they wish to search for, and Google will handle the rest. For example, if they are in Kansas and want to find a place selling Thai food, Google Local will immediately provide a list of restaurants on the left side of the page, while a Google Map will appear on the right, marking the closest restaurants to their address. Google Local is a fantastic companion for anyone exploring unfamiliar cities.
Instant Messaging: Meebo (www.meebo.com)
It doesn’t take a brilliant scientist to come up with great ideas. Meebo is a perfect example. This AJAX-based chat system allows users to log in to AIM, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, Jabber, ICQ, and more. Meebo operates smoothly and is an ideal tool for those who are not allowed to install instant messaging software on their computers.
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