
How To Find The Right Mindmap Software Tool
SHOCKING NEWS: We now have almost ONE million different mindmap software tools, it won’t be long before we are there.
No, of course we don’t have that many different tools, but we are moving in that direction! When I started mind mapping on my computer, there were a perhaps 15 different REAL mind mapping tools available. Things have changed since then…
Is it easier to create a good mindmap because there are so many tools you can use?
I don’t think so. Actually… the real mindmap tools from then are still leaders in this field today. There are 3 reasons why this did not change and will not change… soon.
1. When you create a mindmap using a certain tool, you are kind off stuck to that tool. Sure, there are some ways of converting maps, but moving to a new tool requires a lot of work.
2. You create maps with your own tool. This tool does everything you need and you don’t need anything else. People keep working with the familiar tools even if there are tools which better suit their needs
3. Your tool works a certain way. You know the keyboard shortcuts. You know where to find features. Using a new tool will create a loss in productivity in the short term.
You Hold Yourself Back
If you already have many maps in a particular format, you are not likely changing tools.Suppose you find a new tool which offers you more (much more)… would you consider changing tools?
To be honest, I probably would not do that. I would use two different tools next to each other.
You see… I create many maps on my computer. I connected these to each other in my master mindmap. It needs a really, really good tool to make me re-create all my maps.
So how did I find my ‘wonder’ mindmap software tool? Here’s how:
The Quest Begins
Just after I learned how to mindmap, I wanted to create a mindmap on my computer. I googled on mindmap software and found 5 different tools.
I downloaded these and created some small mindmaps in each tool. I added images, added notes and had a look at what I could do besides creating a mindmap with that tool.
This testing resulted in finding my main mindmap tool. So here is how I found my mindmap tool:
- Google on ‘mindmap software’
- Download 5 different tools which are mentioned a lot
- Install all tools and create mindmaps
- Determine which tool is the easiest to use
- Determine which tool offers the best features besides mind mapping (export, import, planning, etc.)
- Choose the tool which seems to perform best.
Sharing Knowledge With Our Community
At that time, I didn’t have anyone to ask how I could find the tool I needed. In fact… I didn’t even know what I wanted to do with the tool besides creating a mindmap!!!
This entire process obviously took some time. I had to investigate many tools and learn how to work with them. Since this took so much time and I had all that knowledge, I created a website which offered free advice on finding the right tool. I gave back to the community.
I created the first mindmap software blog which offered a (bi-)monthly podcast (=audio broadcast) for people who wanted to stay updated on mindmap software tools.
My knowledge on 5 tools quickly expanded to knowledge of about 25 tools. There were so many tools released that it was not possible to remain up to date myself. In order to give good advice, I had to limit the number of tools.
Interestingly, the tools which remained were the same tools I started out with (and a few additional ones)!
My advice to find the right tool now is different than how I found my tool. There are two methods of finding the right tool. They both start with the following step:
1. Determine what you want to do with your tool
If you just want to create & use mindmaps, you don’t have to buy a fancy tool which can export, import, etc. This saves you a lot of money.
There is a short and a normal route to find your personal mindmap tool.
The short route:
2. Send a tool independent advisor (like myself) your reason for mind mapping on a computer plus how big your budget is. He/she will take tell you which tool(s) to test.
The normal route:
2. Visit websites dedicated to mindmap software and determine which tools you can use to reach your goal in computer mind mapping. Be sure to visit a number of different sites. Also read (independent) reviews on the tools you find interesting.
3. Download and test the tools you may need or like.
Step 2 will take you some time. Right now, I would advise you not to use tools which are solely online. When your Internet connection is down, you will not be able to use your tool or reach your mindmaps!
What to focus on in your tool
Most people only want to create and use nice mindmap overviews on their computer. Business users may find it useful to connect to databases. Today we focus on you, the user who wants to make mindmaps. These can be for you personally but also for you in your business. The main thing is: you create mindmaps you use and don’t really share and work on together.
Most tools allow you to create nice mindmaps. Here are the three questions you should answer:
- How easy is it to dump the information from my brain into a computer mindmap?
- What else can I do besides creating a mindmap?
- How expensive is the tool?
The third concern is often not that important. Sure, you may have to spend some money on a tool. If may even be quite a lot of money. You have to realize that this is something you only do once. From then on you can enjoy your tool for many years! (that is, if you buy the right tool).
For me, the first question is the most important one. I need to be able to easily dump brain information and knowledge in a mindmap. That’s just it most of the time. Sure, it would be nice to export to MS Word. Still when looking at my own mindmaps, it is often not the case. I only use the tool to create and update my mindmaps.
Remember, my mindmap is my personal assistant. I only share information with my assistant and let the mindmap show me the content in an organized fashion.
What’s Next?
If you are looking for a mindmap tool, you have to follow these steps:
- Determine why you want to mindmap (affects cost of the tool)
- Find tools or receive a list of tools to use (from advisor) and test these (simple interface?)
- Does this tool really serve your needs? If so, buy the tool and start using it!
Understand that the tool you start to use will probably remain to be your primary tool for computer mind mapping. You really need to be sure of your tool and what you want to do with it!
Creating clarity and overview in your information will give you a clear mind. This is vital when you want to create success in your life. When you like to learn more on how you can manage yourself, your environment and how information influences you, have a look at http://MindmapsUnleashed.com
About the Author
Creating overview in your information, environment and life is my goal. I do this using proven techniques like visual and mind mapping, time management, goal setting and summaps.
The basic outcome of my work is always the same: you understand better what you are doing and what influences you. The next step I assist people with is easy. They learn how to create the life they want, all because of a clear understanding of their inner and outer environment.
Despite what you may be thinking, everything we will do is proven and very practical. The things I teach people are the actual techniques I use to give direction and meaning to my own life and the lives of my clients.
As you may have thought, I am not a native English speaker and writer. I believe most native English speakers and people from all around the world will benefit from working with me.
I decided long ago that my life should be moving in the direction I want it to go. This stimulated me to research the many techniques and mindsets needed to do this. I would love to share these with you.
Are you ready to give more meaning and direction to your life?
Best Search Engine Optimization SEO Software Tool
|
|
Computer Arts Pro Software Guide: After Effects – Computer Arts Pro Software Guide: After Effects – Single Copy $5.83 Pro Software Skills: After Effects is full of tips, tutorials and tricks that will enable you to master the software and make your motion graphics the best they’ve ever been. And if you’re a print designer, familiar with Photoshop and Illustrator, then this guide will help you get to grips with the sometimes daunting After Effects toolset. Take a look at out our Pro Guides. These give you an idea of After Effects key functions and uses, and we hope they’ll be invaluable reference tools. ****Note: This digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you |
|
|
Computer Arts Pro Software Guide: After Effects – Issue $5.83 Pro Software Skills: After Effects is full of tips, tutorials and tricks that will enable you to master the software and make your motion graphics the best they’ve ever been. And if you’re a print designer, familiar with Photoshop and Illustrator, then this guide will help you get to grips with the sometimes daunting After Effects toolset. Take a look at out our Pro Guides. These give you an idea of After Effects key functions and uses, and we hope they’ll be invaluable reference tools. ****Note: This digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you |
|
|
Computer Arts Pro Software Guide: Illustrator – Issue $5.83 Featuring: •Paths and Bezler Curves – Get more from everyday tools •Pathfinder & Shapes – Unlock the potential of Pathfinder palette & CS5′s new Shape Builder •Artboards and Grids – Breeze through complex projects •Packaging – Create better packaging work from dielines to colour separations •Logo Design – 50 all-new ways to create stunning logos every time! ****Note: This digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies**** |
|
|
Computer Arts Pro Software Guide: Illustrator – Computer Arts Pro Software Guide: Illustrator – Single Copy $5.83 Featuring: •Paths and Bezler Curves – Get more from everyday tools •Pathfinder & Shapes – Unlock the potential of Pathfinder palette & CS5′s new Shape Builder •Artboards and Grids – Breeze through complex projects •Packaging – Create better packaging work from dielines to colour separations •Logo Design – 50 all-new ways to create stunning logos every time! ****Note: This digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies**** |
|
|
Eblaster Computer Surveillance Software $179.95 Record All Online Activity: Websites Visited, Instant Messages, Searches, E-Mails & More Real-Time E-mail Alerts Sent Automatically Keyword Alerts – Get Alerts When Sensitive Words Are Typed Access Your Computer Usage Logs Online Anywhere, Anytime Block And Manage Users And Websites The ONLY software In The World That Will Capture Incoming/Outgoing E-mail – Instant Messages And IMMEDIATELY Forward Them To You Via E-mail – Automatically The Internet can be a dangerous place. If you’re worried about what your friends, family, employees, or significant other is doing on your computer – you need the eBlaster. With this software you will receive copies of all e-mails and instant messages sent on your computer so you can efficiently monitor what’s actually going on when you’re not around. Protect Your Children From Online Predators Find out immediately if your child is being solicited by an online predator. Or, use the software to find out who your spouse is really talking to. These time-sensitive events require immediate action, which is why the eBlaster sends you an EXACT copy of every conversation, instantly. And it doesn’t just stop at e-mails and instant messages, you get copies of Online Searches, Keystrokes Typed, Downloads, Applications, MySpace Activity, etc. Monitor Your Spouse, Kids, Or Employees With Automatic Keyword Alerts And Usage Reports Online The eBlaster Software lets you monitor your computer’s activity anytime, from anywhere. Simply install the software and let the eBlaster do the rest. Once you install the software, you will never have to check that computer again – all information can be reviewed on the Internet. Receive alerts in real-time when users are on the computer and see what websites they’re visiting, what they’re writing in e-mails, instant messages, and more. Let the keyword scanner do the work for you and receive alerts when a user types a particular phrase such as “boss” or “my parents aren’t home.” This product sends scheduled usage reports as well as keyword alerts, so you will always know what’s happening on your computer. Time Content 4:00 PM Your daughter comes home from school and goes online. 4:15 PM She receives an e-mail from a guy named Tom. 4:16 PM Within seconds, eBlaster sends you an EXACT COPY of this email to your work e-mail address. 4:30 PM Your daughter replies to the e-mail from Tom. 4:31 PM Within seconds, eBlaster sends you an EXACT COPY of her reply. Easily Block Users Or Websites With The Press Of A Button Are your kids visiting unauthorized websites or talking to the wrong people? Are your employees wasting your time and money by playing online games all day? The eBlaster makes its easy to block various users and websites with the press of a button. Since the software monitors every website visited, every program downloaded, and every application run, you can easily choose to block sites or users. Quick And Easy Set-Up – The eBlaster Is Convenient And Secure With additional features such as p |
|
|
Glass Eye 2000 Software $149.95 Glass Eye 2000 Standard Edition is the software that gives stained glass artists a simple way to create, adapt, and print custom patterns using their computers. Start with any of the 400 patterns in its library or design a pattern from scratch with a collection of easy to learn, easy to use drawing tools. Glass Eye 2000 has been called the industry standard in stained glass design software by both Spectrum Glass and Glass Patterns Quarterly. Runs on all versions of Windows, including Vista, and MACS running Virtual PC or Boot Camp. Please note opened software can not be returned. Features Draw Patterns and Add Glass Colors Use the drawing tools to create patterns, then apply realistic glass colors and textures. Resize to Any Dimensions Scale your pattern to the size you need Number the Pieces Instantly numbers even complex designs Print Full-Size Patterns Print from your printer. If a design doesn and 39;t fit on a single sheet, it automatically tiles the image to several sheets you can then assemble into a full-size pattern. Getting Started is Easy. Software Includes Extensive help system (for an example see computer screen image below) In-depth tutorial Introductory Video Free technical support for 30 days Plus Includes a calculator that shows materials usage, and a handy cost estimator that takes the guesswork out of pricing your design. For an example see the computer screen image below. Experiment with different glass colors and textures in your design to visualize your creation before cutting a single piece. Glass Eye 2000 can number all your pieces instantly. For example see the numbered Hummingbird pattern below. Includes 400 patterns, 77 from CKE. For an example see the Poppies pattern below. Design with bevels. Includes bevel library with 72 stock bevels and 89 Mika bevel clusters. For an example see the bevel pattern below. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – Subscription $10.83 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
The Best of The Stylistics – Piano Software $19.95 (Smart PianoSoft). By The Stylistics. Pianosoft Sync. Disk. Published by Yamaha |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – April 2012 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – November 2011 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – August 2011 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – January 2011 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – November 2010 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – N 43 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – February 2012 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – December 2011 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – July 2011 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – March 2011 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Computer Music Specials – May 2011 – Single Copy $2.49 Computer Music Specials is a bi-monthly magazine from the creators of Computer Music. Computer Music Specials help you get to grips with wide ranging music topics, including top production techniques, sampling, popular software, sequencers, and tips on how to make it in the music industry. Computer Music Specials surrounds you in musical knowledge and inspiration from all genres, whether you DJ or play guitar and no matter your level, you’ll find invaluable tips to help you create your best music yet. |
|
|
Embroidery Office D50 Design Max Basic Digitizing Software, Complete Group of Tools to Create Embroidery Designs $1699 Embroidery Office D50 Design Max Basic Digitizing Software, Complete Group of Tools to Create Embroidery Designs |
This day in history...
Powered By WPHistory
