KPI_Library Bookmarks's List: Technology Review Guides

By Robin Good and Daniele Bazzano for MasterNewMedia, June 7 2010. This article explains the whys and hows of wireframing, and includes descriptions of 10 free web-based tools that can help.

Published within CNET News, this seems to be a good source for the latest in "cool web apps for everyone" (per their tagline).

AlternativeTo.net offers recommended alternative to popular (or popularly disliked) software. You can search on the software that you hope to replace and see viable (user-rated) alternatives. The reviews are not substantial, but this is a good place to get new ideas, particularly for your most hated tools. Another nice feature, the "No alternatives" tab, where you can learn more about software that is truly unique.

Not software reviews, per se, SourceForge is like a virtual "trading post" for open source software (which is, by definition, free). If you develop an open source tool, you can offer it here. And if you are looking for a tool, you may find it here. The browsing is great; pick a general category and then drill-down by sub-categories for more information. You can also search by fields like programming language.

Top Ten Reviews provides a wide range of technology-related reviews (software, electronics, web services, etc.). They offer a user-friendly format, with side-by-side comparisons of the top ten offerings, each of which also includes a full review. The site does contain advertising. \n\nThe KPI librarian were introduced to this site when looking at project management software.

CNET is a well-known site for technology reviews, especially strong on hardware and gadgets, less so on software and freeware.

Published by CNET, read this article to learn more about some of the best freeware tools for your PC. From web browsers and email clients, to file compression, and image editors, this is a quick click-through with plenty of useful information.

The tagline is " New Computer Products and Services Review Every Weekday." This site is much stronger on reviews of PCs and various devices (including cell phones) than they are on software, "freeware," and other "cloud" applications, but the annual review of best web sites and blogs, as well as the buying guides are quite helpful.

From the About page, "Idealware, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides thoroughly researched, impartial and accessible resources about software to help nonprofits make smart software decisions." The site offers reports, articles, online training, custom resources, and a blog. There is also an e-newsletter.