Online Resources
There are many opportunities to access software and training online, much of the time for free. Listed below are links to online training providers and software publishers.
Online Training & Applications
Microsoft - Microsoft Office Free self-paced training.
Serif software - A range of free design, desk top publishing and website applications.
Lynda - Online computer application training.
OpenLearn - Free learning resources from The Open University.
Image manipulation
GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc. Visit the website for more information and to download the latest version, free. www.gimp.org
Photo and video sharing
Flickr - is an online photo management and sharing application. Share photographs and video from activities and events with the world free using Flickr. Visit the website for more information. www.flickr.com
Free Website Builders
There are a number of free websuit builders that you can use to build your own website for your Friends group. Community Website Builder allows registered UK charities, non-profit making organisations and volunteer led groups or organisations to build and maintain their own website free of charge. To find out more visit www.btck.co.uk. Other sites that you could use are Posterous, Weebly, Jimdo, Yola and Wix who all offer a basic free package and the opportunity to upgrade for a small fee. For more information on comparing website builder resources please click here.
Free business cards
If you would like to create a membership or business card for your group and/or members, there are a number of websites who provide this and can offer a small set number free as part of a trial. Some examples are Moo, Business Card Star and Vistaprint
Online Training & Applications
Microsoft - Microsoft Office Free self-paced training.
Serif software - A range of free design, desk top publishing and website applications.
Lynda - Online computer application training.
OpenLearn - Free learning resources from The Open University.
Image manipulation
GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc. Visit the website for more information and to download the latest version, free. www.gimp.org
Photo and video sharing
Flickr - is an online photo management and sharing application. Share photographs and video from activities and events with the world free using Flickr. Visit the website for more information. www.flickr.com
Free Website Builders
There are a number of free websuit builders that you can use to build your own website for your Friends group. Community Website Builder allows registered UK charities, non-profit making organisations and volunteer led groups or organisations to build and maintain their own website free of charge. To find out more visit www.btck.co.uk. Other sites that you could use are Posterous, Weebly, Jimdo, Yola and Wix who all offer a basic free package and the opportunity to upgrade for a small fee. For more information on comparing website builder resources please click here.
Free business cards
If you would like to create a membership or business card for your group and/or members, there are a number of websites who provide this and can offer a small set number free as part of a trial. Some examples are Moo, Business Card Star and Vistaprint