Two interesting software applications are mentioned in the current issue of the Scout Report.  Both are aimed at the person needing to give presentations at workshops, meetings and conferences — in fact, for most of us!

Prezi
http://prezi.com/

If you’re looking for a creative and novel way to create meaningful presentations, Prezi is well worth a look. Prezi uses a whiteboard style visual interface, rather than the more traditional slide format. Visitors can incorporate videos, photographs, charts, and so on quickly and easily. It’s easy to use the program for business presentations, educational activities, and so on. First-time visitors should view the introductory video, check out some popular Prezis by clicking on the “Explore” tab, and then sign up for their own Prezi account. This version of Prezi is compatible with all operating systems.

Evernote
http://www.evernote.com/

With Evernote you don’t have to worry about bring your physical notes and reminders to different places, as they will always be available. This application stores everything on to an account on the Web, and visitors can use the tool to upload snapshots and grab whiteboards in meetings. The application can be used on mobile phones and desktop computers, which is a nice touch. This version is compatible with computers running Windows XP and Vista and Mac OS X 10.5.7 and higher.

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2010. http://scout.wisc.edu/

A new project – Open MapQuest <open.mapquest.co.uk> – has been launched using data provided by the OpenStreetMap community.  The main difference between this new site and other mapping sites, such as Google Maps, is that the mapping and routing data was created, edited and enhanced by the community.  OpenStreetMap was designed to give the local community the ability to update areas (roads, parks, hiking trails, bike paths, points of interest, etc) with which they are familiar in their own neighborhood and around the world, thus enabling rapid correction as features change and the creation of maps based upon specific interests, such as orienteering. In this way, mapping and cartography enters the “social networking” space.There is little more than standard maps presently available for South Africa — our communities of practice could enrich these basic maps by adding in significant details and local features and by considering how the community might want to use mapping information.  The OpenStreetMap wiki <http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Getting_Involved>provides a starting-point, and the MapQuest Dev Blog <http://devblog.mapquest.com/2010/07/09/mapquest-opens-up-uk/>, written by Antony Pegg, provides another source of technical information.

Foxit Reader 4.0

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/

Designed as a free alternative to other proprietary software programs, Foxit Reader allows users to view, modify, and print Portable Document Format (PDF) documents. Visitors will find helpful support documents, along with the ability to mark-up text, replace text, and also insert images and drawings. This version is compatible with computers running Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2010. http://scout.wisc.edu/

When searching, you may have been surprised by pop-ups appearing on some sites, informing you that your PC may be infected with a virus and needs scanning. In many (perhaps most) cases, this is part of a scam.  The scammers create sites that will appear high in rankings for many types of search. What might happen if one clicks on a link within the pop-up is alarming: the web browser links to a web site that is controlled by the scammers. The site then loads a fake Windows security alert which pops up suggesting that your PC contains virus infections and an invitation to “prevent attack” by clicking on another link. This leads to an offer to sell you clean-up and protection software — which is bogus, will cost you money and, even worse, may install “key logging” software that can intercept passwords and other confidential information, sending this to the scammers.  If you encounter such a pop-up, do not click on anything – not even the “Cancel” button. Even this, apparently innocuous, action may be enough to install the scamming software imperceptibly in the background. Instead, force your browser to quit: press “ctrl-alt-delete” to navigate to the Task Manager, then locate the application running the fake alert and force-quit it by clicking “end task.”