Mind Map Software Review - for my new friends of The CAPS Group
A few weeks ago we had a great discussion on Mind Mapping Software during our conference call with Tom Stoyan; Canada’s Sales Coach
| Friend | Mentor | and One Hell of a Guy…Keep up the good work my friend. (http://coachingandsalesinstitute.com/)
I have taken the time to review three products which are all free, so I encourage you to download them and try them out.
I’m not a mind map expert, but I do believe that we have one in the group.
Jim Muckle 'The Brain Guy' & Author, The Ultimate Brain Book (www.ultimatebrainbook.com)
I am evaluating these products from an ease of use and technical perspective.
First Product Review: Cayra
Available at http://cayra.en.softonic.com/
Represent your ideas in the form of a mind or concept map.
You can use Cayra for:
- Studies
- Brainstorming
- Project and people management
- Planning and organizing
- Creativity
- Decision making
- Problem solving
- Time management
Important Note:
Operating system supported: Windows XP/Vista
Cayra lets you represent tasks, ideas, concepts, and other items in a graphic, well-structured way. It is based on the mental techniques Mind and Concept Mapping and helps you create colourful and informative maps.
Pros
Nice tool for mind mapping
Cons
Windows 7 support is missing. It appears to be abandoned by the designer, which is a pity
Summary
Very nice tool for mind mapping and knowledge storage. Unfortunatly it does not install right away on Windows 7. A work around is to install it on a XP/Vista PC and copy then install the directory (from the Program directory) to a USB stick. After transferring it to the Program directory on the Windows 7 system, just create a link to the Cayra file and it works. NOTE: Compatibility mode needs to be changed on 'updater' and 'cayra' executable.
Second product review: Blumind
Available at http://www.blumind.org/
Blumind is a lightweight and powerful mind mapping tool. It has a simple and easy user interface, multiple document editing, and support for multiple languages. Available supports include, but are not limited to: organizational charts, tree diagrams, logic diagrams, multiple export formats (including all common image formats,svg, text, and color themes). The program built in a lot of themes, which can be customized by the user or you can install it without the themes.
Important Note:
Operating system supported: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista /Server 2008 /7
Pros
Easy to use
Supports most Windows operating systems
Cons
Needs a few more features, perhaps an easier way to shift items around the tree so that you don't have a long horizontal tree. It would be a great added feature if you could place items where you want them on the screen.
Third software review – FreeMind Version 0.9.0
Available at: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download
Like all mind maps, FreeMind gives you the flexibility to organize thoughts on a page, see how they connect to each other and the larger picture. After all, not all minds reason in subheadings and bullet points! You shape, place, and name that master idea (the root node), then create child or sibling spokes that relate to it.
Import Note: Works with older systems
Operating system supported: Windows 95/98/2000/XP/NT
It will work on Vista, but is a little slow. I have not tried it on Windows 7 therfore i can not comment if it works effectivley or will even install.
Pros
This i the one software that can capture the train of your thought, even when it seems you can't. What often starts as a simple collection of notes is swiftly organised and re-organised as patterns emerge, entries appear and disappear - the layout is strongly reminiscent of hand-drawn mind-maps. 'Images' are therefore powerful, easy to remember and literally 'food for thought' - perfect for developing a plan of action, points for negotiation, due diligence process or the clauses of contracts - and keeps such lists 'a life' as projects evolve.
Cons
None worth mentioning
Kojac’s Conclusion:
All the listed programs have meet my basic need for Mind Mapping. The look and feel of the programs will depend on your specific needs. I encourage you to try them out and see what works best for you.
There are a few limitations with free programs such as a lack of support, operating systems version restrictions and training materials. These are just a few things to keep in mind when evaluating programs in general.
When installing programs make sure it meets your basic hardware and operating specification as well as your business needs.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email your toughest technical questions.
I am here to help reduce your technical frustration, and help you to better understand and benefit from technology.
