As web designers and internet enthusiasts we tend to use web applications to safely work without the worry of loosing data due to hardware failure. I would like to recommend a few web applications i use as a web designer. Let me know of your favorite web services in the comments.
Gmail
I have used yahoo, hotmail and gmail and a few more less famous services, there is nothing like gmail.
Why do i use it :Currently the best free email service, this can be proved here
Quick and simple user interface allows you to accomplish a task without any hassle.
It might take some time before you get used to it, but once you do, you cannot live without it.
Google Reader
I have used plenty RSS readers and I have to say there is nothing that comes close.
Why do i use it:I can continue reading my feeds on my mobile, laptop or even on a friends PC right where i left it.
The user interface is very clean and and allows you to do only what you want - read your feeds.
You can ’star’ what you find interesting for later review. [similar to bookmarking a web page]
Search helps you get that post you had read a while ago with ease.
WiseMapping
Have you ever planned out an idea, the idea usually seems to branch out as if there were no end to it. Soon the branches fill up your page and conflicts with our creative juices.
Why do i use it:The service itself is very straight forward and simple, there is not much to learn.
I can export the data into various formats for vector diagrams of my ideas.
Planning ideas has never been easier.
L2Image
I needed a simple image hosting service for my blog and i found a lot of them that allowed direct linking, although this seemed the simplest of all.
Why do i use it:No registration required
Two clicks and its over, ‘Browse’ -> ‘Upload’ and you will have all you need right there.
SXC.HU
This is one of my favorite stock photography website. They have a very well designed website which make searching for stock images a painless procedure.
Why do i use it:High quality images at pretty good resolutions.
Free doesn’t mean crap - most of the images are creative and would be well worth if they were charged for.
Subtle Advertising doesn’t come in the way.
Google Analytics
I have use this app on all my sites and its extremely easy check out the statistics, the data is shown in meaningful tables and charts and is very powerful.
Why do i use it:Using this for your website is as easy as copying a line of code into your site, the rest is taken care of.
You can set goals, for example - you have a ‘buy now’ page which is where you want your users to end up - you can set up a goal which will be recorded when a user reaches that page.
Tip of the day : Create a plain text document on your desktop to record any notes/ideas/todo lists. Its a time saver. Alternatively you can use a gadget/widget/desklets [mac/windows/linux] to store notes.
