Category Archives: NCSU

Adobe Dreamweaver

Posted on by

Adobe Dreamweaver

Definition of tool:

Dreamweaver is software used for designing and developing websites. It is a part of Adobe’s creative suite, available for sale through Adobe’s website.

How it is useful to Technical Communicators:

It is hard to imagine being either an information or web developer without a tool like Dreamweaver; Dreamweaver is an (perhaps, the) industry standard in web design.

Where you can learn more about the tool:

Find out all of the specifics about Adobe Dreamweaver at: http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver.html.

 

Similar Products:

Aptana Studio (http://www.aptana.com/)

 

GIMP

Posted on by

GIMP

Definition of tool:

GIMP is an image editing software available to download for free online.

 

How it is useful to Technical Communicators:

GIMP is a nice affordable alternative to other programs of its kind. In particular, it is a very useful tool when editing screenshots and doing annotation work for projects like instructional manuals and procedures.

 

Where you can learn more about the tool:

Find out all of the specifics about GIMP at www.gimp.org.

 

Similar Products:

Photoshop (http://www.photoshop.com/)

PicMonkey (http://www.picmonkey.com/)

Pixlr (https://pixlr.com/)

 

Camtasia

Posted on by

Camtasia provides screen recording and video editing tools to create professional videos. You can record movements on the screen, or import existing video files to edit.

How it is useful to technical communicators:

Camtasia can be used for creating instructional videos.

Where you can learn more about it:

You can learn more about Camtasia and purchase the software through the TechSmith website.

Other software like it:

Jing, SnagIt

Audacity

Posted on by

Audacity is free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds.

How it is useful to technical communicators:

Audacity can be used to add/edit audio when working on video assignments. It provides more audio manipulation techniques that are not available through video software.

Where you can learn more about it:

You can learn more about Audacity and download the software through the Audacity website.

Other software like it:

Adobe Audition

Snagit

Posted on by

Snagit is a screen capture and screen recording software.

How it is useful to technical communicators:

Snagit allows technical communicators to develop graphic content.  Snagit uses a scope view when taking a screen shot to help ensure the user has the exact image desired.

Users can also edit the image (crop, resize, dpi, etc.) within the application once the image is captured.

Where you can learn more about it: 

Snagit

Other software like it:

Gimp

MS Paint

Paint.net

Snipping Tool

Jing