Top 25
Technology Sites
Presented
by Rita
Gavelis
Metrowest
MA Regional Library System
FY
2008
Top 25
Technology Sites
What is a top technology site?
One that you constantly refer to for information..
One that is frequently linked or referred to.
One that has cutting edge information.
Content for
Libraries
Computers in Libraries’
Buyer’s Guide:
This site is the online version of “Computers in Libraries”. It provides information that pertains specifically to libraries. You can search the site for information on hardware, software, online databases, books and periodicals, and day-to-day supplies used in the library community.
http://www.computersinlibraries.com/
Issues in Science &
Technology Librarianship:
This Online publication provides articles of interest to science and technology librarians. You will find reports on successful library programs, delivery of information services, product and book reviews, topics of current interest and more.
Libraries and Technology:
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s web site on Libraries and Technology references a variety of sites related to library technology. Here, you will find links to Libraries and the Internet, Digital Libraries and Ebooks, CIPA and Filtering Issues, and more. A great site for all librarians to refer to for information.
http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/librarytech.html
Tame the Web: Libraries and Technology
This blog by Michael Stephens provides the latest technological information geared towards librarians. He covers a great deal on Web 2.0 and Libraries. This is the first-stop for anyone interested in Librarian 2.0.
Digital
Content
Copy Cense:
Copycense is an online publication that reports on the
law, business, technology of digital content, and the code that creates and
governs that content. Copycense is
published by Seso Group LLC (an
advisory firm that helps organizations manage their digital assets throughout
their life cycle, from creation and acquisition to repurposing and archiving.).
How-To’s and
Technical Guides
Acme How To:
From Appliance Repair to Pest Control, this site has everything you need to know about fixing anything. Of course, you’ll want to visit their “Person Computer Repair” link. There, you can find out how a PC works, the Parts of a PC, how to set up a Network, and so much more. Unfortunately, this site focuses on PCs and not Macs.
Apple:
If you are looking for tips and tricks on a Mac, there is no place like the source, Apple.com. You will find easy to understand articles on topics from “Adding automation through folder actions” to “Where does that file live?” At the Apple site you will find many resources and techniques to help you become more familiar with the features of your Mac.
http://www.apple.com/pro/tips/
How stuff works.com:
This is one of my favorite sites. This site provides comprehensive information on computers and how they work. At this site, for example, you can learn how a DVD player works, pictures of the different parts within it, and links to related gadgets. This is a great site for the not-so-tech savvy. They do a great job at explaining technology and defining terms without getting bogged down in lingo.
LifeHacker:
Life hacker is a site for the non-alpha geek. Their motto is: “Computers make us more productive. Yeah, right.” This site is a part-tech, part helpful hints blog. They recommend timesaving downloads and links, and provide a daily news roundup. It’s entertaining and informative.
Software
Download Squad:
Download Squad is a member of Weblogs, Inc ( a network of technology blogs). It features news and information on the latest software and web applications. It allows you to see the latest news, alongside lists of articles organized by topic, author, operating system, and more.
Free Software Foundation:
FSF is part of the Open Source movement, dedicated to the free use, modification, and sharing of software. Their motto is: “Free software is a matter of liberty not price.” This is a great site to keep up to date on the free software that is available.
SourceForge.net:
Another Open Source proponent, this site hosts more than 100,00 software “projects”. You can find anything from animation software to Russian Language translations of specific web systems.
VersionTracker:
VersionTracker is a great site that not only allows you to find free and commercial software, but also provides tools for you to keep all the software on your computer up to date.
Technology
News and Information
Cnet:
Cnet is a group of networks created to “Harness the power of the Internet to create deeply engaging destinations that fuel people’s passion for the things they love to do or need to know”. This comprehensive site provides the latest technology news and information. You can find technology headlines from newspapers and magazines throughout the world, reviews on computers and accessories, the latest tips and tricks, and more.
Digg:
Digg is “all about user powered content”. This wiki allows anyone to submit and vote on articles ranging in topics from entertainment to technology. It’s an interesting concept and worth a second glance.
Engadget.com:
From bluetooth to wifi, Engadget provides information on a multitude of consumer electronic products and features. You will find news, featured articles, reviews, and more. Engadget is also part of Weblogs, Inc.
Tech Crunch:
This blog by Michael Arrington discusses the latest news and reviews of Internet sites and services, as well as beta software and Web 2.0 information. It is really ahead of the wave and a great way to see what is on the technology horizon.
Web 2.0
Pageflakes
This is a site that allows you to compile all your favorite headlines and websites. Think of it as a personalized newspaper.
Podscope
A search engine that can find podcasts according to the words spoken in them. This site takes you to the exact spot in a podcast where your search terms are spoken about.
PopURLS
This is an aggregator for all your favorite social sites like Digg, Del.icio.us, Reddit, Flikr, Youtube and more.
Technorati
This is a great search engine for blogs. I recommend you use the advanced search tool. This allows you to search via Boolean without having to know it. You can also filter the results further. This is also a great site to keep track of what everyone else is viewing.
Wikia
This is a hierarchical wiki directory. Open the entire list of wikis and drill down until you find what you are looking for.
http://www.wikia.com/wiki/Wikia
Web Design and
Accessibility
A List Apart:
This Online Magazine is for “People who make websites”. It is a great resource for Web Standards and making your web site more accessible. The articles cover almost every aspect of coding and web design.
CSS Zen Garden:
This colorful site is a testament to the use of CSS in web design. It proves that you don’t need to clutter your pages with coding to create amazing web sites. This is a must for any web designer.
Usability.gov:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “resource for designing usable, useful and accessible Web sites and user interfaces.” Here you will find Usability Tools and Templates, Methods for Designing Usable Web Sites, and more.
Sites Bumped
Out of Top 25
MacWorld:
This site is a must for all Mac users. This online version of MacWorld provides you with links to News, Products, Blogs, Newsletters and more. Their Mac Help section is especially useful for finding Mac How-to’s and OS X tips.
PC Mag:
This is the MacWorld equivalent for all you PC users. This online version of PC Mag provides all the latest information on anything PC. You can find reviews, downloads, tips and tricks, and more.
Techdirt:
“Get the right information for your business. Let Techdirt and the Techdirt Insight Community help you make better decisions.” This wiki provides technology news from a different perspective. Unlike some of the mainstream sites like PC Mag and ZDnet, Techdirt gives you a hip view of what’s going on in the technology field. From what is being “Over-hyped” to the “(Mis)uses of Technology”, this site has loads of interesting information.
ZDnet:
ZDnet is a member of the Cnet networks. You can find news, blogs, and reviews, but their RSS News feed is especially useful for keeping up to date on the latest worms, Trojans, and other security threats that come down the cyber pike. The drawback to this site is some of the articles tend to have an anti-Mac slant.
Wired News:
This online version of Wired Magazine provides the latest news on technology, politics, and culture. What you’ll find in their technology page are links to Cars, Computers, Gadgets, Internet, Med-Tech, and more.