Webware100

Site: OpenID.net Category: Infrastructure & Storage

OpenID is a solution for the log-in problem of having multiple identities online. With OpenID, you create one master identity online at a site you use a lot and tend to remain logged into--for instance, a social network or your personal blog. When you need to identify yourself to another new site, you point that site toward your main identity-providing site where you're already logged in. Your main site sends the new site your log-in credentials, so the new site now knows who you are.

In theory, if OpenID was adopted on … Read more

Site: Carbonite.com Category: Infrastructure & Storage

Carbonite is an online storage provider that specializes in backup. Users install a small piece of software on their machine, which automatically syncs any new or changed files over a secured connection. In case of an emergency, you can simply use the software to get everything back, and because it's not localized to where your machine is, you can get that backup from wherever you have a connection.

Carbonite isn't a free service, but there's no limit on the size of your computer's backup, something which makes it more … Read more

Site: Messenger.yahoo.com Category: Communication

Yahoo Messenger is Yahoo's instant-messaging client and chat protocol. Yahoo Messenger users can chat with one another via text, voice, or video chat. Yahoo has also built-in VoIP services to let users call regular old telephones without having to leave the application. Users can also download and install a number of plug-ins that add extra functionality and features.

The latest version of Yahoo's Messenger desktop software lets users share files up to 2GB in size and includes "stealth" settings that let you choose who's allowed to see you when … Read more

Site: Dropio Category: Infrastructure & Storage

Dropio is an online storage provider that packages Web storage in chunks called "drops." There is a free version of the service that lets users share files up to 100MB in size. And those looking for more can invest in drops up to 25GB in size, whose contents won't expire for three years.

Dropio is not set up to be a long-term storage provider. Instead, it's for people who want to share and collaborate on large files. It's also got some neat features not found elsewhere, like a real-time … Read more

Site: Pidgin.im Category: Communication

Pidgin is an open-source messaging application that lets you access multiple IM networks from one window, including Google Talk and MySpaceIM as well as lesser-known protocols such as Jabber and Gadu-Gadu. Formerly known as GAIM, Pidgin is a free and beautiful way to chat with buddies from different networks.

One feature that makes Pidgin stand out from other IM applications is "Buddy Pounce" which lets you set it up to let you know when certain contacts come online either with a notification or by running a third-party program.

Site: Maps.google.com Category: Location-based services

Google Maps lets you get directions and find places online. It shows streets, traffic, and satellite images. Users can type in an address and get a pinpoint location or pull up driving directions. Users with a Google account can also partake in the My Maps service, which provides users with simple drag-and-drop tools to chart their own customized maps and share them with others.

Google Maps' biggest claim to fame is Street View, a view level of the map that lets you see a 360-degree view of a street at eye level. Users … Read more

Site: Earth.google.com Category: Location-based services

Google Earth is a desktop software program that lets users browse and search the Earth and its topography. The program takes advantage of specially created data layers that can add all sorts of features to the surface of the Earth, including local landmarks, businesses, and any other set of data that have been specially coded to match up with the Earth's geography.

In addition to static layers, Google Earth is also capable of displaying moving sets of data, a feature that has been used to show changes to Earth over time, both … Read more

Site: PolicyMap.com Category: Location-based services

PolicyMap is a collection of more than 4,000 data sets that can be overlayed on top of maps. Users simply pick what data they want to see from drop-down menus, and they show up instantly.

It can locate superfund sites; show you crime stats; tell you about mortgage originations (including things like subprime mortgages to various demographic groups), and age and educational background. The data is at a variety of resolutions (some are per ZIP code, some by census tract) and timeliness (census data, for instance, is only current up to 2000).

PolicyMap … Read more

Site: FlightStats.com Category: Location-based services

FlightStats mashes up the real-time flight information with Google Maps. Like other flight trackers, it shows scheduled departure and landing times, as well as actual take-off and projected landing. It will also send you e-mail or SMS alerts if the flight status changes, which is highly useful if your carrier or Web ticketing service doesn't offer such a feature.

FlightStats also has a very good mobile-friendly site and applications for certain handsets. It's the one you'll use when you're hanging around in the airport wondering just how far away a … Read more