It may be time to reset your browser’s toolbar. With nearly 300 million sites on the web (and counting), finding the best resources online can be a little paralyzing—that’s why we’re here. You might not be plugged into the following cool and innovative sites, but you should be.
With a focus on improving skills and maximizing efficiency, you’ll want to make them your favorites.
1. ted.com
In 1984 a small nonprofit began with the goal of spreading ideas from three worlds: technology, entertainment, and design. Since then TED has grown into a juggernaut with two annual conferences and an impressive web site. The site offers more than seven hundred captivating free video presentations. You can listen to Madeleine Albright talk politics, see Jamie Oliver tackle childhood obesity, or watch Steve Jobs deliver an inspiring address with just the click of a mouse.
2. lulu.com
Ready to see your novel on bookstore shelves? No need to wait on a major publishing house. Lulu.com transforms manuscripts into books—or eBooks—for a reasonable rate. You can edit your own work or commission one of the site’s experts to review your novel. The site also has marketing and distribution packages available.
3. instructables.com
Springing from an idea born at MIT, instructables.com is a collaborative site where know-it-alls worldwide share skills they’re passionate about. If you want to learn how to put soap on a rope, make lasagna cupcakes, set up a router, or anything in between, this site will show you how.
4. animoto.com
Convert that pile of vacation photos into a stunning short film at animoto.com. Choose the photos and music you want to feature, and the site does the rest, generating a movie that’s ready to share online. And if you want to create videos on the go, there’s even an app for that. The only thing it won’t do is write your Oscar acceptance speech.
5. practicallygreen.com
Going green doesn’t have to be difficult. This site educates users on how to make small, sustainable changes. First take a quiz to determine your impact and learn more about keeping Mother Earth happy. Track your progress online and share your success with friends.
6. livemocha.com
“Sprechen sie Deutsch?” Answer with a resounding “Ja!” after you log on to this site. Livemocha.com offers free and affordably priced courses in thirty-five languages, including Russian, Japanese, and Turkish. With more than six million members to chat with, it’s also easy to practice your linguistic talents.
7. join.me
Getting your staff on the same page—or screen—has never been easier, thanks to Join.me. The site’s simple application allows up to 250 individual users to see your desktop for a quick online briefing, training, or demo. The free service also boasts chat and file transferring capabilities to make sharing information even easier. Just make sure you begin with a fast internet connection.
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Article written by Megham Bingham
