Freemind is free, open source software that works in Java and allows you to easily produce mind maps of any complexity. We take it for a spin and report on the result so that you can see if it is worth downloading and trying yourself.
Freemind is software that runs in Java and enables you to create multi-coloured mind maps. If you’re not sure, as many people aren’t, what a mind map is and how useful it can be then ask your son or daughter for most children at school are now being taught how to make and use mind maps for everything from physics to physical games! To get up to speed on the usefulness of mind maps, try looking here:
Mind_Map
Then, once you have read that page go to the next link below which is also at Wikipedia to read more about Freemind and arrange a download.
From this page, after you have read the introduction, choose download from the left hand menu and read the ‘Step-by-step’ overview to make sure that you have Java installed. Now choose the download that is suitable for you. For most people this will be the ‘M S Windows All-Inclusive’ version.
When the download ends, install the software like normal software and, unless you know different, accept the defaults but tick the last dialog to start Freemind once the installation ends.
If you want to get straight on and make something, go to File -> New and select a new document. Now hit the ‘insert’ key to create a node, labelling it with the keyboard. Now highlight that node and hit ‘insert’ again to create another. Creating nodes and labelling them is that easy and if you now go to the help or follow the link referred to below you can learn how to produce full and colourful maps.
If you have not used a mind map before, be aware that it takes a little time to ‘get your mind’ around the concept but once you do you will find that they are very intuitive and easy to use. You can basically make mind maps of anything you like – so don’t be afraid of trying something simple like your family tree or all the motor cars you and your family have owned. Doing simple things like this will teach you quickly how best to use the software.
Once you have got the hang of it, use it to make up your ‘Things I Must Do’ list, your shopping list, your telephone numbers but remember that it works best when you are planning, brainstorming or when you are summarising or making notes.
I use it, for example, in the planning of articles and the summarizing of information that I need to learn quickly. It does take a little effort on your part to create the basic organization first but believe me, once you do this, then whatever you have to learn or assimilate you will be able to do it all the better.
The other useful thing about mind maps is that you can look at one years later and the information that is contained within will spring quickly back into your mind. This is far quickly and simpler than having to sit down with a folder of handwritten or typed notes and do that same.
If you want to read an excellent tutorial that tells you how to use Freemind then choose this link below:
Our verdict on Freemind is that it is good quality, useful and, once you get the hang of it, easy to use software that is well worth installing and using. Mind maps, we believe, will be the tools of the future so, for that reason along, it is well worth getting up to speed.
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