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Resources
Here you will find some resources that I found useful in my own PhD journey
Unless otherwise stated, I have used all the resources listed on this page
Software
Resources for Microsoft Word
Resources on the dissertation process
How to set up a filing system on your computer
Note-taking resources, including software
Blogs
Reference Managers
Evernote
Scribener
Sente 6 for Mac http://www.thirdstreetsoftware.com/site/SenteForMac.html
Software
Sticky Notes for computer screens
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TurboNote+
This program sits in your tray and allows you to pull up a “sticky note” for reminders, to do lists, shopping lists, alarms and lots more. You can even use hyperlinks to documents you are working on!
You can have the sticky notes appear on your desktop, or you can hide individual ones. You can colour code them. You can send notes to other users.
The program also includes a calendar, a screen capture facility (VERY useful), bulletted lists and check boxes.
I used this program to (amongst other things) put a huge Failure is not an option message in the middle of my computer screen so that I saw it every time I booted up the computer. This program really helped me finish my PhD.
Get it here |
Note Taking Software
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NdxCards
Note Taking software that includes several different types of note cards, including Action cards, Bibliography cards, author cards, note cards. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lot better than I had when I was doing my own dissertation. I’m playing with it for notes for the publication of my dissertation.
For PC only, sorry.
http://www.ndxcards.com/ |
MailBigFile.com
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This is a handy way to send huge files to your committee, supervisor or editor. There is a free service available, and the service accepts 101 different file types.
If you are writing your dissertation in a single file and it becomes huge (over 2 Mb), you may have trouble sending it to other people by email - their email boxes may have a size limit.
What’s the solution? If you don’t have your own website or access to a university website where you can upload files, sign up for an account at MailBigFiles.com, upload your file, then the website sends an email to the intended recipient that the file is available for download.
Wonderful idea! I didn’t use it for my dissertation, but I have successfully used it to receive and send large files from editing clients. It's very easy to use and I recommend it to all my coaching and editing clients.
http://www.mailbigfile.com |
PerfectIt
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This is a software program that professional editors (like me) use to double-check documents. It checks for errors and consistencies in hyphenation, abbreviations, spelling etc. and is an invaluable tool for dissertators.
There is a 30-day trial period with full functionality. The website even suggests that dissertators download the software and use it to check their dissertations. http://www.intelligentediting.com/checkyourdissertation.aspx
If you are intending to hire a professional editor/proofreader to edit/proofread your dissertation, run the document through PerfectIt before you send it to him/her. You'll save money, and the editor/proofreader will be able to get the suggested changes back to you quicker.
Windows only, but it's really worth borrowing a PC if you don't have one just for this one task. I'm a convert!
http://www.intelligentediting.com |
Resources for Microsoft Word
If you need help with Word, there are lots of resources on the internet. Try these:
Microsoft's Word discussion groups:
(Look in the lower right of the page.)
Resources on the dissertation process
Books
Succeeding with your Doctorate
The K.I.S.S. Method for Writing your Dissertation
How to Write a Better Thesis
Handbook for Academic Authors
Bolker
Clockwork Muse
Literature Review
Hart
Hart Doing your Masters Dissertation
Publishing your dissertation/articles/books
How to set up a filing system on your computer
Clearing the Clutter: A few tips on keeping your computer files organized
Note-taking resources, including software
web.up.ac.za/sitefiles/file/40/.../writing_an_academic_journal_article.pdf
Note taking sources, including software
Software
Please note: I have not used any of the Mac software. If I have used PC software, I have flagged it with an asterisk.
For PC |
For Mac |
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Notational Velocity
It is an attempt to loosen the mental blockages to recording information and to scrape away the tartar of convention that handicaps its retrieval. The solution is by nature nonconformist.
http://notational.net/ |
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