Wanted: very easy to learn mindmapping software

[Jamie Elis]

Something that runs on windows, results can be printed, maybe could also generate an action list but most of all is easy for an advanced middle-aged person like me to learn and not expensive. I am doing a community service project helping some high school students brain storm their community service activities and I want each one to walk away with a useful record of our brainstorming. I think that if they see me using a mind map to record the data they generate once I get them talking about their interests and talents and resources, then they will want to pick up the tool themselves and use it. Thank you advance.

[bhaveman]

Hi,

I would recommend Freemind. It runs on Java, doesn't cost anything, is easy to learn and can all the things you mentioned.
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/)

Bernard

[humblepie]

the cheap option is definately freemind.

[clango]

Hi,

I would recommend Freemind. It runs on Java, doesn't cost anything, is easy to learn and can all the things you mentioned.
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/)

Bernard

I can confirm Freemind it's a good and complete tool. You can also export in several kind of format your work and obtain for example an excel spreadsheet or an html and others

[Marcelo]

I used Freemind for many years and it is really a good tool. Xmind however offers more possibilities to display your mindmaps and that´s why I prefer it. Also very easy to learn. Worth checking it: http://www.xmind.net/