Jarnal is an open-source application for...

  • notetaking,
  • sketching,
  • keeping a journal (reflective perhaps),
  • making a presentation,
  • annotating a document - including pdf - or
  • collaborating using a stylus, mouse or keyboard.

Jarnal is similar to Microsoft Windows Journal, which I was trying to find when I discovered Jarnal.

Is this program better than Microsoft Windows Journal or One-Note?

I think it could well be! Because...

  1. it is written in Java files that can be edited and viewed on any platform;
  2. the editor/viewer is freely redistributable - not to speak of customizable.
  3. MS Journal files...
    ◦ can be edited only on a Tablet PC and
    ◦ can only be viewed with Windows XP or later.
  4. One-Note...
    ◦ uses proprietary file formats that can be viewed only on a few platforms,
    ◦ can only be edited only by purchasing the latest version of Microsoft Office.
  5. In Jarnal...
    ◦ The files are in a standard non-proprietary format, human readable, and usable by other applications.
    ◦ By default, no information identifying the author is stored in the file.
    ◦ Offers document annotation capabilities, collaboration and networking connectivity not available with the MS programs.

Visit http://levine.sscnet.ucla.edu/general/software/tc1000/jarnal.htm or the wiki at http://jarnal.wikispaces.com/.