lactose

I hate sign ups, especially just to try a new web 2.0 app, some of them even require getting on a invite list blech!

I do want web apps usage to take off MORE, like iPhone apps do but for browsers. I know everyone uses facebook and twitter, but only a fraction of that use edgier tools like google docs, gliffy, remember the milk, and so on... I see the barrier to entry with some of those apps so i want to help people start small by highlighting some of the "zero config" apps out there. By zero config i mean, no barrier to use, as in no interstitial sign up page or other prerequsites.

Ajaxload - Ajax loading gif generator
http://www.ajaxload.info/
Animated gifs are cool and all, but with youtube came the death of animated gifs, except for loading images. This site makes these images in your choice of colors all in one page.

Let me google that for you
http://letmegooglethatforyou.com/
If you read my blog you've seen my post on dealing with peoples computer questions. This site is a good choice for both comic relief and really helping the horse that you bring to water actually drink!

Colour Lovers
http://www.colourlovers.com/
I love Colour Lovers, not least of which because they spell color correctly. It's handy for getting color pallets, some of them are so well done that they casue viceral reactions. The coffee color makes me think that i smell a fresh brew. A vary theraputic site, as well as helpful.

Nizzote
http://nizzote.com
This is one of mine, it's like a super portable notepad, actually i think it loads faster than notepad.

NotifyURL
http://notifyURL.com
Also one of mine, it's basically the classic tinyurl.com but it sends you an email when the person you send the link to clicks on it.

Now Do This!
http://nowdothis.com/
At first this seemed too basic, it lacks portability... But i never use other to-do lists because they have too many features and i hate logging in, this one is awesome because it's so simple and the impact is huge.

Hmm... Thats all i can think of for now, and googleing "no sign up required", and the like, didn't turn up much. If you have some please add them in the comments