How to Choose "Personal Information Manager" Software
Personal information managers (PIMs) help you keep track of people and appointments. These specialized databases often include other capabilities or are included in e-mail programs.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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General Considerations
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1
Check reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet to help you narrow your choices.
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2
Download demo versions from manufacturers' Web sites to try specific programs.
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3
Try the information manager included in your office suite program if you already have Corel WordPerfect Suite, Lotus SmartSuite or Microsoft Office.
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4
Look for compatibility with your organizer or Palm device if you have one.
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5
Choose Lotus Notes if you know or plan to learn Lotus Notes programming.
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6
Try templates or modules in a general database program, if you already have one, or already know how to use one.
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7
See if your e-mail program contains all the PIM features you need.
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8
Choose the program you use at work if it is commercially available and you want compatibility, or you want to save the time required to learn a different program.
Specific Features
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1
Make sure the program has network features if you need them.
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2
Compare people-tracking features such as phone and address book, appointment book and contact management.
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3
Compare time- and date-tracking capabilities, such as calendar or planner features, as well as sharing and managing schedules across a network, to do lists, and schedule tracking and display.
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4
Compare record-keeping capabilities for information management, expense reports and project management.
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5
Determine integration possibilities with other applications.
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6
Consider mail management tools, such as e-mail features and mail merge.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Compare the file sizes of applications if you plan to use your PIM on a laptop computer.
Consider leading programs such as ACT, Day-Runner, Day-Timer, ECCO Pro, GoldMine, Info Select, Lotus Organizer, Maximizer, Now Up-to-Date, Outlook and Sidekick.
Make sure your computer meets the system requirements of any program you download or buy.
