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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer Magazines
• Personal Information Managers Software

General Considerations

1. Check reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet to help you narrow your choices.
2. Download demo versions from manufacturers' Web sites to try specific programs.
3. Try the information manager included in your office suite program if you already have Corel WordPerfect Suite, Lotus SmartSuite or Microsoft Office.
4. Look for compatibility with your organizer or Palm device if you have one.
5. Choose Lotus Notes if you know or plan to learn Lotus Notes programming.
6. Try templates or modules in a general database program, if you already have one, or already know how to use one.
7. See if your e-mail program contains all the PIM features you need.
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

9. Make sure the program has network features if you need them.
10. Compare people-tracking features such as phone and address book, appointment book and contact management.
11. 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.
12. Compare record-keeping capabilities for information management, expense reports and project management.
13. Determine integration possibilities with other applications.
14. Consider mail management tools, such as e-mail features and mail merge.

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.

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