How To

How to Choose "Personal Information Manager" Software

By eHow Computers Editor
Rate: (3 Ratings)

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

Things You'll Need:

  • Computer Magazines
  • Personal Information Managers Software

    General Considerations

  1. Step 1

    Check reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet to help you narrow your choices.

  2. Step 2

    Download demo versions from manufacturers' Web sites to try specific programs.

  3. Step 3

    Try the information manager included in your office suite program if you already have Corel WordPerfect Suite, Lotus SmartSuite or Microsoft Office.

  4. Step 4

    Look for compatibility with your organizer or Palm device if you have one.

  5. Step 5

    Choose Lotus Notes if you know or plan to learn Lotus Notes programming.

  6. Step 6

    Try templates or modules in a general database program, if you already have one, or already know how to use one.

  7. Step 7

    See if your e-mail program contains all the PIM features you need.

  8. Step 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.

  9. Specific Features

  10. Step 1

    Make sure the program has network features if you need them.

  11. Step 2

    Compare people-tracking features such as phone and address book, appointment book and contact management.

  12. Step 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.

  13. Step 4

    Compare record-keeping capabilities for information management, expense reports and project management.

  14. Step 5

    Determine integration possibilities with other applications.

  15. Step 6

    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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