Apr 27 2009
Getting Things Done
Getting this done is important. Sometimes we get so mired in work that we don’t take time out to look at our tasks and be sure we’re spending time on important things. Hopefully this week’s free picks will help fix that.
Naturally, our first stop is a new AJAX powered Web 2.0 solution for task management. If you can get past the cow and the odd name, you’ll find RTM to be a very aesthetically pleasing and useful way to track tasks.
There’s email reminders, iCal integration and more. The user forum is active and the developers very responsive to feedback. Of course, the service is free.
While we’re on the subject, there’s another great AJAX web-based solution. This one is perfect for those of you that want to get directly to business, and are less interested in the eye-candy interface of RTM. TaskToy supports email reminders and RSS subscriptions. Its a good, clean way to keep track of those tasks.
In a nod to the old-school, we have to feature this cross-platform Open Source project. GanttProject makes tracking projects easy, with advanced charting and scheduling features. This free solution is ideal for directing large projects with multiple collaborators.
This AJAX solution allows for a more free-form approach to organizing thoughts and lists. This web-based services (also available for install on your own server) allows you to make instant, flexible lists defined by columns and rows you create.
SproutLiner allows you to include any combination of check boxes, drop-down lists and freetext that you need to organize your information. Best of all, its AJAX implementation means no page reloading.
Lastly, there’s voo2do. This web-based todo tracker is much like the first two. While the colorful interface might overwhelm you at first, you may find the feature set to fit your style. Tasks, notes, projects and deadlines are organized for easy access, and a history feature records what you’ve been up to.
That should be enough productivity tools to waste your afternoon. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go prioritize my task list.