I may be no techno-whiz, but having started with a Mac 512K and now working under Windows 8, I have learned some software is essential and some is just not. I’m not crazy about Windows 8, and after 4 months am still not happy about having to swipe off into unmarked areas of my screen to access my programs or turn off the computer. So, for revenge, I am swearing off most things Microsoft. If you’re an independent and vengeful copywriter, or agency, like me, you may want to also. Here is a list of tools that I recently downloaded FOR FREE that might make your work flow more smoothly and/or give you hours of fun (vs. frustration) on a stream-lined budget. But non-buyer beware, there is loads of crap bundled with some of these programs — so carefully read what you’re installing (a lesson learned when installing Windows 8).
For a desktop Personal Information Manager like Microsoft Office or Microsoft Outlook, I got Essential PIM. This open source software, given 4 stars by CNET, can download your Google mail and calendar. And you can connect to a database. I tried importing my password spreadsheet in CSV format, but it translated all the data into one column. I also wanted to sync with my iPhone contacts and calendar. But you have to plunk down $35 for that. Which seems a reasonable price to pay, if I can get my all my emails, contacts and appointments in one place on my desktop.
Timetracking. I wanted something simple that would help me track time spent on various client projects. Although I thought Tiny Time Tracker would fit the bill, it turned out that once I removed it from my task bar, I couldn’t find it. It runs from an invisible Website and I had to uninstall my Java app to get rid of it.
Google app’s Time Tracker I kept as it logs how much time you spend on a website, sits up in the top right corner of Chrome, and is very transparently easy to turn off/on or remove. However, I’m still in search of a time tracking app that, like Tiny Time Tacker lets you press a button to track your work by client and also generates a spread sheet.
Concept Board is another Google app which is great for virtual brainstorming. It lets you put ideas on stickies, keeps an outline of what you add, and lets you rearrange thoughts. Your collaborators/clients can sign in and add comments.
Free and paid versions are available.
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Concept Board is another Google app which is great for virtual brainstorming. It lets you put ideas on stickies, keeps an outline of what you add, and lets you rearrange thoughts. Your collaborators/clients can sign in and add comments.