• Microsoft Outlook is a good all round package.
• It combines all you need in a time management system and also functions as an email client.
• Reminders can be set for emails, appointments, tasks and any events that may occur. Appointments can be scheduled by others and automatically received into your calendar.
• Integration between Address book, calendar and tasks is a bonus, as birthdays can be recorded in the address book, and automatically added to your calendar.
• Address book is very comprehensive, with many fields being recorded, and easy integration with Microsoft Word if you wish to bulk mail your family and friends. Additional fields allow for further customisation should your needs require.
• Integrated with your Windows operating system, file sharing, and Internet Explorer.

• Emails are only sent and received and reminders are only activated if Outlook is open – the program itself can be quite CPU intensive.
• Calendar sharing is an option, but only a feature when combined with (the very expensive) Microsoft Exchange.
• If you haven’t purchased a Microsoft Office package, the cost of Microsoft Outlook can be prohibitive.
• Commonly prone to virus attacks since it’s so commonly used. As always, your Anti-virus software and definitions should be kept up-to-date.

• View other team member files easily.
• Set up your file to share your calendar and contacts over the Internet.
• Allows you to track incoming and outgoing phone calls.
• Very cost effective – and earlier versions are often found for free.

• Does not incorporate an email program, so your email program needs to be separate.
• The earlier versions have rather constricting Address book fields.

• Access your schedule on the Internet from any computer.
• Share your calendar with others on the Internet, and view their Calendars.
• Online address book is great for when you go on holidays and need addresses/phone numbers.

• Tasks and Appointment details saved are very basic, but recurring appointments and tasks are available.
• Internet access is needed – and a faster connection is recommended.
• Overall, if you’re already using Microsoft Office, then using Outlook should be simple enough to use, and won’t require any further expenses. Use Yahoo if you need easy access to your calendar from a variety of places (Work, Home, School) and if you have reasonable Internet access.
• Lotus organiser is a good alternative if the first two don’t fit your requirements.

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Personal managers are a great way to get organised.

Whether you use a computer system or a paper based management system, it's important that you understand how to use it, and use it consistently.

Personal managers can be used in small and large organisations, and provide staff with a way of knowing each other schedules, making appointments and managing their personal lives around work.