14 DAY TRIAL // Sometimes I find myself lost in time. I know I am not the only one who has this problem. Everybody thinks about things to be done in advance and then loses some on the way...the difference is that some happen to forget more than others. What can be done to solve this problem?
First, you can try some memory pills. Sometimes they work, but they can't make you remember everything. Leaving the pills behind, what do you think about a computer software that can organize your daily tasks nicely and remind you about them? For me this sounds pretty useful, and I had a review of such a software in my mind for some time.
Today's target is called Swift To-Do List, it reached its 5.0 version and, of course, it can be tried for free. You won't waste much time downloading and installing it, because the installation kit has 2.5MB in size and the setup process can be completed even by kids.
The interface of this program is a bit behind the last present tendencies, but I can't say it looks bad or that it's hard to use. To-Do List has a menu bar, a toolbar, a tree view and a task view and edit pane.
The tree view allows you to add to-do lists and sublists. Each item present here has a custom icon associated to it, and you can choose from over fifty icons available. There aren't many things to do here, just adding or removing lists, changing their order and icons. The root lists can be expanded and collapsed as needed.
Working with this program is a pleasure for people addicted to keyboard shortcuts. Most operations have a keyboard shortcut assigned to them, and this can spare some more of your precious time.
Let's get to the task area. Here you can add and remove tasks, obviously. There is also a useful batch add feature, as well as the possibility to add attachments to your tasks. An attachment can be a file, folder, email address or Web link. Unfortunately, it seems that this option is not available in the trial version.
For each of the added tasks, you can activate a reminder for a certain date and time. When that moment arrives, a popup window will alert you accompanied by an alarm sound.
If you go away from your computer, you can't take the program with you, but the to-do list can be printed or exported into HTML or CVS format.
Tasks can be filtered based on priority, state, due date, type and creation date, while cleaning of the task list can be done using the same criterions.
This program's options are enough for its purpose - program maximizing shortcut setting, views customization, password protection and font settings are some of them.
Swift To-Do List is a handy tool that was revealed almost completely here, but I am sure you will also find some goodies by yourselves. After all, free trials have different tastes for different people!
The Good
This program is small, fast and, very useful. It can be a real saver in many situations, and, best of all, you won't waste much time learning how to use it. If you run into problems, you can check the Help system, it's not the best one I've seen, but surely helps!
The Bad
Swift To-Do List can't send reminders through email, to a network computer or your mobile phone, and I think these would be some great features to see in the future. In my opinion, the price is too high for what it has to offer.
The Truth
From time to time I discover a new software category that makes me say "Look! I really need something like this!", and the organizers is such a family.
Swift To-Do List is not the best software available for this task, but it's a program worth trying and a good start as a basic software organizer. Don't hesitate, go ahead and try it!
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
