|
To-Do List Goes High Tech |
|
|
|
Written by Leda DeRosa
|
Intrepid Multi-Tasker Tests New Tracking Technology
So, I am super-organized. So much so that my friends tell me that I “make them sick.” But, to me it’s just a way of life. But anyway, with my whole organization I like to keep it both low-tech and high-tech. I used to keep my filing systems high-tech and have it all organized in an elaborate folder system on my computer, that is until my computer broke down. Now, I make hard copies of everything and put it into these huge three-ring binders. Naturally, my binders are nicely divided up and tabbed. Anyway, my point is, the other day I was thinking I needed to go from low-tech to high-tech in the area of my To-Do Lists. Part of the reason why I constantly use a To-Do list is because 1) I have a horrible memory and I do not want to forget anything, and 2) it is highly satisfying being able to cross out things you have done and compare.
I had attempted to use high tech to-do lists in the past, but they were not really that satisfying or any better than me just writing it on paper. That is until yesterday, when I was flipping through PCWorld and they directed me to Voo2Do.com. Voo2Do is an online to-do list, accessible from any computer hooked up to the internet, but you can print out your lists as well. According to Voo2Do, this is what sets them apart from the competitors (you didn’t know there were to-do list software competitors, did you?): ”Unlike most online to-do lists, Voo2do tracks priority, due date, and time estimates for each task. There is no notion of "lists" in voo2do — tasks can be grouped by project, but you can view and edit a bunch of projects together.”
The interface is a bit old-school – kind of pastel colors and all -- but the actual system works smoothly and lives up the hype. Your opening page – the dashboard - contains a list of your to-do items by groups. So for example, I have a Fun Group, a Work Group, a Personal Group, etc. What is unique about this software, however, is your ability to estimate your time and track it. I’m still working out the kinks in this and trying to figure out how best to estimate (and re-estimate). What is key when you are estimating is that “1” is one hour, not one minute. But, anyway, the website will track your elapsed time with the push of a button. So, as I’m writing this, it’s tracking how long it’s taking me. There is also a “collaboration” feature that I have yet to try, but it basically shares your list with members in your groups. You can view your tasks by groups (context), projects, and deadlines.
I like that it also keeps track of your Recently Completed Tasks so you can appreciate all the work you have done so far. You can also add in notes next to your items to what you’ve done, what you need to do, etc. But, the best thing about this is that it’s completely easy and user-friendly and you could use it on a Mac or PC. It took me a couple of *seconds* to figure out what I had to do, and it started to work immediately. So, if you are like me and you are looking for a more advanced way to track what you do, or if you just are trying to get a little more organized, check it out - http://www.Voo2Do.com.
|
