reminders

A planner and diary in one

At first glance, Smart Diary seems similar to many other planners, with various calendar views and the ability to set tasks. What really sets Smart Diary apart is its diary feature, which is unlike anything we've seen before in this sort of program.

The program's interface is attractive and intuitive, with a surprisingly sleek calendar design. It's easy to do all the basics, like adding events and tasks, scheduling reminders, printing schedules, and so on. Everything is neatly arranged with tabs and drop-down menus, allowing users to quickly find the functions they want. What really impressed us … Read more

Straightforward birthday utility

SS Birthday reminder is a simple program that allows users to keep track of their friends' birthdays and other information. Its basic interface and straightforward functions make it a good choice for users looking for a quick and easy birthday utility.

The program's interface is plain, displaying a list of the people the user has entered in a grid. It is easy to add new people, and users can also include contact information and notes, making this program a very basic contact manager as well as a birthday reminder. The program's features are limited but functional. Users can … Read more

Simple birthday reminder

Birthday Reminder is a simple program that reminds users of important birthdays. There's not much to it, but it does provide birthday reminders as promised.

The program's interface is sparse, consisting only of a space to enter a name and birth date. There's really not much else to do, and the built-in Help file confirms this by saying, in essence, "Enter birthdays and the program will remind you of them." The only preference that can be set is for when the reminders appear; users can choose anytime from three days before the birthday to the … Read more

Feature-packed day planner

DayMate is a powerful and easy-to-use day planner that's full of great features. Overall we were pleased with it, but certain features weren't as functional as they should have been.

The interface will look familiar to users of Outlook and could not be more intuitive. Basic functions are represented with large, obvious buttons, and menus are well organized. We were able to dive right in and start scheduling things. The bulk of the program's functionality is contained within its appointment scheduler, but it goes far beyond reminding you of your 2 p.m. dental appointment. Users can … Read more

Simple reminder tool

Events Manager offers to help users avoid missing important events with its simple task reminder system, but it may be too basic for some.

This freeware program has an interface that could not be much simpler: a rectangular blank screen with some menus along the top of the box. Here users can choose between File, Events, Options, and Help. By selecting a new event, users are prompted to enter data in the appropriate fields. Event name, notes, time, and date are all easy to add. In addition, users can choose any MP3 or WAV file of their choice to use … Read more

Complex note-maker

Power Notes provides a way of taking digital notes that could meet the needs of all users. While its features are great, some users may grow dislike the program's design.

With basic icons outlining its options for creating new notes and organizing, users will find Power Notes' interface to be pleasing at first. However, creating a note offers a confusing collection of options and sidetracks that might not appeal to all users. Fortunately, the program also offers a Quick Note option that cuts to the basics of note-creation. The online Help file offers a clearer definition of how to … Read more

Average billing program

Bills and Reminders offers users a way to keep track of their bills and debts with a program aimed at those who may forget to pay. While the navigation of the program is a little rocky at first, users will find a competent program that is short on frills.

This program might instantly overwhelm users, as the main screen is composed of a confusing number of spreadsheet-like rows and columns, along with added boxes in a rainbow of colors. Fortunately, users are prompted to go to the product's Web site and take a tutorial to ease any confusion. The … Read more

Easy-to-use note program

Dynamic Notes is an easy, unobtrusive way to add and manage sticky-like notes to your desktop. Although some aspects of the interface are cluttered, the program is pretty intuitive and allows users to get started making notes right away.

The program appears as a small toolbar than can be moved around a user's screen or minimized completely. Creating a new note is as simple as the click of a button. The Add New Note button lets users to customize their notes with different colors and fonts, as well as set reminder alarms. For users who don't want to … Read more

Reliable alarm clock

Your computer will tell you the time, no problem. However, there are few things as boring and basic as the standard clock. AIV Reminder offers users a chance to spice up their clock situation and keep on top of important appointments.

This free program presents itself as a simple analog clock. In addition, a small, blue genie gives you advice on how to make configurations. If you're not fond of genies, there are three other characters to choose from. Double-clicking the clock face takes you to a menu screen where the ins and outs of the program are laid … Read more

Basic calendar

Desktop Calendar Reminder promises to help you keep track of the days and important events. However, this basic calendar doesn't really live up to its promise or, for that matter, its name.

This program isn't much to look at. It presents itself as a simple light-blue calendar that pops up on the middle of your desktop in a small rectangle. There is space for writing a note about the day at the bottom. There are also tabs for the day's notes and for a general area to write non-date-specific notes. We were a little confused, since part … Read more