Module 4: The Foundation for a Technology Use Plan

On an Entirely Different Note..

There are many application programs available for your computer that can help you keep all the many details of a large technology integration project, or your life in general, from slipping out of control. This type of software usually goes by the acronym "PIM" for Personal Information Management.

PIMs can be very powerful ways to record and retrieve information, because they are digital. On the other hand, they can be hazardous because, like any kind of digital information, when it's gone, it's really gone! Be sure to back up your PIM files just as you would any other important information.

Listed below you'll find recommendations for PIM software, each of which has a free 30 day trail version available, as well as links for downloading, places to see reviews, and a note on "palm tops." No matter which PIM you pick, if any, data is usually transferable to a different brand if you switch later.

 

Cross Platform (Mac/PC) PIM

"Now-Up-To-Date", by Power-On Software Inc.
<http://www.poweronsw.com/site2/html/products/nutdc.html>

"Now-Up-To-Date" is one of the most popular PIMs and is available for both Macs and PCs. There's a 30 day free trail available for download and a 30 day trail also available for Now's Web interfacing capabilities.

Palm Tops

Palm tops are little computers you can carry around with you. They are becoming more and more popular because the new ones now synchronize with your PC. This means all your data is on your PC, and that the palm top becomes a sort of mobile data entry and display device.

The Palm Pilot became the industry favorite in 1997, and is still leading the crowd. The originators of the Pilot splintered off and founded another product, the Handspring Visor. Both of these products use the Palm operating system.

Prices are now less that $150 for low-end units. High end units cost more, but can provide either color or wireless Internet connectivity.

 

Page authors: Bob Hoffman and Caleb Clark
URL: edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/EDTEC596/session4/extend.html
Last updated: January 30, 1998