Free Software Comparison Essay Sample
Scope of the Assignment
A great number of various data-storage and management software tools have been developed recently. A typical customer is nowadays often perplexed, trying to find out the most effective and reliable solution to address one's business and personal needs. The objective of this paper is to provide a comparative review of the most popular solutions, highlighting their competitive advantages and identified disadvantages.
Toodledo
Similarities with other programs: Similarly, to the rest of the analyzed applications, discussed application is web-oriented and easily synchronized with Apple produced devices, as well as with those working on Android Platform. Besides, the feature integrates security mode, which allows keeping specific types of data private if the user titles the data accordingly. The security mode is integrated, making it possible to prevent unauthorized usage of the stored data.
Mostly similar programs:
Typical features of the program: The key element distinguishing this tool from the similar ones is its capability of task-sharing, hereby making teamwork easily accessible. Customization option is also encapsulated in the interface of the program, and the workflow is generally determined by scholars and practitioners as flexible. The tasks can be prioritized by a single click of the user, hereby significantly enhancing usability.
WinPIM
Similarities with other programs: The technical peculiarities of the tool provide the possibility to store the data, organize it hierarchically and alphabetically, as well as to allocate tasks to the assigned performers. However, it is necessary to stress that this mode is comparatively more complicated than in the rest of the available applications. Calendar option, market evaluation tools, reminders and scheduling of dates and meeting are available, provided that business edition of the application is installed.
The integrated security mode provides the possibility to create different accounts, hereby making it possible to store information under different users’ profiles. The tool is compatible with Apple and Android platforms on condition that standalone modes are downloaded and installed accordingly. Calendar option and paid business edition are also available.
Mostly similar programs: Get it Done, Remember the Milk, Microsoft Outlook, Nozbe.
Typical features of the program: This application is known to be one of the most user-friendly tools to personalize and store specific data. Moreover, this file manager enables the user to draft random notes in different text and audio formats. Besides, the program allows the user to delegate and assign tasks to the performers, who do not have it installed. The files are automatically converted into the most appropriate format.
Get it done
Similarities with other programs: Along with the major competitors, this software option is completely online based and is financed by means of public and user donations. The application is rather simple in its software architecture, although usability criterion is reported to be positively acclaimed by the critics. Considering the online platform, the users can easily synchronize their data from any part of the globe, on condition that stable Internet connection is provided.
Mostly similar programs: Get it Done, Astrid, Remember the Milk.
Typical features of the program: The usability of the application is not confined to hardware installation and can be run online. The security mode is not available, hereby making this application the most vulnerable to the malware attacks and unauthorized authorization.
Thinking Rock
Similarities with other programs: It is necessary to highlight that while it is used, the application creates an untypical interface, requiring advanced knowledge of GTD technology. Outwardly, the application can be used by the experienced users exclusively. The application allows to construct a sequence of the tasks and to categorize them either alphabetically or hierarchically. The program has one of the most solid security systems, offering the client to choose the coding methodology.
Mostly similar programs: Astrid, WinPIM, ToDoList.
Typical features of the program: Multiple plug-ins are necessitated to ensure that the numerous screens are functions are duly supported. The program is known to support GTD technology, but cannot be used by users who have limited understanding of this technology. The usability criterion has not been positively acclaimed by the critics insofar since the necessity to master GTD technology and skills in this area is most indispensably required, according to the testers of the application
ToDoList
Similarities with other programs: The application contains list view mode, calendar mode and task hierarchy composition mode, which can be done alphabetically, numerically or in the sequence of task importance. Moreover, the program encapsulates a list mode, which allows viewing the enacted application in an easy and comfortable manner for the user. The discussed software tool allows easy synchronization with IOs and Android platform devices. Vertical and horizontal task prioritization modes are also integrated into the platform.
Mostly similar programs: Get It Done, Microsoft Office Outlook, Toodle..
Typical features of the program: The interface of the program is presented in the user friendly Gantt-chart task file diagram. The task list and the proceeded tasks are saved automatically, hereby making it possible not to get preoccupied for the user of constant manual saving procedures.
Remember the Milk
Similarities with other programs: Alongside with the rest of the analyzed facilities, this application is known to be one of the most user-friendly tools to personalize and store specific data. The technical peculiarities of the tool provide the possibility to store the data, organize it hierarchically and alphabetically, as well as to allocate tasks to the assigned performers. Moreover, this file manager enables its user to draft random notes in different text and audio formats. Calendar option, market evaluation tools, reminders and scheduling of dates and meeting are available, provided that business edition of the application is installed.
The integrated security mode provides the possibility to create different accounts, hereby making it possible to store information under different users’ profiles. The tool is compatible with Apple and Android platforms on condition that standalone modes are downloaded and installed accordingly.
The program is relatively user friendly. The application is rather simple in its software architecture, although usability criterion is reported to be positively acclaimed by the critics.
Typical features of the program: Considering the online platform, the users can easily synchronize their data from any part of the globe, on condition that stable Internet connection is provided. The interface of the program is reported to be a simple one, and mere clicking on the desired items ensures relatively complete functionality of the application. Besides, the usability of the application is not confined to hardware installation and can be run online.
Astrid
Similarities with other programs: Customization option is also encapsulated in the interface of the program, and the workflow is generally determined by scholars and practitioners as flexible. The tasks can be prioritized by a single click of the user, hereby significantly enhancing usability. The system operates via web-server mode, hereby storing files on the Web and making them available whenever needed.
Mostly similar programs: Thinking Rock, Nozbe, Toodle, Win PIM.
Typical features of the program: The key element featuring this tool from the similar ones is its capability of task-sharing, hereby making teamwork easily accessible. Besides, the feature integrates security mode, which allows keeping specific types of data private if the user titles the data accordingly
Nozbe
Similarities with other programs:The program is known to integrate GTD technology, but cannot be used by users who have limited understanding of this technology. The application allows constructing a sequence of the tasks and to categorize them either alphabetically or hierarchically.
The integrated security mode provides the possibility to create different accounts, hereby making it possible to store information under different users’ profiles. The tool is compatible with Apple and Android platforms on condition that standalone modes are downloaded and installed accordingly.
Mostly Similar Programs: Microsoft Outlook, Remember the Milk.
Typical features of the program: The usability criterion has not been positively acclaimed by the critics insofar since the necessity to master GTD technology and master skills in this area is most indispensably required, according to the testers of the application. Calendar option, market evaluation tools, reminders and scheduling of dates and meeting are available, provided that business edition of the application is installed.
Microsoft Outlook
Similarities with other programs: This solution has been many times mark as one of the most widely utilized solution to address the discussed objectives. The contact sharing system makes it possible to assign tasks to the assigned performers independently. This application has been reported to be business friendly since it enables to share the tasks with customers, suppliers, employees and other key agents. The application contains list view mode, calendar mode and task hierarchy composition mode, which can be done alphabetically, numerically or in the sequence of task importance.
Considering the online platform, the users can easily synchronize their data from any part of the globe, on condition that stable Internet connection is provided. The interface of the program is reported to be a simple one, and mere clicking on the desired items ensures relatively complete functionality of the application.
Mostly similar programs: Thinking Rock, Nozbe.
Typical features of the program: The program encapsulates a list mode, which allows to view the enacted application in an easy and comfortable manner for the user. Besides, the usability of the application is not confined to hardware installation and can be run online.