Top Dozen Resources for Managing Information Overload

Use some or all of these tools to help you keep organized and informed more efficiently. The name links to the website. Some are web-based (!) and others require installation of software (ò), but all are free.

1. Opera Browser (ò): Faster and more powerful than any other browser. Browse the web more efficiently by creating instant searches from any web page that has a search box, using the built in RSS Reader and client, synchronizing your history and bookmarks with other computers and with your phone, and save time with mouse gestures and audio commands. 2. RescueTime (ò!): Tracks all your time on the computer including the websites you visit so that without any effort on your part you can better plan your work week, track your activity in detail, receive productivity estimates, and eliminate unproductive activities. 3. Contact Capture (ò): (free with referral) Automates your data entry so you don’t have to type, takes contact information (names, titles, addresses, , phones, websites) from lists, documents, and emails found anywhere on the web or on your computer and exports the data into your favorite ATS/CRM application or directly into Outlook. 4. RememberTheMilk (!): A virtual personal assistant that remembers the little details for you. Using short natural commands via email Sandy creates and keeps reminders, to-do lists, ideas, and remembers important information. Integrates directly with Outlook, Jott, , and SMS. (Also see Ohdontforget.com !) 5. Jott (!): Call a toll free number from your cell phone and leave a voice message which gets transcribed, then sent to you via email. You can also have a voice-to-text message sent to others, including Sandy, so you can call and leave a message that goes to her and she will create a reminder for you. 6. Xobni: NOTE: Now part of Yahoo. For missing Xobni features, you can try http://discover.ly Xobni was an email helper that works along with Outlook. It helps you find people, emails and attachments instantly. Integrates with Skype and LinkedIn, creates a private social network out of your contacts and emails. Analytics help you figure out who you contact most and why. 7. Evernote (ò!): Allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere. Evernote is able to read text inside images like photos or scanned documents! 8. Macro Toolworks 9. NetVibes (!): Customizable Web 2.0 HomePage that allows you to access all of your Social Networking sites (LinkedIn, , Twitter), to-do lists, RSS feeds, contacts, etc., from one place. 10. Computer sync tools: Access files from any of your computers and even share select files/folders with friends with tools like LiveMesh (ò! - also works with mobile devices) or Dropbox (ò!). 11. Mint.com (!): Manage all your personal finances from one location and see where your money goes. Takes the trouble out of creating a budget, receive alerts about bank fees, upcoming bills, low balances, spending trends and unusual spending. 12. Appointment schedulers: Lets people block out timeslots on your schedule; integrates with Outlook and Google Calendar: TimeBridge.com (ò!) or TimeTrade.com (ò!).