There is no doubt, since the time that man first discovered he could put a sticky substance on the back of a small piece of paper and stick it to something that we like our sticky notes. They help us remember what we need, can, should be doing at any given date and time.
With that in mind I thought I would look at some of the best both online and offline solutions for us all in the world of getting things done.
Note Solutions for the Desktop
Stickies - This one has to be my all time favorite out of the all. It doesn’t just cover the basics, it also allows a lot of neat tweaks such as hiding them, setting them with an alarm, and transparency. Stickies can be transferred from one machine to another either over a TCP/IP network connection, or by using an SMTP mail server or MAPI client.
PrestoNotes - The interface might not be considered eye candy, but PrestoNotes does get the job done. PrestoNotes lets you create virtual notes on your desktop, that can be hidden or shown as needed.
Fast Note - Not to be out done by the competitors - Fast Note is small program to create post-it style sticky notes for your desktop It runs as a system tray icon and opens a small, re-sizable notes window when clicked.
Rainlendar Lite - Much more of a reminder tool than a real notes application, I think Rainlendar Lite belongs on this list too. Rainlendar Lite is a small and compact desktop calendar that comes with some powerful features under the hood. It integrates nicely with your desktop wallpaper and allows interactive access to selected dates, just click on a date to add an appointment or reminder. Very nice two in one solution.
Note-It - The freeware application is another that can not be sneezed at. The Note-It notes can be of various colors and optionally be kept on top of all other open windows. The notes can be saved, e-mailed or printed too. One drawback (or feature depending on how you look at it) is that they will be deleted on the next reboot (or when they are closed).
Final thoughts - when it comes to the desktop you only really need one of these programs to get the job done. Personally I would suggest using Stickies because it wraps all the basic features up in the best package.
Note Solutions for the Web
Google Notebook - Google’s notebook application make quick and easy work for saving various tid-bits of information on the Web. Working as a sidebar in Firefox or with the Firefox extension, you have yourself a one, two combo that can not be beat.
Zoho Notebook - The Zoho Notebook web app is a lot like Google’s version, but more in depth and feature rich. You can add other documents to your notes, as long as pictures, RSS feeds, video, sound and more. If your looking for the quick and easy route - go with Google. If you need a little more from your note taking, give Zoho a shot.
With or Without the Web, There is a Notes Application for Everybody
You don’t have to be up with the latest web trends to get your note taking done. As this entire article has shown you there are choices to be made on both sides of the fence. Did I leave off one of your favorite? Drop in a comment so we all know what it was or just tell me how much of a overly organized dofus you really think I am.
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