Information Systems: Jason's Web Site Tips:
Wouldn't it be nice to keep track of all your life's important events on one place? Now you can...

May 23rd, 2008
By Jason Levy

 A few years ago I stopped hanging a calendar on my office wall to track my schedule.  I often wonder if people still carry around "day planners"?  I don't know about you, but I often use the Outlook Calendar at work to remind me of upcoming doctor appointments and relatives' birthdays.  At home, I replaced Microsoft Outlook with Mozilla's free email program, Thunderbird (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/), which is nearly identical to Outlook, and I use its calendar feature too.  At times it becomes cumbersome to check both calendars and last week I had my first senior moment.  My dentist called to inform me that I missed an appointment!

I've heard rave reviews about the "Google Calendar" and decided to research it myself.  The interface is very similar to Microsoft Outlook's calendar (see below).  In addition, you can invite people to events which is identical to using Outlook.  One really cool feature I enjoyed is the ability to create multiple calendars to separate your busy life.  For example, you can create one calendar to display upcoming bills, another calendar to display vacation days, another to display your spouse's work schedule, etc.  There doesn't appear to be a limit to the amount of individual calendars you can create.  Additionally, you can display them all at once or select individual ones.  Further, you can choose to make your calendar private or public depending upon your specific needs.  I suppose if you were in a rock band on the weekend, the Google Calendar would be a neat way to allow your fans to view your upcoming shows.

Below are just a few additional features that make the Google Calendar rock!

  • Import events from other programs
    You can import events from other calendar programs like Yahoo! Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. At the top of the calendar list on the left, click the "Add" down-arrow button and select "Import Calendar."

  • Sending invitations
    You can invite other people to any event on your calendar simply by adding their email addresses in the Guests section of the event.

  • Event reminders
    Reminders help you keep track of important events. You can choose to be notified by email, popup window or text messages sent right to your mobile phone.

  • Guest RSVPs
    Guests can RSVP to your invitations by email, whether or not they use Google Calendar themselves.

  • Create multiple calendars
    You can set up multiple calendars for different areas of your life, like one for your softball team's practices and games. Click the "plus" symbol next to My Calendars to get started.

  • Calendar sharing settings
    You can share an entire calendar, which is useful when you're part of a group that has shared events, like a softball team. Click the small triangle next to a calendar's name, then choose "Share this calendar."

  • Plus much more... there are too many features to list!

Overall, I found the Google Calendar a really awesome program, and in my opinion and I couldn't find a reason not to use it.  For more information, please visit the web site --> www.google.com/calendar

Your feedback to date has been greatly appreciated and helps gauge future articles.
Please feel free to contact me with questions/comments.

Thanks,
Jason