PCMag.Com - When it comes to getting things done, the right software can make all the difference. Whether you refer to them as apps or applications, programs, or even services, there is so much incredible software out there to make our work easier and ourselves more productive.
Highly productive individuals tend to lead blended lives. We want to be more productive in our “downtime” (a word that formerly referred to the time when machines were not functioning) and more efficient while we’re at work so that we can have more downtime.
We carry devices with us so we won’t miss any important business-related communication while we’re at home, and we bring our personal devices from home to work because we like them more than our business products—or because they’re easier to use, or for any number of other reasons. We expect all our data to be searchable, sort-able, and accessible. In terms of productivity, leading a blended life is both a problem and a solution. We’re willing to get work done off the clock to make our jobs smoother, but we may be inadvertently decentralizing information, files, and communication, which could result in decreased productivity—unless, of course, we have the right tools to help.
Of all the thousands of products we in the PCMag Labs test and review each year, productivity software is nearest and dearest to my heart. Sure, I can appreciate the inventiveness of a device or app that sets out to do something no one has ever imagined before, but productivity applications deign to solve hard problems that people already face. Some apps look toward efficiency, aiming to take an existing product, such as email, and make it easier to use so we waste less time futzing with it. Others seek to silence the noise of the net, bolster collaboration, or unite disparate data.
The 35 programs, plug-ins, and services in this list are among our favorites for helping anyone be more productive. It’s by no means a comprehensive list, but we hope it lets you explore your options among the truly necessary productivity tools, as well as introduce you to some hidden gems that you might have missed while you were busy getting things done. —Next: Office Suites, Collaborative and Desktop>>>>>>
