The one included with standard Outlook is pretty darn good.
Every time a new “To Do List” software package comes out I try it. That includes apps on phones and tablets etc. I’d like something with enough flexibility, not too much complexity and available on all my devices.
The best I’ve found so far, is one called “Out of Milk”. You can install it on Android and iPhone and you can use it via the web interface on Windows and Blackberry. It synchs from the web interface. There is a free version and some extended paid version (I’ve never used).
You can create as many lists as you want, you can move items between lists. You can mark the status of items. For instance, you can cross an item out as completed, but not delete it. I like that because I use it to track some things - you know - okay, I’ve done that. When I’m finished, I delete everything and then delete the list.
I’m still looking for the perfect software package though. So many that are designed for business users are simply too complex to be helpful when you are mobile.
I use emails/Outlook calendar, etc. and do periodic sanity checks to track progress/completion. Of course, I'm a bit old fashioned and prefer to eschew technology in favor of face-to-face sessions.
My dad used to say I would never amount to anything because I was such a procrastinator. I would always tell him, “Just you wait and see.”
I kind of like a pad and pen myself.
Assuming you don’t have Outlook, it sounds to me that you want a glorified spread sheet, so Excel should work fine.
Simple = excel
You might check out the freeware listings at the link below:
http://www.freewarefiles.com/search.php?query=scheduling&B1.x=0&B1.y=0&boolean=exact
I’m a big Outlook fan. In the process of defining the task, you can specify who is responsible and who just needs to know about it. When you’re done defining the task, emails are automatically sent to the responsible and FYI people. You can set a reminder for yourself to check on status. And you can set a reminder for the people who are responsible for the task. The responsible person can indicate when the task has been started, what percentage of the task is done, problems encountered during the task, etc. all of which you can check real-time. Downside: you have to have a PC with Outlook and so do all the people performing tasks. And people need to be conscientious.
Do a web search for one called ToDoList. It’s free. I think you can find it on Gizmo’s website.
I built a service reminder web application for my client( full stack Vehicle Location service). Unfortunately they could never get their customers who had requested this to use the application. That appears to be the hardest part of any To-Do list software: getting the people who need it to use it.
MO, software list minders are either too complex or not flexible enough. And they are subject to computer/smart phone/device crashes, theft, typos, mis-scheduling, etc.
I prefer a paper system. The best I’ve found is the Planner Pad Organizer:
http://plannerpad.com/concept.asp#top
Either spiral bound or loose leaf which I carry with me in my briefcase or by itself.
For the planning stage, I use the same system in a deskpad:
http://plannerpad.com/deskpad.asp
This organizes my thoughts, plans, and projects in one place. Then, the process of copying necessary info to the loose leaf (or spiral) version to take with me clarifies what is most important for the week and, if necessary, can reorganize priorities.
The system is easy to learn and adapt to using. (Having both deskpad and notebook is my modification and not a required step to using the system.)
If it is a one-time event done in real time, then use index cards and colored markers. The only reason to bother with computer entry is if you need to have an historical record or are going to repat the same event again.
If your organization can afford $5/user, wrike.com integrates with just about everything, so you can email/text/call/etc people on the fly.