My 2009 Software Toolbox

In this blog article, I look at the software applications that I use on a regular basis to stay productive.As part of my new year’s routine, I was reviewing some of the tools I use on a regular basis. It always interests me how some tools are on the list year-after-year, while others seem to come and go.If you are not careful, it’s easy to follow a constant rabbit trail of new software applications and services. This year, for example, I started bookmarking all of the new Web 2.0 applications I came across in my daily work and research. At the end of 2008, I had bookmarked 68 different services. You can view the list here.Without further delay, here are the applications that I use on a regular basis:Microsoft OutlookIt’s the first app started and the last one closed. I use Outlook to manage all of my e-mail, contacts, calendar, and tasks. Outlook is the central hub of my productivity world. Working along side Outlook is Franklin Covey’s PlanPlus for Outlook (PPO). PPO helps me integrate FC’s planning procedures into Outlook. Moreover, PPO provides a nice dashboard to view all of your important Outlook components in one screen. Microsoft OfficeWhen I’m not in Outlook, I’m probably in Word, Excel or Powerpoint. Word has been on my list for almost 20 years. I started with Word before Microsoft Office was introduced. I started with Word when it was still in DOS version. I’m now in Office 2007, made the adjustment to the “ribbon” at the top of the screen, and like many of the features that are now standard to office applications. It’s simply the best. (Although, many of the web-based office suites are getting better and better. I use Google Docs on a regular basis, and have grown to like the capabilities of Zoho, which has a lot to offer. If you need to collaborate on a project, you cannot beat one of the web-based suites.)EvernoteThis is a new application on my list this year. Last year, I used OneNote to fill the role of information management. In mid-2008, I started playing with the beta version of Evernote, and soon was hooked on its synching capability. Prior to using Evernote, I tried to keep OneNote in synch using a variety of different methods; none of them worked. Invariably, I would lose some piece of information in the synching process. Not with Evernote. Regardless of my platform, all of my information is right where I expect it to be. Mindjet MindManagerThe more I use MindManager, the more I like it. In fact, I would find it hard to live without now that I have integrated it into my work process. I use MindManager as part of my weekly review, for planning and goal setting, for research and writing. This past fall, MindManager helped me organize a lot of information related to my graduate work. In developing teaching series and curriculum, MindManager is the first program I turn to as I start to visualize and flesh out the various components for the series. If I could only purchase one program in 2009, it would be MindManager. Logos Bible SoftwareLogos is my digital library. A lot of people think I am a really good teacher when the truth is I have Logos. ;) Logos makes Bible study easy. I can dig deep and get the information I need without a lot of research or digging. The truth is, I’ve used Logos for so long that I really don’t remember what it is like to dig into a biblical passage using traditional commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, etc. Of course, one of the benefits of being a long-time user is the depth of my library. I have an excellent library that goes with me everywhere. It still amazes me that I can carry close to 3,000 volumes on my laptop! WordSearch Bible SoftwareWhy do I need to use WordSearch if I am such a Logos fan? Because WordSearch gives me access to a lot of resources not available for Logos. Most importantly, I use WordSearch to access my Preacher’s Outline Study Bible, all of my Holman Bible references, including the Holman New Testament Bible Commentary, and all of John Butler’s resources, including his outstanding Butler Biography series. iTunesThis is the center of my podcasting world. I never leave home without my iPod and 30 GBs of audio to listen to while on the run. I listen in my car and I listen wherever I have a few minutes between activities. Most of the content I listen to comes in the form of free podcasts, although I do purchase books from Audible.com.Rounding out the list are the following:Adobe InDesignMy page layout application of choice.Adobe FireworksMy web graphics application of choice. (Note: can’t afford/justify Photoshop.)NetObjects FusionMy web development application of choice. (Most of the web development I do today either involves WordPress or some other form of a content management system. I used to employ Dreamweaver on a daily basis, but for a simple site, NetObjects does the job.)Adobe AudtionMy sound editing application of choice.Sony VegasMy video editing application of choice.Sony DVD ArchitectMy DVD authoring application of choice.PicasaMy image database of choice.WordPressMy blogging platform of choice.OmniPage ProCharacter recognitionPaperPortDigital filingDragon Naturally SpeakingVoice recognition applicationWindows Live WriterThe tool I am using to write this blog post!SnagItImage CaptureAcronis True Image HomeDisk BackupDiskkeeperDisk defragmentationLivescribeDigital pen / recorderSony ReaderDigital bookSo, what’s in your toolbox? What tools do you find indispensible to your personal productivity, and what tools can you live without? Are their desktop applications you used to rely on daily, but now you rely on web-based tools?Regardless of the tools you use, the key is to focus on what matters most and to work at regularly and consistently producing quality work. Tools are just tools…nothing more.