CNET Editors' review
The last thing a project manager needs is one more project. Though Z Planner Agenda has all the necessary features to help a busy person organize complex projects, the program itself is so convoluted it becomes a project in itself. Though not geared to replace corporate project-management software, this program is for people who manage multiple projects or activities and need help organizing work flow and deadlines. Z Planner offers basic organizational functions, such as dividing projects into tasks and assigning priorities to each task. If you take the plunge (and it's hard to pass up free software) be sure to read the Help file included with the download. The interface is not intuitive and will require a lot of troubleshooting before you're able to get to work. If you enjoy a challenge, Z Planner Agenda will amply provide one--but if you're a project manager with enough projects, look elsewhere for software assistance.
Publisher's Description
From Creative Lab:
This program includes both basic time-management features in the form of punctual and recurrent reminders, and a basic project-management feature, which entails a task breakdown (Work Breakdown Structure) and automatic scheduling. Although it won't replace professional project-management applications on a company-wide scale, the program makes it easy for individuals to plan their one-person projects or their own parts within a team effort.
Version 1.2 features URL sensitive notes in tasks and reminders, improves Autostart management.
What's new in this version: URL sensitive notes in tasks and reminders. More visible Autostart management. Link to online tutorial. Slight schedule interface update. Modification of daily / weekly reminders. Vista enabled and tested.
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All versions:
2.1 starsout of 15 votes
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Current version:
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"awesome for freelancer with multiple projects to manage"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
Task breakdown feature is very useful. Automatically generates a schedule. Possible to have multiple users...
Cons
Interface could use a face-lift
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"dangerous modification of time format 'dd/MM/yyyy'"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
virus quality, ancient desintegrated interface
Cons
it's dangerous to non american desktops: it modified the time format to 'dd/MM/yyyy', which make many other applications fail!!
Summary
either get an update or warn all non US users
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"Very Poor- All the way around"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
The only good thing is its a small program so its not such a pain in the...
Cons
It is complicated, starts with my comp, I can't uninstall it, the only way to close the program is Ctrl Alt Del and its a bad calendar.
Summary
Do not install this- its forever.
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"I tried many planners this one works the best!"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
It allows me to kn instantly what is done and what left to be done on the multiple projects I have to handle. This software make me look good to my bosses.
Cons
The instructions on how to use it are difficult to follow, or what I wanted to accomplish was beyond what was instructed. But I did accomplish what I wanted in less time than downloading another software title.
Summary
With a click of a button I know where each project is in the development, and what the the next step is and others can do the same. In the long line of assistants that have done this job, I'm the only one who has found software that can eliminate my position.
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"This user does not recommend the Z Planner Agenda 1.0 to anyone."
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Cons
I was looking for a free and clear agenda that would allow me a fast and clear understanding of my free times (in order to set appointments). Well, my conclusion is that this program is ********. You can?t even ask for precise timing when doing time frame for your activities. It is hours approximate. In other words, no quarter or half hours are available. It is hard to understand (the interface sucks) and when you do so, you realize it is not what you needed.
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"Have not everything i looking for"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Cons
To big programm, but can't do the things i am looking for. No daily pop-up by logging on the pc. When you will uninstall this programm it will not disapear inmediatly.
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"A Very Good Time Management Application"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
zPlanner works by categorizing everything you do during a day into either Projects or Activities. Projects are things you do which have a start and end dates - e.g. a self-study course, redecorating the house, a trip, etc. - while activities are things you do regularly, whether daily, weekly, monthly, or otherwise - e.g. sleeping, going to the gym, reading, etc.
When you plan a project, you get the option of dividing it into Tasks. This is a universal method of project management, recommended by virtually every time management speaker or guidebook, and it has many benefits - but this is not the place for a detailed discussion. You can take a look at McGraw Hill's book entitled Time Management for more details.
Whether you're planning tasks or activities, you get to set Time Frames for them. This is basically setting when you're going to start and finish.
After setting time frames, you're presented with a Schedule which uses all the information you've entered so far to give you a visual representation of what your day, week, or month will be like. This is very useful since it gives you a chance to have a Big Picture or a Bird's Eye view, so you can make changes when something doesn't seem convenient or doable. You can also print the schedule so that you have with you whenever you need it.
You can also set Reminders. These reminders can be single or recurrent, and you can set them daily, weekly, monthly, or annually for any task or activity you have entered. Actually, I have only tested the reminder feature once during my initial tour of the application, but I haven't used it in real life time management yet. But during the test, it seemed very easy and useful.
All in all, I find zPlanner an indispensable tool in my everyday life. It helps me manage my time very efficiently, and I find that everything I read in time management books and manuals can be easily applied and integrated into the program. Sometimes it takes me a minute or two to figure out a way to do that, but it's usually pretty straight-forward.
Cons
- A somewhat counterintuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Requires going almost all the way through the help system to really understand how the application works
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"This is a very effective planner."
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
I just don't have the time to set it up. Maybe I keep on putting it off because it takes a lot of time.
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"I had trouble"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
couldnt taste it in (win XP)
Cons
never installed. Rebooted my sys 2 times. it never got done
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"Poor user interface"
Version: Z Planner Agenda 1.0
Pros
Freeware
Cons
Poor and inefficient GUI!!!
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