Efficient Calendar for Windows

Staying on top of appointments, to-do lists, and other items can be a chore, but Efficient Calendar offers a way to track your daily, weekly, or annual events in one easy-to-use package. While it doesn't offer email integration like Microsoft Outlook, it serves very nicely as a standalone calendar.

The interface is packed with information and options, but the main functions are neatly organized along the left side, allowing quick access to the calendar, events, and tasks. We found it very easy to add events and tasks with Efficient Calendar. A small window pops up for both with pull-down menus to select start and end dates and times and set a reminder. You can also choose one of five priorities for your tasks, ranging from Lowest to Highest. It took only seconds to set up basic appointments and tasks, although we have to say we missed the ability to invite others to join meetings and track their acceptance of meeting invites directly from the program. We did like the ability to add detailed notes to events or tasks with the built-in editor, and the option to add attachments to events so you'll have quick access to relevant docs for any meeting or appointment. Efficient Calendar also gives you the option of importing major holidays in the U.S., the U.K., and three other countries with just a few clicks. You also can choose from eight skins, all variations on the standard XP and Vista look.

For anyone who's used Microsoft Outlook before, Efficient Calendar will both look and feel familiar and the learning curve will be minimal. As noted, the only downside is that it doesn't integrate with your e-mail to send and track invites, but the 30-day trial should be more than enough time to see if this is the right calendar program for you.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Efficient Calendar 3.50 Build 332.