Smart Diary Suite Free for Windows

User Reviews

• Streamlined My Life

  soulcomaSeptember 16, 2013

  Pros

  I like to keep track of my Passwords, my Contacts, my To Do Lists, and my Budgets and Financial Planning, and the Medicine I take daily. This has it all in one program and much more. I don't even use the Calendar or the actual Diary, but they are excellent. I don't use the Medical or Nutrition sections either (I simply keep track of my medicine in the Notes section), but man, those sections are comprehensive. This is by far the best program I've used for organizing my life. Bills, paychecks, budget at my fingertips, TV shows I watch, the books and movies I want to read and release dates. I could go on. I use it many times every day. The interface is intuitive and comprehensive. The authors are always adding more features, great customer support. You can import pictures, (I made a cool cover page - you can create your own background images.) You can set it to auto-backup. It's indispensable.

  Cons

  Some sections have more features than I use and you can customize them by removing columns, but in some sections the program doesn't save your choices. But that is only in 2-3 of the 10 sections and I don't use those sections anyway. That's the only Con I can think of.

  Summary

  I don't understand how this can't be $1 in its category. There are several versions, one as cheap as $9,99 and even a free one (with some limited functionality), so price isn't the issue. More people need to know about this program. It condensed 4-5 apps I was using into one and had extra features like contacts that all get backed up. I keep all my passwords in the Notes section and you can put a password on the program as well as encrypt individual files. So happy I found this. Been using it for over 2 years now and it keeps getting better with each new version.

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• Don't waste your time

  CresourcefulJune 11, 2013

  Pros

  None on the free version

  Cons

  Thought I'd try the free version before purchasing... You can't open it. They shouldn't offer a free version that doesn't work! Wasted my time which for me is money! Cnet should remove it!

  Summary

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• Useless without paying for

  cdp9876May 19, 2012

  Pros

  Might work but cannot tell without paying for.

  Cons

  Nothing works without payment. Idiot boxes constantly pop up telling you "this feature only works in full (paid for) version". Can not use enough to tell if it is actually worth the price.

  Summary

  Some features of this program might be nice but other software (such as Evernote and a spreadsheet) are much easier and better for almost all of what this software does.

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• Good product. Sometimes takes up too much cpu usage.

  smitanirulaSeptember 2, 2010

  Pros

  Easy to comprehend and use. Neat and user friendly

  Cons

  Sometimes SDS4.exe takes up too much cpu usage and slows down the whole computer. Then I have to disable the SDS4.exe.

  Summary

  I have been using Lotus Organizer for years. The programme got corrupted and I looked for alternatives. I like Smart Diary. It is user friendly and keeps my schedules in easy viewability.

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• This application knocks all the others into oblivion

  nick7lAugust 11, 2010

  Pros

  Everything actually. It is highly configurable and all data is available from within one neat and attractive interface. The Life Factors feature is extremely useful and can also be configured by the user, something which CNET'S editor has missed.

  Cons

  Frankly, what is there to dislike about this program? I can't think of anything and I have been using it for some time now. With each new release it just keeps getting better and better, so no, there are no cons as far as I'm concerned.

  Summary

  As mentioned above, every release of Smart Diary (herein referred to as SDS), continually improves this great product and while minor editions usually address bugs as submitted by an ever growing band of followers with a small batch of new features, version 4.5. is actually the first major release for some time so new features and enhanced existing ones, many of which have been requested by users, was the main purpose of this release. New to this edition is the facility to provide backups of all users' data to a user specified folder. Also new is the ability to not only embed images to individual entries, but also to be able to globally insert images to various sections of SDS. Despite the many features on offer (even the basic free edition has everything a PIM has and more. Paid versions have even more facilities to entice you away from the usual boring applications), SDS is still low in its requirements for system resources. When launched with Windows it sits quietly in the system tray and remains there until it's required..A quick click on the tray icon and it's almost immediately at your command. This is a very creditable tool if you need something a bit extra for taking control of your life.and being able to do it simply with the minimum of drama. One thing I would like to do to finish off is to commend the developer, a Mr Dennis Volodomanov. This gentleman who started SDS back in the '90's I think he told me, couldn't be more helpful if he wanted to be. It doesn't matter how busy he is with any future development of SDS, he will ALWAYS set aside time to answer any queries, or problems or maybe a suggestion or request for a feature in an upcoming edition. Bearing in mind the actual distance between our respective locations and the requisite time zones, I never have to wait more than about 12 hours max for a response, and quite often it's a lot less than that. Much of what SDS has become is through requests from the forum members. Yes, he runs a forum as well as developing the application. And comment in there, or a question, he's there, right on it. It's as if He eats, sleeps, drinks SDS ;-)Personally speaking, On the rare occasion where I've had a problem with the program, he has been very quick to get down and sort it out. If a problem exists that is perhaps a little more involved, say for example something that is nestling deep in the program's code, then he will not stop until he's found the cause, even if he has to draft in outside help to do it, it WILL get done and it WILL get fixed. All of this done with politeness, courteousness, and real friendliness. Nothing is too much trouble for him, no problem too small or too big, he will get it sorted for you as quickly as he possibly can and if he can't sort it straightway, then he is quite happy to email you and tell you that it's a little more complex than he thought. Nevertheless, it will get fixed. I have NEVER in all my 52 years encountered such wonderful aftercare and customer service. Honestly, you have to experience it to believe it. Finally in conclusion, if you're looking for a Personal Information Manager to take care of daily life for you, give SDS a spin and I can tell you for nothing that you won't be looking for anything else.

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• In my experience this is a must have.

  nick7lJanuary 25, 2010

  Pros

  Even without the extra features this package offers it is usable straight out of the box. Just using it to schedule reminders and to do lists couldn't be simpler. But look under the hood and there are other useful things to be found under Diary.

  Cons

  None that I can find, there is nothing not to like..

  Summary

  I have been scouring the net for years for a PIM that was different to all the rest. I don't really know what it was I was looking for to be honest until I found Smart Diary Suite. I tried the free version to begin with and even this covers most of the things that any user would want to do, taking care of scheduling reminders, to do lists and so on. The Diary section, which is accessible like all the other functions via a nicely tabbed interface, has a little more than your usual diary, namely, the ability to plot various aspects of your daily life using "Life Factors" which the user can tailor to his or her own requirements. Having tried the free version I was interested in trying the Home Edition. (there are various upgrades available from the Free version which offer even more scope to personalize your diary and also offers more options to the user). This is a first class product which has to compete in a very crowded market within the PIM sector and it does this admirably, succeeding in offering more than your average PIM is currently able to. There is one aspect which I particularly want to comment on and that is the customer service offered by the developer. Quite frankly, in my own experience, any superlatives I have cannot do enough justice to the support I have received in relation to Smart Diary Suite. Any problem, no matter how small, can be either emailed to them via their support email address, or, somewhat differently, via a forum which is also run by the developer. Whichever method is chosen, your query will be answered promptly, courteously and thoroughly and the gentleman concerned couldn't be more helpful if he wanted to be. He actually goes out of his way to ensure that he deals with your problem personally, on a one to one basis, rather than it being dealt with via a standard email or letter, or some other person who may not be familiar with the product. Any suggestion that a user may have can be submitted via the forum and if the developer thinks it is a viable option he will endeavour to include it in a future update. On the subject of "Life Factors", if a user has a specific need which isn't covered by one of the pre-defined Life Factors, or, the user doesn't feel comfortable about creating their own using the provided tools included in the application, the developer is more than happy and willing to create a pack specifically designed to that users' specification, liaising with them the whole time until the user is satisfied with the end result. I cannot think of ANYONE who would be prepared to go that extra mile to do this, but this company will, and very willingly and happily. I have never known customer support like this and I have been around for long enough to encounter some that have been less than willing to do anything, never mind solve a problem. This cannot be said of the developer of Smart Diary Suite, this gentleman is not happy until he has satisfactorily dealt with any issue he is presented with. I cannot praise him enough for his attention to detail and his willingness to make Smart Diary Suite easy to use for anyone. This is a first class product backed up by first class support and in my book it has to be part of anyone's program arsenal. I have ditched my other PIMS in favour of Smart Diary Suite and a program such as this has to be extra special to make me do that. Smart diary Suite is that program. Smart Diary Suite is as simple or as complex as the user wants it to be. If the user doesn't want to use the bells and whistles that are included, that's fine, it will function just like any other diary application, but to do that would be missing out on a lot. If one is prepared to go above the Free edition then other options become available. To sum up, this is the only PIM you'll ever need. This does everything the others do and then adds some rather interesting extras which I don't think you'll find anywhere else. If you don't buy anything else this year, buy Smart diary Suite.

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• It works well, but limitations are significant.

  cyberpazDecember 1, 2009

  Pros

  Does what it promises well. Diary keepers will love it

  Cons

  Import and Export lack integration to other programs

  Summary

  If you have to use other programs for calendars this does not allow integration, and if you want to publish a calendar or part of it to the web, it doesn't -- yet. Otherwise it's a very good program.

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• Good at first look

  goodaussieblokeJune 22, 2009

  Pros

  This is quite a versatile program and the interface is quite user friendly. Online support has been prompt.

  Cons

  I have been having issues with the email reminders from day one. I have contacted support re this issue however at the time of writing it had not been resolved and they don't seem to know what is causing the problem.

  Summary

  There are some things missing that I would have expected from a program that is not freeware such as syncing with other address books and the ability to email your schedule to others. Google diary also has the option to email yo a daily schedule if requested. It has a lot of bells and whistles which a lot of people may not use and in my opinion I should have gone with Google or Yahoo diary which are free and are reliable if you don't want to miss an appointment. While not an expensive program I feel like I did not get what I paid for.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jun 25, 2009<p/>The issues with the software have now been resolved and I can say the online support for this product was second to none. The reply's were prompt, concise and helpful. I initially had reservations about this software due to the issues that I was having, but since these have been resolved I am quite satisfied with it.

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• much too complicated for what I was looking for

  sandstarr28April 18, 2009

  Pros

  very organized

  Cons

  just too much to have to learn for a simple program

  Summary

  just more than I was looking for and costs too much for me

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• much more than a simply diary

  roland_mApril 14, 2009

  Pros

  seamless and user-friendly interface; daily, weekly and monthly schedules; yearly calendar at-a-glance; mark any future events by the hour so one can plan years ahead; task grouping by urgency, due date and category

  Cons

  haven't used this program long enough to conclude anything.

  Summary

  This program is definitely worth a try. One reason is that this basic version is free. The second is that you won't be disappointed. To me, it is more of a planner than diary especially because of its scheduling function. It allows you to schedule future events by the hour and gives you an overview for the next 4 months. The interface is particularly pleasing and functional. I very much enjoy using this program, though I've only recently started it using it. This program actually prompted me to register with CNET just so I can rate it and tell people how great it is. Cheers~

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