Hi,

Which project management software do you use, why, and which one would you recommend? I am looking for one, preferably free, but can't decide on which one to use.

Thanks! :)

I used a hand-coded system in Prolog, a logic programming language. Not very widely applicable! But it got me through the task of writing my thesis. Can't take the computer scientist out of me :p

I'd be interested in what others recommend though, especially anything that works on a Mac.

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I always go for MS Project and found that most universities have the software available to students (expecially staff and PhD's), its easy to learn, use and modify and if you know how to use MS office can use it and adapt to it. Just ask you IT department about access to it.

Also, most places in industry (apart from heavy project management places) use MS project, so its software worth learning for academia or industry in my opinion.

Hope that helps.

Thanks to both of you. I have downloaded a trial version of Project Management, but buying it is a bit pricey. Anyone use Mindjet MindManager for project management?

I've gone with Merlin, which is the Mac equivalent of MS Project. It's fully compatible with Project too, and apparently looks and feels similar. I found it pretty user-friendly so far.

It's also quite a clever demo. It's fairly pricey to buy (only saw it in dollars but it was like $140) but the demo is not time limited, just task limited. It's limited to 40 activities, so I'm thinking I may need to split my PhD project at the pilot study or confirmation of registration stage, but it's great cos it does mean it can stay free.

I looked at Gantt project (free, open-source program) but didn't think much of it having already played with Merlin.

Thanks Clarabelle. I'm downloading the Merlin demo now. I've also got the OmniPlan demo and am trying that out too. It's a similar cost to Merlin. At first glance it looks like over-kill for what I need, but trying it out. I may stick to my Prolog :p

Hi, you'll find this article useful. It has comparisons of project management software: http://www.timedoctor.com/blog/2011/02/02/43-project-management-software-alternatives

Hi Bilbobaggins. You are sooo right - Merlin is total over-kill for a one-woman project. I'm seeing it as developing a 'transferable skill' at the same time though, and it is quite pretty! Saying that, I've not opened it in about two weeks, so presumably everything will be red now...

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I use Microsoft Project 2010. Having experimented with many project management software, I feel Project 2010 by Microsoft is the best. It helps smoothen the process for completing projects. I recommend Microsoft Project 2010 because of its many advanced features. Although, it's not free, you can try out the FREE trial version for 60-days.
http://www.microsoft.com/project/en/us/try-buy.aspx

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Hello, I have used eTaskman for my PM. It's also free and I use it to handle my task assignment. My lecturer advised to me.

Try using Microsoft Project Professional 2010 which offers flexibility and choice by providing tailored work management solutions for individuals, teams and enterprises. Also this advance project management software helps you to effectively manage tasks, reduce cost and drive efficiency through unified project and portfolio management. http://www.microsoft.com/project/en/us/project-portfolio-management.aspx

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I use Covestorm's project management software because when you create a project in your Cove you open up a whole world of possibilities. They give you full control over user permissions, project deadlines, project descriptions, project stats & reporting, tasks, people, files, discussions, plus so much more.
http://www.covestorm.com