There's no dearth of task reminder tools and applications that one could use to keep a tab on his to-do list. So much so that one doesn't care to look into the default Windows features or tools to see if there's something like that available.
At work I always prefer to use MS Outlook as it allows me to set up the task reminders too. But if you aren't using it for emails, it probably won't make a lot of sense to use this heavy tool just for task reminders. In such cases I would suggest you use the Windows Task Scheduler rather than opting for a third party tool for setting up reminders.
Here's how to schedule a reminder using the same.
Steps to Create Task Reminder Using Task Scheduler
Windows Task Scheduler is an integral part of the operating system and it can be used to accomplish many tasks like software updates, system shutdown/wakeup, disk cleanups, system maintenance, etc. Task reminder is one of the simplest uses one can put it to.
Simply double-click on the cells to delete the pre-filled copy and add your own timeline information. Use the cells titled Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3 to establish hierarchy. Add dates by clicking on a cell in the Start Date and End Date columns and either manually type the date or click the calendar icon to choose a date from the calendar. Bettertouchtool 2 355 – customize multi touch trackpad gestures. When your instructor gives you a writing assignment, write the due date on your calendar. Then work backward from the due date to set aside blocks of time when you will work on the assignment. Always plan at least two sessions of writing time per assignment, so that you are not trying to move from step 1 to step 5 in one evening.
Step 1: Launch the Task Scheduler. You can do that by going to Start Menu, searching for task scheduler and then hitting Enter.
- Set your reminder to occur before the task's actual due date to give yourself some time to work on it. For example, set a budget's reminder for two weeks prior to the date. In the Tasks area of Outlook, double-click a task you have created. It opens in its own window. Select the Reminder check box under the due date.
- Use simple words and phrases. When you're making word choices, pick the familiar or commonly used word over the unusual or obscure. There are many lists of complex words and suggested substitutes, like the one below. See also the lists in Kimble (2006). Bold marks the dirty dozen, the 12 offenders most likely to weaken your work.
Step 2: On the Task Scheduler window the right pane is labeled as Actions. Profind 1 6 1. Click on the option to Create Task.
Step 3: On the next dialog, go to General tab. Give your task a Name so that you can identify it among other if when you decide to make some changes later.
Step 4: Next, switch the context to Triggers tab. Click on the New button on the bottom left of the window to define trigger details.
Step 5: For the trigger, set a start date and time, choose the recurrence behavior and define advanced settings if any. Click on Ok when done.
Step 6: Back on the Create Task window, switch to the Actions tab and create a New action.
Step 7: Choose whether you want to Display a message or Send an email. I chose the former because that shows a pop up on top of whatever you may be doing when the reminder is triggered. Fill the Title and the Message text boxes and hit on Ok.
Note: If you want you can create multiple triggers and define multiple actions for a single task.With that done you can close all the windows that have been stacked. And then you can forget about the task. Your system will take care of reminding it to you.
Conclusion
While I said that I use MS Outlook at work, I have been using the Task Scheduler at home. It works seamlessly, is simple to set up and does not add to the load of my machine. Don't you think you should also retire the third-party tools that you have been using for this (and if you are not using your smartphone for it)?
Top Image Credit: Alan Cleaver
Did You Know
The 1st generation Amazon Fire TV was unveiled on April 2, 2014.
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