by A Morris

Created on: March 19, 2009

Mindjet Mindmanager software is an incredibly useful business tool, and can also be used to organise personal affairs. Also known as mind-mapping, this software enables you to build mind maps to brainstorm ideas, organise files, and keep track of individual projects. The program was developed to enable the collation of vast amounts of data into a single visual picture.

If you have large amounts of data in different formats, Mindjet would be perfect for you. You can use the software to create a basic mind map, either from scratch or using a template. Once you have a basic structure, you can begin to organise your files. You can import files from Outlook, Word and other Microsoft Office applications, allowing you to build up a selection of different forms of information that relate to the same project.

Mind mapping allows you to form relationships between different maps, and apply hyperlinks to create quick links between different maps and documents. For example, you might create a map of current clients, which links to another map that relates to invoicing those clients. This means you can separate or collate data as you wish. When you want to print your data, you can select certain branches to view or print by themselves, or print the entire map. Alternatively, you can print the information as a word document, which can be ideal for meetings and office copies.

With Mindjet you can apply task information and icons to each separate task. For example, you can flag up important issues, mark who needs to take action and what percentage of the task has been completed. The maps show which individual has added information and when, and also show who is currently looking at the map by means of a small icon. You can also apply deadlines to keep track of your work progress.

If your map becomes too large to see clearly, it's easy to import and export information into archives, or into new maps. As the software uses the Microsoft "ribbon" toolbar, if you are familiar with Office 2007 it won't take you long to grasp how this program works. The use of keyboard shortcuts enables you to add or remove data very quickly. In an office environment, you can choose which employees can see certain maps, enabling managers to display chosen information.

Mindjet is compatible with Windows and Vista. It has powerful search and filter functions, and allows you to surf the web from within the program, allowing you to add more links and information points to your maps. It can be ideal as alternative to Powerpoint presentations, and is easily adapted to suit your needs. Overall, Mindjet allows you to keep track of all your important data at a single point in time, on one single page.

You can apply for a free 30-day trial of the current version 8 online to see whether this program will work for you.

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