6 of the Best Free Linux Task Managers

A task manager is software which enables users to compile a list of tasks to be completed. This list is also known as a to-do list or things-to-do. For the purposes of this article, the term 'task manager' should not be confused with monitoring software which provides information about programs and processes running on a computer.

The list of activities that may form a to-do list include chores, grocery lists, reminders for important events (such as purchasing wedding presents or birthday gifts), self management, software development, project / business management, and so on. Task managers help to organise your day, ensuring that you know in an instant what you need to do.

Linux has a large range of open source task managers, in part because many of them have a limited feature set and hence are relatively quick to code. This feature selects our personal favorites, including both console based applications and software sporting an attractive graphical user interface. There are also many web based task managers available, which we will cover in a forthcoming article.

One application that did not manage to feature here is Fluidity. It is worthy of a passing mention though because it has great potential, although it is in an early stage of development.

To be productive, you may need more than a task manager. Our features on Productivity Tools and Personal Information Managers help to organise your day in other ways.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 6 proficient task managers. Hopefully, there will be something of interest here for anyone who wants to avoid that sinking feeling of remembering (albeit too late) something important that needed to be actioned.

Now, let's explore the 6 task managers at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, screenshots, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.

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Last Updated Friday, April 06 2012 @ 05:47 AM EDT