To Do Program

This program is designed to simplify the process of keeping a to do list.  It allows you to use Microsoft Word to create and maintain a list of items, then lets you maintain the items on the list in priority order with the most important ones at the top and the less important ones lower down on the list.

Below you can see what the To Do file will look like after you run it.  (In the presentation on this page, you won't be able to use the short-cuts that make the program so easy to work with.  The short-cuts will work when the program is running on your computer.) 

The To Do file below consists of items you want to do and instructions for using the program.    When learning how to use the program, carry out the instructions on the text of the file.  Afterwards you can delete the lines of instruction and use the file for your own To Do list.  (Please keep reading, it will become clear how it works as you go along.)

To Do

Call Joe 314 2412

Mail package to Jean

Etc.

As Einstein suggested, one should try to make tasks as simple as possible but no simpler.  This program is a "simple as possible" way to keep your tasks in priority order. 

Pretend the lines below contain tasks you want to do.  (Remember, the Alt key shortcuts won't work on this screen.)

You can move a task up the list if it is more important.  Move this task (line) up by pressing Alt/u (for up).

(Alt/u means hold the Alt key down and tap the u key)

Now move this less pressing task down the list by pressing Alt/d a few times.

To store this task in the "To-Do History" at the bottom of this document, press Alt/h.  It will be stored along with the date you stored it.

To go to the bottom of the document, where you can view the tasks stored in the History, press Alt/b.

Note: If you store a task in the History, you can always review it later.  For example, if you want to find a phone number later that you put in the History, just press Alt/b.

To zap (delete) this task, press Alt/z.

To replace a deleted task immediately after zapping it, press Ctrl (not Alt) /z.   

To highlight this task in yellow, press Alt/y.

To replace the yellow highlight with white, place the cursor on the line above and press Alt/w.

The program will work on one line at a time.  Use cut and paste if you want to move more lines at one time.

That’s all there is to it.  

 

History

7/28/2008 - a stored task

8/4/2008 - another stored task

To return to the top of the To Do list, press Ctl (not Alt) Home.

 

Short-cut keys (press Alt + shortcut key)

Move the current line up = u

Move the current line down = d

Move the current line to the top of the list = t

Store the current line in the To-do history = h

Go to the bottom of the document to see the tasks stored in the History = b

Zap (delete) the current line = z

Replace the zapped line = Ctrl (not Alt)/z

Highlight the current line using yellow marker = y

Un-highlight the current line using white marker = w

If you wish, you can download the program now for free by clicking  on the link at the bottom of this page.  Then...

Save the file on your computer Desktop (where it appear as ToDoProgam.zip).  

Double click on it to unzip and start it.  

At the top of the To Do file, you will see a box saying "Security Warning:  Macros have been disabled.   Options"  Click on the box marked "Options" and, when prompted, give permission to enable the macros that run the Alt/keys.  If you ever get a message while using the program that the macros are disabled, click the Options box again.

Learn how to use the program by following the instructions that appear on the screen.

Once you know how to use the program, you can delete the instructions (but not the word "History".)  You may not want to delete the guide to the shortcut keys but keep them for reference.

Print this page now so you will have these instructions for installing the program in hard copy.

When you are ready to download the program, click here.   

Good luck!  To give feedback or make suggestions or comments, click here.