There are options when it comes to tracking your time electronically. In this article, we will review the pros and cons of Microsoft Outlook®'s Calendar versus the online Google Calendar and allow you to make your own informed decision.

Google Calendar

This application is free and Internet-based. If you have a computer and an Internet connection, the application can be downloaded at Google.com.

Pros

• Since Google is Internet-based, the calendar function is available whenever and wherever there is an Internet connection.
• You can share your calendar with your colleagues and friends, so it will help you plan your personal and/or professional life.
• Google Calendar is user-friendly and appealing to the eyes, without clutter.
• The layout allows you to quickly jump to different views of the calendar with ease.
• The layout brings familiar-feeling tabs along the top of the screen to switch between different views (day, week, month, etc).
• You can also register for other Google services and links to these services (i.e., e-mail) from the top of the Calendar screen.
• Although you can share your calendar with friends, relatives or coworkers, Google offers a strong amount of security in this regard. For example, you can allow someone to see your work calendar but not your personal calendar.
• A generalized search option is available at the top of Google Calendar, allowing you to search for items by keyword. This can be extra handy if you've forgotten the exact date of a specific event.
• Calendars from other applications, such as iCal, Yahoo! Calendar or Outlook, can be imported into Google Calendar.
• Multiple calendars can be set up. For example, you can have separate personal and professional calendars within the application. Also, events from each calendar will appear in your main events screen to prevent conflicts.
• Google Calendar can be set up to send e-mail or text message reminders to your phone.
• With a compatible phone, you can display and set up Google Calendar events right from your phone.

Cons

• Third-party software may be necessary when syncing Google Calendar with other calendar programs.
• Some tasks can be tricky to find and figure out if you're a novice computer user.
• There is no to-do list within Google Calendar.
• Tasks have to be associated with a specific time.

Outlook Calendar

Part of the standard Microsoft giant, Outlook Calendar is a widely used application. But, let's take another look at what it has to offer and what limitations it may have.

Pros

• Access levels can be set for access to your shared Outlook Calendar (i.e., Reviewer, Author, Editor, None).
• You can easily send meeting invites from Outlook Calendar to a list of people from your Outlook Contacts.
• Outlook Calendar is highly customizable and flows freely with the other applications in its suite of products.
• Group calendars can be set up and shared.
• You can sync your Outlook Calendar with your handheld mobile device, such as a BlackBerry, if you have BlackBerry Server Enterprise.
• Reminders can be set for events or meetings and are a general option for each new item.

Cons

• Outlook calendars can also be setup online, but this can be challenging for the average office staff.
• While you're able to search from within Outlook Calendar, the search function isn't terribly user-friendly.
• Microsoft support has historically been highly rated, but their support websites seem to be going in the direction of self-help before you get the real deal.
• You can share calendars but, unlike Google Calendar, you can't control which calendar you share. It's all or nothing with Outlook, which can be limiting if you don't particularly want your coworkers to see what time your annual appointment is with the gynecologist.

As you might have guessed, these two calendars are very similar in ease-of-use and what they have to offer. Your best bet might be to give each program a shot for a week and see which one suits you best. Do you already have a preference? Whose side are you on? Share with us!