Technology has become an inevitable part of our lives, affecting millions of lives and work. Especially, in today’s fast-moving world, nobody can deny the importance of technology. Since 2019, the Coronavirus pandemic has proven how important technology is for us, to stay connected, work, communicate, and basically survive.

Nowadays, people take advantage of the modern development of technology to improve themselves in terms of knowledge and skills to improve their abilities. Approud would like to suggest 10 software products with different functions to boost your productivity.

1. What is productivity meaning?

Productivity is a term used to describe the efficiency of the person, the organization to implement any activity, task, or process. Productivity not only is to complete work but also to take advantage of available resources to reach the target as soon as possible with the highest quality. Productivity will be evaluated by some measure.

Personal productivity is the ability and the efficiency of a person to complete their duty or work. For example, finish the task, achieve the set goals before deadlines with high results.

2. What is a software product?

The software product is any software that is written by the development team to adapt to the demands of users. In the world, there are some famous software product development companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce, Adobe Inc...

3. List of software products boost personal productivity

3.1 Google Drive

According to Wikipedia, Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization solution developed by Google. Launched on April 24th, 2012, Google Drive permits users to store files in the cloud, synchronize files across devices, share and edit files.

Source: https://www.aodocs.com/

3.1.1 How does Google Drive work?

Google Drive works based on the main purpose is to help users to upload, save and share a variety of file types such as document, photo, video, audio… All of the files of folders can be stored at the Google servers or the cloud. Google Drive permits syncing all files or folders on all your devices.

Google Drive provides apps including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides…The apps are similar to Microsoft Office with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint. Users can take advantage of the sync function of each Google Drive app to do work conveniently.

3.1.2 How to use Google Drive?

Users can use Google Drive on Computers, Android, iPhone & Ipad. Begin with Google Drive:

• Step 1: Go to drive.google.com (computer) or download and open the app (Android, iPhone & Ipad).
• Step 2: Sign in with your Google Account.
• Step 3: Upload or create files or folders.
• Step 4: Manage or organize files or folders.
• Step 5: Share files or folders.

Nowadays, Google Drive is the most popular service that makes your life more convenient.

3.1.3 Pros of Google Drive

• Easy to use. If you have any files that you want to save, you can open your Google Drive account and upload the file here. In addition, you can easily sync all your files and folders, search, view, organize, edit, delete, or share with others.
• With the file that you want to open anytime or anywhere, you can activate offline mode on Drive. It’s very convenient if you are in a place without an Internet connection.
• You can create, share and manage a lot of files. For example, using Google Docs for documents, Google Sheets for Spreadsheets, Google Slides for Presentations, Google Forms for Forms, and so on.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/

3.1.4 Cons of Google Drive

• For beginners, the user interface is a little difficult to understand and use.
• The large files are uploaded or downloaded slowly.
• You must be connected to the internet to see the detailed information related to the file or the folder.

3.2 Google Calendar

According to Wikipedia, Google Calendar is a time-management and scheduling calendar service developed by Google. It became available in beta release April 13, 2006, and in general release in July 2009, on the web and as mobile apps for the Android and iOS platforms. Google Calendar allows users to create, schedule, edit and share the information of the meetings and events, as well as get reminders about upcoming activities.

Source: https://www.timetackle.com/

3.2.1 How does Google Calendar work?

Google Calendar works on a Google system that allows users to schedule multiple agendas quickly with specific information, update and keep track of them. Moreover, users always get the reminder about the next events via notifications or email.

3.2.2 How to use Google Calendar?

Users can use Google Calendar on Computers, Android, iPhone & Ipad. Begin with Google Calendar:

• Step 1: Go to calendar.google.com (computer) or download and open the app (Android, iPhone & Ipad).
• Step 2: Sign in with your Google Account.
• Step 3: To change any of your settings, click the Settings icon.
• Step 4: Do everything that is provided by Google Calendar such as create new calendars, add attachments, add related information of the events (time, participants, location, description), email event guests...

With Google Calendar, you can easily improve your personal productivity.

3.2.3 Pros of Google Calendar

• The main advantage of Google Calendar is its sharing abilities. After creating multiple calendars, you can choose and share any event if needed. People who receive your invitation can view, follow, edit, or share with each other.
• Simple to use. You can view the calendar by day, week, or month. It’s easy to track your schedule daily, manage and save your time.
• Sync across multiple devices. If you’re offline, you will not only view your schedule but also receive a notification about the upcoming event.

3.2.4 Cons of Google Calendar

• You must sign up for a Google account if you want to use the Google Calendar app.
• You can only be accessed by internet access. If the Internet is available, you can do everything that Google Calendar supports. But when there's no Internet connection, you only view the event and receive the reminder. It’s a limit.

Google Calendar may not be the best option available, but it's free, simple to use, and reliable.

3.3 Evernote

According to Wikipedia, Evernote is an app designed for note-taking, organizing, task management, and archiving. It is developed by the Evernote Corporation, headquartered in Redwood City, California. Evernote is cross-platform, for Android, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.

Source: https://evernote.com/

3.3.1 How does Evernote work?

Evernote works similar to a note-taking app such as OneNote. Evernote allows users to store notes on virtual notebooks with different types of notes such as texts, photographs, links, audio… Tagging the notes, users can categorize the notes by topic. With a simple search, it’s easy and time-saving to find all relevant notes. With the important notes, you can set reminders on them to receive emails or notifications. You can also sync your notes on multiple devices simultaneously.

3.3.2 How to use Evernote?

Users can use Evernote on Computers, Android, iPhone & Ipad. Begin with Evernote:

• Step 1: Go to evernote.com (computer) or download and open the app (Android, iPhone & Ipad).
• Step 2: Sign in with your Evernote account (create a new account if needed). Users can also log in with Google or Apple accounts.
• Step 3: Depending on the need, you can create notebooks, create and organize notes, write notes, add shortcuts, add and filter by tags, search, share notes.

Evernote is one of the most well-known online note-taking applications for several reasons.

3.3.3 Pros of Evernote

• Maintain a wide range of content. Evernote helps you create notes including texts, images, drawings, audio, PDF files, links, or saved web content.
• The notes will be stored in notebooks and can be organized, tagged, annotated, edited, searched, given attachments, and exported. It’s easy to check, update, filter or follow information, or tasks.
• Use the app on multiple platforms. With any Internet-connected devices, you can synchronize and log in to the app to manage notes.

3.3.4 Cons of Evernote

• The app doesn’t allow users to protect their accounts by a password when using the desktop version.
• Can't password-protect individual notes.

3.4 Grammarly

According to Wikipedia, Grammarly is a cross-platform Cloud-based writing assistant that reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and detects mistakes in real-time. It uses AI to identify and search for an appropriate replacement for the mistake it locates. It was developed by Grammarly, Inc in 2009.

Source: https://www.grammarly.com/

3.4.1 How does Grammarly work?

Grammarly works as a write-checking tool, allowing users to write correctly, clear, and easy to understand. Using a variety of innovative approaches including advanced machine learning and deep learning, Grammarly will show the grammar mistakes, how to use the word, style, punctuation… Moreover, both suggestions and reasons will be given to the user to understand the problem.

3.4.2 How to use Grammarly?

Users can use Grammarly on Computers, Android, iPhone & Ipad. Begin with Grammarly:

• Step 1: Users can choose one of the methods, depending on their needs:

1. Install Grammarly’s free browser extension (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge) to write correctly on nearly every site on the web.
2. Use Grammarly for Microsoft Office (on Windows) or Grammarly for Microsoft Word (on Mac) to check writing directly in Microsoft Office.
3. Copy and paste any English text into Grammarly’s Editor or Grammarly’s desktop app.
4. Install Grammarly for iOS, Android, or iPad.

• Step 2: Sign in with your Grammarly account (create a new account if needed).
• Step 3: Use the function of Grammarly to check your writing.

Grammarly’s mission is to improve lives by improving communication.

3.4.3 Pros of Grammarly

• Check for several types of errors: grammar, punctuation, spell check, plagiarism, and writing style. After checking, Grammarly not only underlines the mistake but also provides highly accurate suggestions and guidelines on how to correct these mistakes.
• Detects the mistake correctly and quickly.
• Flexibility: type or paste text directly or upload a Word file that you want to check.

3.4.4 Cons of Grammarly

• Grammarly has 2 versions: Grammarly Free and Grammarly Premium. But the free version of Grammarly has one function to correct spelling and grammar. Grammarly Premium also provides more detailed suggestions than the free version.
• Only works in English, so users can’t use the app if they don’t know English.

3.5 IFTTT

IFTTT, standing for If This Then That is a free web-based service developed in 2011. IFTTT helps users connect multiple apps, devices, and services that are used frequently, automatically triggering them in remarkable ways.

Source: https://blog.faceseo.vn/

3.5.1 How does IFTTT work?

IFTTT works as a connecting tool to permit users to connect all different services or systems. Users can create their Applets by themselves. Applet’s function is similar to macros that connect multiple apps to run automatically. Using IFTTT’s website or mobile app, users can easily turn on or off an Applet.

3.5.2 How to use IFTTT?

Users can use IFTTT on Computers, Android, iPhone & Ipad. Begin with Evernote:

• Step 1: Go to ifttt.com (computer) or download and open the app (Android, iPhone & Ipad).
• Step 2: Sign in with your IFTTT account (create a free account if needed). Users can also login with Apple, Google, or Facebook accounts.
• Step 3: Search and find out the available Applets.
• Step 4: Connect the services and create the Applets.

Using IFTTT is the easiest way to do more with your favorite apps and devices for free.

3.5.3 Pros of IFTTT

• Easy to set up and use with a simple interface.
• A connectivity platform because IFTTT helps you automatically connect all the apps, devices, or services that you need to be connected to. So it helps users save time.
• Provide groups of similar or related "applets" based on applets you've already chosen/created or programs that you regularly use.

3.5.4 Cons of IFTTT

• Work for simple tasks, when needing more steps and some more difficult links, it’s not easy to use.
• Only allows for one account associated with each integration. If you have multiple Gmail accounts or multiple Facebook accounts, you can only use one of them with IFTTT.

FTTT is considered the world’s leading connectivity platform. Let’s try it.

3.6 RescueTime

RescueTime is an outstanding time-management and analytics tool. RescueTime is also a service that shows how users spend their time. It records all of the apps, websites or the file that users opened, the breaks are taken while working.

Source: https://www.pcmag.com/

3.6.1 How does RescueTime work?

RescueTime works as a time-tracking tool to help users see exactly how they spend their time on the computer. After automatically recording the time, reports will be sent via email, users can check their productivity and set their plan for the coming week to not only balance work and life but also get more efficient.

3.6.2 How to use RescueTime?

Users can use RescueTime on Computers, Android, iPhone & Ipad. Begin with RescueTime:

• Step 1: Go to rescuetime.com (computer) or download and open the app (Android, iPhone & Ipad).
• Step 2: Sign in with your RescueTime account (create a free account if needed). Users can also log in with Google, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn accounts.
• Step 3: After install and login, RescueTime will record data automatically. Users can know their habits, highly productive hours, and highly unproductive hours by clicking “Reports”. Adjust behavior and habits to be more efficient and productive.

3.6.3 Pros of RescueTime

• Help users know their habits and total time spent on the computer.
• Provide weekly detailed reports for everyone to get the information.
• Help to analyze and classify the applications and websites users use according to their effectiveness. Users know which applications or websites need to focus on or limit to improve efficiency.

3.6.4 Cons of RescueTime

• Mobile devices are not good to use.

3.7 StayFocusd

StayFocusd is a productivity extension for Google Chrome offered by Transfusion Media. It helps users increase their productivity by focusing on work easily. It limits the time that users can spend on time-wasting websites, blocks distracting websites, and blocks time-consuming applications.

Source: https://chrome.google.com/

3.7.1 How does StayFocusd work?

StayFocusd works as a restricted tool. The main feature is to set specific limits to decrease the time users spend on a particular website or social network that takes a lot of time. The amount of time wasted can be significantly reduced. Set usage time limit, list of blocked websites, if users use up the allotted time of the day, they don’t continue using it until the next day.

3.7.1 How to use StayFocusd?

Users can use StayFocusd on Computers (only with Google Chrome). Begin with StayFocusd:

• Step 1: Download StayFocusd from the Chrome Web Store and click “Add to Chrome”.
• Step 2: Click “Add extension” to complete the installation
• Step 3: Click on Settings to set up limitations such as max time allowed, daily reset time, a list of the sites that you want to block or allow, the nuclear option, import/export...

3.7.2 Pros of StayFocusd

• Set up many limits or access: max time allowed, blocked sites, allowed sites, active days, active hours… Users set it up themselves, follow and implement it easily.
• Knowing how much time users have left with a blocked app or website, saves time and concentrates on work.

3.7.4 Cons of StayFocusd

• Work only with Google Chrome.
• Users don’t customize different time limits for each blocked site.

3.8 Noizio

Noizio was released in 2014. It is a music app for creating a mixture of ambient sounds that you want to listen to help you relax and increase your productivity when you're trying to focus on work.

Source: https://setapp.com/

3.8.1 How does Noizio work?

Noizio helps users create the music they want to listen to. Offering a few available ambient sounds that are built into the app, Noizio becomes an impressive library of sounds. Users take advantage of ambient sounds to blend, creating the best mix for their mood.

3.8.2 How to use Noizio?

Users can use Noizio on Computers (for macOS), iPhone & Ipad. Begin with Noizio:

• Step 1: Go to the App Store or Mac App Store to download Noizio.
• Step 2: Sign in with your Noizio account (create a free account if needed).
• Step 3: Choose, adjust, mix, and create ambient sounds.

3.8.3 Pros of Noizio

• Provides 15 free ambient sounds and 20 locked sounds available for purchase. It’s easy to choose one sound or mix several sounds together and adjust the volume.
• Make different sounds depending on their emotions. After that, save and open them whenever users want to get in a better mood.
• The auto pause timer. Setting a timer for when you want the sound to stop helps you don’t waste electricity and energy.

3.8.4 Cons of Noizio

• Noizio is only available on iOS.

3.9 LastPass

LastPass is a free password manager that stores your usernames and passwords online. The safe place that saves passwords of LastPass is called a Vault. LastPass remembers and enters the passwords automatically when you need to log in to any website.

Source: https://blog.appsumo.com/

3.9.1 How does LastPass work?

LastPass allows users to never have to remember passwords that were added to LastPass. Using LastPass, users add items to their vault, auto-saving, and auto-filling logins, set up two-factor authentication, securely share passwords, and how strong their passwords are...

3.9.2 How to use LastPass?

Users can use LastPass on Computers, iPhone, Begin with LastPass:

• Step 1: Go to lastpass.com (computer) or download and open the app (Android, iPhone & Ipad).
• Step 2: Sign in with your LastPass account (must enter email, master password, and confirm master password) or create a new account if needed. With Google Chrome, Download LastPass: Free Password Manager from the Chrome Web Store, click “Add to Chrome”, next “Add extension” to complete the installation. Login with email and master password.
• Step 3: Add passwords in 3 ways including add passwords manually at Vault of Lastpass, add directly at the sites or the apps that you need, or import passwords.

3.9.3 Pros of LastPass

• Safe and easy to use. Users don’t forget or mistyped passwords, save time and get a more convenient life.
• Automatically update passwords, share them with others, and show strong passwords to make accounts more secure if needed.

3.9.4 Cons of LastPass

• For free users, LastPass will be limited to one device.
• Some personal data types can’t be used for form-filling.

3.10 Dropbox

Dropbox is a file hosting service launched in 2008. It is one of the oldest and most popular cloud storage services that help you save files online and sync them to your devices.

Source: https://uk.pcmag.com/

3.10.1 How does Dropbox work?

With any file that you want to save and back up to the Cloud, Dropbox is a useful tool with storing securely all of the documents that users uploaded. Users can share files with others easily, sync their data across all devices.

3.10.2 How to use Dropbox?

Users can use Dropbox on Computers, Android, iPhone & Ipad. Begin with Google Drive:

• Step 1: Go to dropbox.com (computer) or download and open the app (Android, iPhone & Ipad).
• Step 2: Sign in with your Dropbox account (create a free account if needed). Users can also log in with Apple or Google accounts.
• Step 3: Do everything that Dropbox supports such as add files, scan documents, share files, sync them.

3.10.3 Pros of Dropbox

• Easy to share or send any file to anyone without a Dropbox account required.
• Keep all files securely stored, updated, and accessible from other devices.

3.10.4 Cons of Dropbox:

• There are limits to how many files users can store based on the free/paid plans of the service.
• Difficult to download because Dropbox takes a long time.

Conclusion

Those are some reference information about 10 software products that can help you increase your productivity. Approud hopes you will have interesting experiences with the above software and find the right software that is made for you.