For entrepreneurs with or without employees

A few simple programs can run almost your entire business.

I recommend: ACT! Contact management software (available for single users or corporate workgroups) and e-mail and calendar tool Microsoft Outlook remain the juggernauts of small business planning and scheduling. Check out SJR Productions' ACT! Add-on Store, featuring an advanced scheduling system add-on to the software. The GroupReady Web site offers a free trial of its office-wide time management and scheduling software.

Industry-specific software

Get your particular needs met with software designed for your niche.

I recommend: Landscaping businesses use Gopher billing and scheduling software. Construction companies use VirtualBoss. Businesses that frequently schedule customer appointments will value Web-based AppointmentQuest scheduling software. Or search through software by industry on the DMOZ site.

Read reviews and decide where to shop

There's ample help finding reputable, user-friendly products through unbiased product reviews. Once you've settled upon the best product for your company, do a price comparison and choose a retailer with fast shipping and a solid return policy.

I recommend: See reviews from PC Magazine. When you're ready to buy, search Yahoo! Shopping for either planning or scheduling software and find price comparisons and reviews of retailers. Major retailers such as CompUSA, OfficeMax, and Best Buy sell software both online and brick-and-mortar style.