Looking for centralized Home software; Memo's, chore lists, calendar..

[Calab]

We have an MSI all-in-one PC with touchscreen. I'm hoping to find a software package to centralize the happenings in our home. I've done some searching, but I don't really know where to start.

We're hoping to find a software package that...
- Checks multiple accounts for new mail
- Present a memo board so we can leave each other short messages
- Track a calendar so we can all add and update appointments
- Warn of upcoming birthdays, chores that are due, garbage day, etc...
- When idle, show photos, a clock, alerts, etc.
- Shopping list
- Works with the touch screen for most functions
- Eventually will control the X10 or ZWave power controllers for lights, etc.


...basically, replacing the whiteboard on our fridge, the calander on the wall, the constant nagging the kids to do their chores, and the lack of communication between us when we set up appointments, etc.

Does anyone know of software that does this? How about some Google search terms that might find some results?

Thanks!

 

[DavidE]

I doubt you will find a single software package that can do everything you are asking for.

A few questions you should answer:

• You have a single "Home PC", not a "Home Server" with multiple client PC's, correct?
• Do more than one person need to use this single PC at the same time?
• Does everybody log in and use the same Windows user account?
• Are there any restrictions for some users such as children, or does everybody have Administrator authority?
• Are you looking for a free solution, or are you willing to pay $$$?
• Are you willing and capable to put in whatever time and effort is needed to accomplish all this.

MS Office Outlook email client can do a lot of what you want, but it is not free.
Windows Live Mail and Thunderbird are free, but have fewer features and capability.
Some of this might be done with Windows security and permissions, depending on how you are using User accounts and storing data.

You may be able to find a Business or Individual in your area that specializes in Home Automation that can help you, but it will not be free.

I hope I'm wrong and someone knows of a package like you want, but I believe if such a software package exists, it would be well known and used by a LOT of people, including me.

Hope this helps,
David

 

[Calab]

I've found a couple so far...

KitchenHub ... but it looks kinda cluttered.

Frontface ... This looks a bit too technical for what I'm trying to achieve.

I'm not looking to put a PC in the living room. I've trying to use a touch screen PC to eliminate some common household items, like chore lists, appointment calendar, reminder.

 

[DavidE]

I'm not looking to put a PC in the living room. I've trying to use a touch screen PC to eliminate some common household items, like chore lists, appointment calendar, reminder.

What does that mean?
Does each person have their own "Personal" PC, and can also use a "Common Household" PC?

 

[scr]

Perhaps a search of "Personal Information Managers" on Google would be productive.

Here's an example, however, I have not used the program in a long time, EssentialPIM PC Version Note there is a free version and paid for version.

I think Kitchen Hub looks exactly like the white board we kept on the fridge years ago. It was cluttered and messy as well.