Project Perfect Put your projects on the fast track.

Using a software application to help manage your projectsshouldn't be more work than the project itself. Unfortunately,in many cases, it is. And, at first glance, FastTrack ScheduleVersion 7.0 from AEC Softwarelooks as if it could require more effort than you bargained for.However, this project-management tool offers many features that canmake monitoring projects less of a headache.

Version 7.0, the latest upgrade to the software, is availablefor $299 (street). It adds more customization options and new waysto view your project's timeline. It also features a compatibleversion for your Palm handheld computer, available for $99(street). The Palm version offers a limited number of the featuresavailable in the desktop version, but it does allow you to createand edit schedules.

The desktop version is indeed far more robust. The interface isbusy-it can be overwhelming at first-but once you spend some timenavigating through the application and its many features, you learnjust what FastTrack can do. For instance, you can track progress ona project by entering different tasks and assigning timelines. Youcan also track the hours and the amount of money spent on eachproject. New in Version 7.0: a calendar view that allows you to seeyour project's timeline on a traditional calendar rather thanjust on a Gantt chart. The tracking function also features acritical path highlighter, which highlights the trail of tasks withthe least flexibility for change.