Using OpenProj

Ever wondered what you could use instead of Microsoft Project? OpenProj (http:/openproj.org) is actually a good project management tool. It helps you build up your chart and account for the hours your team will and is spending on the project. As the developers of OpenProj have pointed out, it is "interoperable with Project, with a Gantt Chart and PERT Chart."

I personally like the fact that it's available for both Windows and Linux which means that I could share files with co-workers and not have a problem of reading and editing those made in OpenProj.

What can you do with OpenProj

• create a Gantt Chart
• create a Pert Chart
• create WBS/work breakdown schedules
• create Earned Value costing
• open MS Project files

OpenProj is Java-based so you need to install that first. I just started using it because of work and so far, the user interface has not confused me much. If all else fails, there's always the online help. You could search the wiki for instructions on how to do things and they usually have screenshots so they are very helpful.

If you've been looking for something to help you manage projects, OpenProj seems to help a lot. Download and see for yourself.