How To Manage Tasks In Entourage

Step 1: New Task

Once you've opened Entourage, go to the main page in the upper-left corner and select "Tasks". When the tasks mode comes on, put the arrow to the box with a check in it, next to the word "new" and click. A box will open up.

Step 2: Title

Name it something specific. If possible, title it so you won't need to open the task to know exactly what the task requires.

Step 3: Time And Date

Select the due date box. You can either type the date in or use the calendar to select the date. If it's a recurring task, use the "Occurs" bar. Select from one of the options.

If none of the options apply, select "custom". Select the options available to you there.

Next, select the date and time you want to be reminded.

Step 4: Prioritize And Categorize

You can mark your priority box highest, high, normal, low, and lowest. "Highest" will appear as red exclamation mark on your task list, "High" priority will look be an orange exclamation mark, "Normal" will be blank, "Low" will be a downward arrow, and "Lowest" will be a little lighter color and opacity.

On the top of the task box, you can categorize the note. You also have the option of associating it to a project you're working on.

Step 5: Note And Close

This could be an area where you go into more detail, writing the steps involved in the tasks. Entourage sees this note as being part of the task.

If you want to make a note that's important to know, even after the task is completed, go to the "Notes" mode of Entourage and create a note there. Then link the note to your task. When you eventually delete the task, the note will still exist.

Once finished, save and close the window.

Step 6: View Options

The task will be listed along with other tasks you have. The color of the task will match the category you assigned to it. If you assigned it to a project, a corresponding dot will appear next to it under the "project" section.

On the left, you can see different view options. You can choose to view by due date, category, priority, incomplete tasks and overdue tasks.

Step 7: Reminders

A reminder will appear for the task, if you set one.

You can mark it "Completed".

You can hit "Open Item", to change the due date, priority level, and the note area.

You can hit "Snooze", which will send you another reminder in 5 minutes. If you don't want to dismiss it yet and want another reminder later, click and hold on the "Snooze" button. When the menu bar appears, select when you'd like another reminder.

You can also hit "Dismiss" to dismiss it immediately or click and hold on "Dismiss" to dismiss all upcoming reminders that are open on your desktop.

Step 8: Complete And Delete

Once you've completed the task, go to the main "Tasks" page. Click the box underneath the checkmark area next to your task.

When you're sure you don't need to see certain tasks anymore, select them, then delete them.

If you want to back up a task before you delete it, drag it to your desktop or other folder on your computer.