7 apps to increase your productivity

A number of us work home or on the move. Here's a ion of apps that keep track of what we're supposed to do, log in remotely, share files and invoice customers...

Eternity Time Log Lite

This is a time management app. It promises to help you time your work, rest and play — and these are the main categories loaded into its activities list. Tapping on each category brings up a timer window with a big start button. To log time on a particular task, you use this timer and add a note or a tag for later viewing. Later, you can look at the activities and filter them by tag or even by hour ranges, giving you an insight into your work patterns. For best results, you have to use it consistently andthe time, and this may not suit you (though it is probably easy to get into the routine). To access the full list of features,the ability to create an unlimited number of activities and tags, you have to buy the pro edition at $10.

Basic version free on iOS

Logmein

This enables you to remotely access your Mac or PC. This can be helpful if you're working on a tablet a coffee shop or other venue and your main computer is at home. It connects over the internet to a companion app that's running on your computer, and lets you directly control that machine as if you were sitting at it. LogMeIn is free, but to access a few extra features you'll have to buy a subscription.

Basic version free on iOS

Wunderlist

It is a powerful app for making and managing lists that has a clear interface controlled by gestures and taps. You can make as many lists as youand add lots of items to each one, and you have the option of setting reminders for each item. The company also offers a cloud-based scheme so you can share your lists with colleagues or your boss. One irritation is that some of Wunderlist's features require a subscription. For example, to add unlimited subtasks or have the ability to designate tasks to friends or colleagues , you'll have to pay $5 a month.

Basic version free on Android and iOS

Box app

Home working often means that you have to share files with coworkers or your boss who are located elsewhere. It's a cloud-based app and even gives you 5GB of storage space free. It's simple to use and you can encrypt the files. The app is an alternative to DropBox.

Free on Android, iOS

One Note

The app comes withof Microsoft's office software expertise and it can sync with task list data you create on your computer. But mainly , it's great for working on the move or at home. The idea behind the app is that you can make ann o t at e d lists to remind you what tasks you've got to tackle and then check them off when you're done. One issue is that you can only create 500 notes with the app.

Free on Android and iOS

Zoho Invoice

For freelance home workers, one important task at the end of completing a job is invoicing. Though the app's really about invoicing , you can also use it to track time spent on different projects. It's simple to use and attractively designed, which in its Android edition makes it stand out a little many of its peers. It can also be easy to get lost among its different menus because they look similar.

Free on Android and iOS

Bento app

It's a good for keeping track of different tasks you're working on at home. It lets you build lists so you can keep on top ofyour projects and even plan events and filethe relevant contacts you'll need for a particular task. But it costs $5, and you may find it just a little too complicated if you're only an occasional home worker.