Data, Information, and Knowledge Management Software - "What software should I use?"
A primer on data, information, and knowledge management software tools
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Glossary of Tasks and Terms - Data, Information, and Knowledge Management Software
- Brainstorming - generating ideas in a rapid and non-linear process with the goal of coming up with as many possible related or associated thoughts about a topic or problem.
- Brainstorming software - a software tool that helps you capture and relate ideas without getting in the way or slowing down the brainstorming process. Brainstorming software is typically extremely easy and almost transparent to use for this reason. Can be visually centred (see related definitions of mind map and mind mapping software) or hierarchical or text centred (see related definitions of outline and outliner).
- Category - a way of grouping or organizing data or information into logically related sets
- Categorize - the process you, or a software tool, goes through in grouping data or information you want to store into logically related "storage bins".
- Concept Map - Similar to a mind map, a concept map is a visual representation of a group of related topics. It differs from mind maps in that there can be more than one key idea with multiple links in any direction, whereas mind maps typically have onc central idea from which associated ideas spring from.
- Diagram - a visual representation of the relationship between bits of data or information. Typically how one bit relates to, works with, is next in line to, or is driven by something else. A diagram of a set of roads is called a road map. A diagram of the floor of a building is called a floor map. A diagram of how people work together is called a organization chart.
- Diagramming software - software tools that let you easily and quickly visually sketch out relationships between bits of information. Lets you draw out road maps, floor plans, organization charts, flow charts, networking diagrams, etc.
- Idea map - another name for "mind map" (see definition of mind map).
- Knowledge Mapping - similar to mind mapping, but linking of all kinds of documents, web sites, and ideas in a free-form, associative manner.
 Mind map - a visual representation of a grouping of thoughts in your mind that are related or associated to each other through a central topic. Example: You are starting a writing project about hydrogen powered cars. A mind map would have "hydrogen cars" in the center and related thoughts around this central topic would be "price", "technology", "storage", "delivery methods", "threat to oil industry", etc. According to many, mind maps were popularized by Tony Buzon - http://www. for more information.
- Mind mapping software - a software tool that allows you to capture the picture of your thoughts and ideas on a central topic. Literally, it allows you to "map" what the picture in your mind looks like. Often used in project brainstorming sessions (personally or in group), by teachers and students, writers, researchers, etc. This tool is more often used by people who think visually than hierarchically or textually. The latter group might use an outliner instead, though these tools might be complementary rather than mutually exclusive to some (see definition of outliner).
- Outline - In the context of software tools, "outline" means to sketch out the plan, frame, or key thoughts or ideas about a story, research article, project, etc.
- Outliner - a software tool that allows you to capture your thoughts or ideas quickly and transparently into a text centered hierarchy, often displayed in tree-like structure of trunk sub-set branches. This tool is more often used by people who think hierarchically or textually rather than visually. The later group might use a mind mapping software instead, however these tools might be complementary rather than mutually exclusive to some (see definition of mind mapping software)
- Personal Information Manager - a "Swiss army knife" software tool that tries to do all your organizing for you. Most "PIM‘s" (as they are called) do calendaring, scheduling, contacts, and even journaling very well. However, they are not really full power information management tools - or at least, not yet.
- PIM - short for "personal information manager" (see definition)
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Credits:
The following people contributed to this document: (Thanks for your contributions!)
- Paul Kurucz
- Wade Baggette
- Stephen Zeoli
- Daniel Ginsberg
- George Mayhew
- Matthew Deaner
This is a continual work in progress. Please e-mail
paul@ with your thoughts so we can help others find the tools they need to be productive knowledge workers. Your name will be included in the Credits for any contribution you can make. This document first created November 2003. Latest update: January 2004. This document or any information on it may be copied freely. As a courtesy, please reference this site as your source for anything you copy from here. Thank you.
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