Microsoft Outlook is very powerful, but it can be a bit complicated if you only need a simple calendar. Anyone looking for an alternative that combines useful functions with a lighter touch would do well to check out Rainlendar, an attractive alternative Desktop calendar program that’s been around for a few years and has plenty of fans.

It looks good, supports skins (there are hundreds of visual styles available for free on the internet to alter the way it looks and behaves) and can import calendar files from many other popular programs. It’s relatively lightweight and can be tucked away in a corner of the Desktop or floated over other programs as required. This Workshop explains how to download and use the free version of Rainlendar.