MAC TREAT #135: Get More Out of iCal
I feel like I’ve been living in iCal for the past few weeks. That’s because I’m using it to create and manage the marketing calendar for our new store at the Mall of New Hampshire.
When iCal debuted in the fall of 2002, I admit at first I didn’t like it. It was clumsy to navigate and in my opinion, the popsicle colors screamed “kindergarten!” Fast forward eight years, and iCal has matured into an easy-to-use essential Apple application. There are just a few features I wish Apple would add to iCal to make it close to perfect (an option for year-at-a-glance view is at the top of the list!).
Did you know that you can use iCal to schedule applications to launch? To do this, create an event, and then choose the option “Open a file” when setting an alarm. Since iCal 4 (included with Snow Leopard) easily allows for multiple alarms, you can even have iCal send you an email reminding you of the call an hour before it is scheduled, then have iCal automatically launch Skype 15 minutes before the call.
Want to learn more about iCal? I think this overview from Mac-advisor.com is quite comprehensive.
Also, here is Apple’s support center for iCal, which features many tutorials, tips and tricks.