DeskTask is an alternative to outlook on the desktop. It was back then recommended by Jojo in the comments and a review has since then been on my todo list.

The software program connects to Microsoft Outlook to display the Outlook Calendar and Todo list on the computer desktop. This feature became even more interesting with the release of Windows 7 which provides options to look at the computer desktop without having to minimize the applications.

DeskTask is compatible with all Microsoft operating system from Windows 2000 to Windows 7 and all Microsoft Outlook versions from Outlook 2000 to Outlook 2010 RC.

The program should display the Outlook Calendar and Todo list automatically upon startup. It is possible to move the interface around on the computer desktop so that it can be placed in an appropriate location.

DeskTask display the current’s week calendar sorted by days and the todo list in its interface. The homepage of the developer contains a faq for possible problems or errors that users might experience using the application.

DeskTask is a free software that can be downloaded directly from the developer’s website.

Both options are compatible with Microsoft Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007 and the Windows XP and Windows Vista operating system.

1. Using Google Calendar Sync To sync Google Calendar with Microsoft Outlook

Google Calendar Sync is an official software program by Google that has to run in the background to sync Google Calendar with Microsoft Outlook. Download and install Google Calendar Sync from the download link above. The syncing options can then be configured in the main interface which looks like the following:

Enter the Google email address and password for the account that you want to sync Microsoft Outlook calendar with. Syncing options are provided in the same interface. It is possible to select a 2-way sync which will sync new and changed calendar entries both way or single-way from either Microsoft Outlook to Google Calendar or vice verse. Lastly the time between syncs can be defined in minutes. The application will run in the background on the computer system. It will use about 10 Megabytes of computer memory while running in the background.

A right-click on the icon can be used to access the options and to initiate a manual syncing process.

2. Remote Calendars To sync Google Calendar With Microsoft Outlook

Remote Calendars is an add-in for Microsoft Outlook that can be used to subscribe, reload and delete a generic remote iCalendar. Google Calendar is actually offering access to iCalendar in the options on their website. The process would look like the following:

• Install Remote Calendar
• Go To Google Calendar and copy the private ical link. (Select the calendar in the drop down box in the start page, click on Settings, then again on the name under Calendar in the opening page. It should display an entry called Private Address: at the bottom and next to it the iCal icon. Right-click the icon and select copy link from the options.
• Open Microsoft Outlook. A general options screen should show up that can be used to edit the options of the add-in. Close the options once you have finished configuring them.
• You should notice a new toolbar on top that is displaying various options, one of them is to add a new ical calendar.
• Click that option and paste the ical link into the Remote calendar’s url.

Please note that this option will only add Google Calendar entries into Microsoft Outlook. If you want to sync the items both ways use Google Calendar Sync instead.

The requirements for this application are Windows 2000 or higher, Microsoft Outlook or higher and the Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0. If your system meets the requirements you can display a daily or monthly view of your calendar on your desktop. You can set the transparency level as well. The calendar is basically a second wallpaper on your system.

Features as mentioned on the developers website:

* Places fully functional Microsoft Outlook Calendar on your Desktop.
* The Outlook Calendar is pinned to your desktop so that no windows can get stuck behind it.
* The Calendar’s position, size and opacity are all adjustable via a very intuitive GUI.
* A tray Icon (complete with the day of the month) is provided to to configure the app and perform other actions.
* Multiple-Monitor Support.
* Ability to switch between calendar, inbox, contacts, tasks and notes views.

Outlook Desktop seems to be a pretty good solution for everyone who is using the Outlook Calendar regularly.