Project management (PM) software doesn't make a project manager more effective -- it just makes him or her more efficient. For that task, Microsoft’s Project 2002 is one of the best packages available. Because it integrates fully with Office XP, it lets Office regulars get up and running with relative ease in an application that would otherwise take a lot of learning. Managers who don't use Office XP may prefer a package tailored for their businesses, such as construction, sales or manufacturing. But for general use, you can't go wrong with Project 2002.