Take Notes on the desktop in Windows XP

Question

I like to take notes to myself throughout to keep track of the microtasks I need to accomplish. I normally do it by having a notepad open, but I hate doing it this way because it clutters my screen to have another app running, and whenever my computer needs to restart it's clumsy and doesn't autosave anything.

Ideally, I want to be able to click directly onto my desktop and type a note to myself that is automatically saved.

I've seen programs that can display an existing text file on the desktop, but that's not what I want. I want to click the desktop, and start typing.

Is there a piece of software like that?

If not, I could program something, but I'm honestly not sure where to start -- where do I hook into the OS to make something like that work?

Answer 1

OneNote

Answer 2

I would suggest using a program such as Stickies to put virtual post-it notes on your destkop. If you don't want to use third party software for some reason, you could also try using Active Desktop to display a web page with an input field set to fill the page.

Answer 3

You may want to add a tasks object to your windows sidebar or Google Desktop sidebar. That would get you close to what you are looking for. There is also a bit of software out there branded by Post-It Notes that will come close to what you are looking for. If you are using a Mac, "Notes" comes with the OS.

Answer 4

See http://www.freewarefiles.com/category_8_87.html for a list of programs

Answer 5

You may wish to consider OneNote. It's not click on desktop, but there are lots of shortcuts and app integration points. Very well done support for multiple input devices (sounds, pointer, keyboard, images, etc)