As a marketer, I have a ton of digital information stored all over my computer. My file folder hierarchies are organized by Product line, then by such folders as: Advertising, Competition, Customers, Editorials, Evaluations, Graphics, Info Releases, Press Releases, Projects, Reports, Sample User Case Studies, Stats, Strategy, Surveys, Tutorials, User Quotes, Webpage Content, etc....

Sometimes I create info that doesn't fit into these categories, or I receive info via email or RSS and though it relates to info in my file folder hierarchy, i just can't seem to figure out how to store it together so it's easy to find later...

What products / techniques do you use to make managing information easier?

Is a desktop search tool enough, or would you recommend any organizing tools? Is there software out there that brings all my information together? I use RSS feeds, email, word docs, excel files, and bookmark webpages on a regular basis...

Any help would be great!!

I use an inexpensive program called Time & Chaos which contains an organizer, contact manager, calendar, to do list, etc.

You can make notes for each entry in the address book and link to files related to that contact. Remembering names is a challenge for me so I can use the search function to find anyone even if I don't remember their name or how to spell it. Each section can be searched by keyword.

It still takes discipline to actually use the program though and you'll probably still want a tool to search your hard drive.