This is kind of a two-part question and it doesn't seem to relate directly to any other forum so I dropped it here.

I originally was going to develop a few of programs by doing one then moving on to the next. Now I am finding that in the background, there is so much that can be reused, I am thinking I should start thinking about all three programs at the same time so I get all the issues together.

I've also now been handed a new project that will last several months that is completely unrelated to my own stuff. BTW, I still don't really considere myself a "programmer" yet, but I am trying. Using VB2008.

1) Project Management - What do you use to manage the full extent of projects? I am finding that my regular stuff gets in the way of programming and I want to make sure I leave myself enough time to do everything. I tend to bump my own stuff because it won't bring in money until I am finished and I bump for consuslting that does bring in money. Right now I am using Outlook and scheduling time to do the programming as well as tasks to track some specifics but I am not sure this is the BEST way. Is MS Project a better way or overkill? Is there another program (eg. cheaper, more complete, easier to use)?

2) Design - What options are there for tracking design elements? Currently, I am using a Word doc to itemize forms, actions, etc. but when it comes to form design, I am resorting to paper. This works but I find it a little clunky, especially when I want to just mock up a few things and show an end-user and ask "which do you prefer". Is there a better way?

TIA rasinc