Abstract: A personal information manager is based on a different paradigm than the conventional paper/pencil paradigm, resulting in a personal information manager that is dramatically simpler and easier to use. The personal information manager is based on what may be referred to as a tag paradigm, which allows different types of information to be entered from a single screen display in a consistent manner, and likewise allows different types of information to be retrieved from a single screen display in a consistent manner. The operational modes characteristic of prior art personal information managers are largely eliminated, greatly increasing ease of use.