Some folks look at Outlook as another source of info overload, but here's the thing: Outlook 2010 and the Outlook Social Connector are the most powerful tools you have for mastering all your information streams.

Living in an info-centric world can be maddening, kinda like standing on a really small island in the middle of the ocean, where waves are hitting you from all directions. Outlook is your rescue boat. You can use it to bring in just about any RSS feed or e-mail source, and even your social networks like Facebook, Linked-In, MySpace and Windows Live. Once you bring in those streams, you can use Outlook's rules, tasks, calendaring and RSS capabilities to bring order to the chaos. So you can focus on the most important things to you. This Office Show features Doug "Office Casual" Thomas, demonstrating how to do just that.

Wait, back up, did I say bring in Facebook to your Outlook? At work? Yes, not only is it possible, it can HELP your productivity. No matter what business you're in, you need to rely on people, and the more you understand about them as human beings, the potential you have to find similarities, passions and complimentary skills. And that all leads to working better together and getting more done. Office VP Takeshi Numoto comes on the show to explain more.

And we have Outlook product manager Michael Affronti, who spearheaded the creation of the Outlook Social Connector. He shows how the Outlook Social Connector works, and how his team has thought about the best way to bring in social networks into the workplace. Now excuse me while I update my status...

For more info: Check out the Outlook team blog,

And here's Doug Thomas' post on how to install the Outlook Social Connector.

-- Doug Kim

More info on the Outlook Social Connector:

Announcing the Outlook Social Connector

As you wish: More about the Outlook Social Connector

How to install the Outlook Social Connector (video)

Connect your Inbox to Facebook and Windows Live with the Outlook Social Connector

Important: Update your Outlook Facebook Connector

What I love about the Outlook Social Connector (and why I think you'll love it too!)

Boost productivity...with social media?

Why Outlook is not just strictly business

Get a load of this: Facebook in Outlook!

Social Connector for Microsoft Outlook

Video: Getting the most out of the Outlook Social Connector