I'm new and have never used project management software so I have LOTS of questions. I hope you'll be patient with me...

I've been exploring some of the software solutions suggested by members here and I'm a bit confused.

I thought that with this type of software you could set up a client then a list of all projects done for that client. For example:

Acme Rockets is the client and they want me to build a new rocket for the Coyote to catch the Roadrunner.

Within a PM software program I would expect that I could set up an account for Acme Rockets with their billing address, contact name and info etc.

Then under that client name list the various projects - in this case building a rocket for the Coyote.

Under the rocket building project I would list the individual tasks like finding a rusty shopping cart for a launching platform. I could assign due dates for these individual tasks and keep track of the time I spend doing these tasks.

Am I understanding how all of this works?

If so, is there a program that works like this? If an open source program is available I'm willing to install it on my server.

What do YOU use and how do you manage your clients and their projects with PM software?

Gee, I know that's a lot of questions but I do need someone to explain this to me like I'm a 4 year old.

Thanks, Barbara