AutoMate is the software for automation, scripting, and scheduling of business and IT processes. Combining raw power with intelligent design, AutoMate enables IT professionals to build and deploy system-automation projects in record time. AutoMate tasks are assembled via drag and drop, without the need to write a single line of code. The application can perform a wide variety of tasks, including automated FTP-file transfers, data or file replication, application testing, data entry, event-log monitoring, service or application monitoring, system-performance monitoring, SQL database transactions, and e-mail notification. AutoMate includes more than 170 available actions and triggers that can rapidly be assembled into an automated solution, saving time and money. Version 6.2.1 fixes a few bugs and updates the installer to work better with Vista and User Account Control.

Process Lasso is a unique new technology intended to automatically adjust the allocation of CPU cycles so that system responsiveness is improved during high-loads. It does this by temporarily lowering the priorities of processes that are consuming too many CPU cycles, there-by giving other processes a chance to run if they are in need. No longer will a single process be bring your system to a stall. Version 2.68 includes unspecified updates.

Auto-m8 takes any repetitive task and does it for you. Created with the gamer in mind, am8 works wonderful with numerous browser and full screen games. Simple yet powerful, am8 works so you don't have to. Enter a location you want the mouse to move to on the screen, then indicate how many clicks you need, or which keys to be pressed. Set up numerous locations, insert pauses, and have Auto-m8 repeat them for you while you sit back and watch. Simply save the macro you set up to a file and then load it up when you need it again later. Am8 lets you get a full nights worth of sleep and gaming at the same time. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to wake up your PC from a Stand-by mode or hibernation? Yes, it's possible. This simple utility will show you how. Once activated it resides in the system and wakes it up at predefined time, runs a file and if necessary sends system back into Stand-by or hibernates it. We can also supply it with a source code to let you modify this concept for your needs. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.

The Great Unattended Project TGUP is an executable Package that downloads and installs commonly-used freeware silently in sequence and sorts them into the start menu. TGUP works only online. Version 0.17 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

USBRunner is a solution that makes possible auto run programs form USB Flash Drive. You should install USBRunner on any computer which you use laptop or desktop and it will run your applications when you plug your drive into USB.

Visharad Process Mentor automates the tasks of creating documentation of a business process and also of creating process simulation. Perform the steps as you would normally do and Visharad Process Mentor will capture enough information to create document (in MS Word) and process simulation (in Flash) and store the info in a file. Whenever you want, you can use Visharad Process Mentor to create document/simulation from the captured information. The document contains sentences showing what steps to perform and images showing the results of those actions. The Flash content shows sentences, images and mouse simulations showing how to perform the steps. Both the document and the Flash content are automatically generated.

ExecMaster enables you to run actions using the keyboard in a totally transparent approach; actions like opening of an application or a Web site or pasting a string to the foreground window. First allows you to set shortcuts, the shortcuts lead to actions like execution of a program, echo a string to the foreground window (paste text), open a Web site. Also the registered edition supports scripts and plugins. The scripts allow additional actions like send a key to foreground window and pause for a specified time. Features: Small efficient and fast. Support for actions like execute a program, open a Web site, echo specified text. Support for arguments. Support for categories and sub-categories of any depth. Search for a command. A large collection of icons to choose for the categories and the commands. The registered version supports scripts and also plugins. Easy to use, compact and pleasing interface. Option to automatically start ExecMaster with Windows.

StartupMonitor is a small utility that runs transparently (it doesn't even use a tray icon) and notifies you when any program registers itself to run at system startup. It prevents those utterly useless tray applications from registering themselves behind your back, and it acts as a security tool against trojans like BackOrifice or Netbus.

Power Button is an application designed to give you the ability to automatically start/stop the external hardware associated with a desktop application just in one click, as you usually start a desktop application (such as winamp or windows media player). For example, when you click the desktop icon to start your media player, Power Button will first start the external hardware, such as amp speakers, dim the lights then start your application all in one click. Same, when you close your application, the hardware will revert to the initial setup (turn off speakers, bright the lights. It's a client-server design, which will also allow you to control the hardware remotely.

You can record and play macros in any Windows applications. You may record mouse and keyboard sequences. It is very easy, without any handwork script editing. Just push record. You can set global hot keys to script. Also you can take fast access to script using bee transparent button. Apis is follow the thread of script execution process, and wait if something wrong, or any windows still hide.

Hot Keyboard assumes all your repetitive work on the computer! With the help of this program you can greatly speed up your rate of work. Pressing hot keys you can paste frequently used text, launch applications, open folders, favorite web-pages, dial-up connections, quickly change sound volumes as well as write the whole series of your operations with a computer for their subsequent playback with any speed. The computer will start to perform all routine tasks for you. You will have more free time. Version 3.1.597 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.Editor's review of Hot Keyboard Pro While working on your PC, you often do the same tasks every day, such as opening the same documents. Hot Keyboard Pro lets you create a macro to trigger these repetitive actions with a single keystroke. You can assign each macro its own hot key and schedule it to run automatically. Automated actions include opening a document, launching a program, and automatically replacing a string of symbols as you type in any Windows application. You can record and save a series of keystrokes and mouse movements and run several macros in a chain or call your own menu of macros. The program makes adding new commands a breeze. For example, you can highlight some text and press a hot key to create a new macro for any of the text-related action types. The program produced no noticeable slowdown on our PC. Also, Hot Keyboard Server lets several PCs share and exchange macros. The midrange features and ease of use make Hot Keyboard Pro suitable for power users and professionals who don't want to lay down big money for a corporate-level solution.

Clear up your cluttered desktops by organizing them into discrete cabinets that slide in and out from the sides of your screen. Get one-click access to all your favorite files, folders, shortcuts, and applications with complete drag-and-drop adding and editing. The program is fully skinnable and customizable and is simple to use. Version 2.0.0.145 examples for plug-in creation, tutorial to get started, and tabs for closed cabinets.Editor's review of Macroworx Filing Cabinets A most helpful desktop enhancement, Macroworx loses points only in our Windows XP test. The shortcut bars you create with Macroworx are convenient, flexible, and seemingly infinite when you make full use of submenus. Password protection and support for skins are nice touches. The program isn't greedy for memory, but we did find it difficult to launch in Windows XP. Macroworx Filing Cabinets is likely to please anyone looking to reduce the number of clicks it takes to launch programs and documents.

EboBar lets you launch all your applications and documents by just pressing a few keys. No pre-assignment of shortcuts necessary, EBoBar figures out what you want to start using a nifty search algorithm. Works for applications, documents, Web site shortcuts, you name it - anything you can double-click in the Explorer. Even if you're not a skilled typist it will take you considerably less time to find and launch a file using EboBar - and you can remove clutter on your desktop and quickbar. You can specify directories that are to be made accessible. EboBar supports multi-user operating systems.

EZ Presentation lets you develop CD Autorun presentations using any HTML editor (e.g. FrontPage, GoLive, DreamWeaver). By adding a few extensions to HTML, you can easily make professional presentations very quickly without learning a new tool. Launch programs without security warnings, perform scripts when users click links, add sound and video without programming. Extremely simple to use, and comes with a few samples presentations.

Undelete Plus is a quick and effective way to retrieve accidentally deleted files, files removed from the Recycle Bin, in a DOS window, from a network drive, from Windows Explorer with the shift key held down. Undelete Plus supports all Windows file systems for hard and floppy drives including FAT12/16/32,NTFS/NTFS5 and image recovery from CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MultiMedia and Secure Digital cards.Version 2.92 adds Windows Vista support.

SlickRun is a floating command line utility for Windows. SlickRun gives you almost instant access to any program or website. SlickRun allows you to create command aliases (known as MagicWords), so C:Program FilesOutlook Expressmsimn.exe becomes MAIL. Enter a URL into SlickRun and it will launch your browser and navigate to the specified address. Run multiple programs in a few keystrokes, jot a note, look up a definition.Editor's review of SlickRun Graphic interfaces are a godsend, but rummaging through the Windows Start menu or scouring the desktop to find a desired program or document can sometimes get frustrating. SlickRun, like a handful of rivals, offers a command-line interface that can save time. A floating text box allows users to launch programs or documents quickly simply by typing in associated words ("Mail" for Outlook Express, for example). An autocomplete feature shortens the process even further, requiring only a few letters before settling on the right program. Unfortunately, the Help file is confusing, and the utility takes up more memory than we would have liked to see. We would nevertheless recommend it happily to command-line buffs or anyone else seeking at-the-fingertip shortcuts to commonly used files.

New era of desktop and start menu by a free skinable application launcher, it make a whole new way of launching programs or files on your system by customizable button style configuration. Starting programs from shortcuts on desktop and start menu is an obsolete and cumbersome process. Now it is made precise with categorization and graphic options. All your programs can be easily identified from the groups and the icons displayed. The skinable panel design make your desktop much more viewable.

RunIt! enables you to add files, websites and programs to your RunIt! index, all according to keywords you selected, so it is easy for you to remember how to find that file, then with a press of hotkeys (also assigned by you), run it, you're able to check e-mail or perform a websearch in one of the following search engines: Google, Yahoo! or MSN. RunIt! also allows you to index your related files, simply by adding a common keyword to all of them. Version 2 features a built-in e-mail notifyer and automated Common Software Wizard. Version 2.01 includes minor bug fixes and features support for additional languages

ProgramLaunch is a simple and easy to use application launchbar for the Windows operating systems. Initially made as a tool to circumvent the annoying start menu, this third generation is completely redesigned from scratch to improve flexibility and performance and make everyday use of the launcher as comfortable as possible. Managing the launch pad is simple and intuitive. Programs are added either through a dialog or by dragging links from Windows onto the launch pad. If a shortcut key combination is assigned to multiple icons, a list is shown for selecting the which program needs launching. Version 3.2 has added auto hide feature to the launcher Window. Added batch support for launching several other programs with one command. Added support for a vertical launcher mode. Added menu command for toggling the auto hide. Added default image used when icon loading fails. Added some missing translations. Extended default skin with additional vertical layouts.

XStart is an easy to use application launcher. A good alternative to the Windows Start Menu. Friendly and intuitive. It provides quick access to your favorite programs, shortcuts, folders, documents and websites. You can create custom groups, change theme and much more! How many times during the day you open a program or a document? With XStart you can reduce this time. Version 2.0.1 was converted to Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. Subgroups limit has been removed, now it's possible to create infinite subgroups. It is now allowed to add shortcuts to main group.Editor's review of XStart An alternative to the Windows Start menu, XStart aims to save time spent launching applications and programs. When minimized, it sits in your system tray. When you click the icon, a small window pops up and lets you drag and drop programs, files, and folders into it. You also can add files to XStart's program list via the Windows context menu. We appreciate that you can customize the program window in several ways. For instance, you can resize it, dress it up with several skins, and determine how big the icons should be. Though the program really does only one thing, some users may find they prefer using XStart instead of their PC's Start menu.

An easy-to-use launcher that provides quick access to the hierarchical list of favorite programs, documents and folders. It is available as a desktop context menu or hotkey-driven popup menus. To bring it up, right-click on the desktop, point to Favorite Shortcuts, and then click an item in the popup menu or just press a hotkey. To add new items to the list, right-click a file or a folder in Explorer, and then select Add to Favorite Shortcuts. Version 1.8.3 has an issue with bold/italic menu fonts has been fixed. Productivity has been improved.Editor's review of Favorite Shortcuts This utility lets you access frequently and recently used files and folders from an icon in the system tray. It makes specific files and folders accessible with one or two clicks. The program's menu also gives you access to up to 20 recently used folders and documents. To add an item to your favorite shortcuts, just right-click it in Windows Explorer and choose the option you want from the context menu. Favorite Shortcuts relies heavily on Windows Explorer for its functionality and doesn't offer any organizational tools for your shortcuts beyond Explorer's standard set of fields and sorting abilities. You have a month to decide whether the functionality justifies the price.

AutoTask 2000 is a task scheduler designed specifically for Windows. AutoTask is an extremely versatile event scheduling software that can be ran as a service or as a desktop application in the background. AutoTask has very flexible scheduling and conditional triggers for running various task. It has also the ability to run multiple commands per task, much like mini scripts or macros.Version 3.68 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.Editor's review of AutoTask 2000 This program easily automates and schedules tasks, but lacks wildcard functionality. AutoTask 2000 Task Scheduler's display resembles basic Windows three-pane menus. The application walks the user through task creation, wherein the user merely sets the trigger type, properties, and script commands. The Command Script menu lists all available commands, divided into six general categories. Scheduling is powerful and easily set, with every interval from every two minutes to once a year available. Autotask 2000 runs as a Windows service, which allows some scheduled tasks to run though the system is logged off. The program lacks useful wildcards. For example, the user must know the precise name of a window to set it to minimize or close. Novice users will find this application easy to operate, while enough options are available to satisfy advanced users. Though this program can't schedule every Windows task, all users will find it outperforms Windows' built-in Task Scheduler.

Have you ever wondered how to group your favorite programs and run them all--with just one click? RunClik is an application launcher that lets you quickly open more than one program by simply choosing a program group from the system tray. You can create program groups, customize the list of items to include, set several item attributes. You can even launch your favorite program group when Windows starts.Editor's review of RunClik Despite a few minor misses, this handy program provides quick access to a collection of documents and applications. RunClik conveniently docks in the system tray for right-click accessibility. Its clean interface has clearly labeled buttons and convenient drag-and-drop capabilities to effortlessly create program and file groupings that will run simultaneously. Creating multiple work spaces was a breeze, and we like that RunClik places a shortcut to each work space creation on your desktop. Hot-key access and scheduled launches, both missing, would have set this program above the rest. All said, RunClik is easy to set up and use and is definitely a time-saver for anyone who regularly works with the same suite of programs, documents, and Web pages.

Run programs with your desirable pre-defined priority. Instead of using Windows Task Manager to change the running processes priority (something which is not convenient), Applications Priority Master gives you the ability to create programs' shortcuts, specifying the priority you want them to start with. So, make a list of programs and run them from Applications Priority Master, with a pre-defined priority according to your needs.Editor's review of Applications Priority Master This freeware allows you to run executables and customize their CPU priority, but that's the extent of its functionality. Applications Priority Master's compact, tabbed interface is sparse but intuitive. The program lets you add executables to its list, and select CPU priority settings from low to real-time. You can launch an application directly from the program, and it automatically runs in your predefined priority settings. In our tests, Application Priority Master worked accurately, as promised. Its scope is somewhat limited, but this freebie can help any user who wants to control CPU-intensive programs.

Launch It Pro is a desktop utility that provides an alternative method of launching applications, easier to use than Windows Start menu, and neater than having large numbers of desktop shortcuts. Shortcuts can be to applications, documents and URLs, and can include parameters, and a description that is displayed when the shortcut is selected. Each shortcut can optionally be associated with a hot key combination.Editor's review of Launch It Pro Despite a few flaws, Launch It Pro organizes shortcuts for easy access of your favorite files, folders, and applications. The program adds an ordinary-looking toolbar at the top of your screen, and it doesn't contain any preloaded shortcuts. You can make the toolbar nonobtrusive by setting its autohide feature. In our tests, it isn't difficult to add shortcuts for files, applications, and URLs and group them into user-defined groups. We are glad to know you can select your target application and drag and drop it directly into the toolbar. However, novices seeking added guidance won't find benefit from the help file, because it is written in a foreign language. While you're supposed to be able to assign a hot key for each shortcut, that feature didn't work at all in our tests. Nevertheless, all levels of users will find the program easy to use, time-saving, and, best of all, it's free of charge.

PCSpeedDialer 2005 is a hotkey utility. PCSpeedDialer 2005 Features: - Configure any key combination to open any file, document, Web site or application; - Specify additional parameters for opening applications (advanced users); - Integrates with Windows Explorer to provide easy right-click access for adding hotkeys; - Use the On-Screen Notification to see information about a hotkey every time the hotkey is used. The software is now given away as 100% freeware. Updated help file and screenshots. Version 1.4 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.Editor's review of PCSpeedDialer 2005 Hot-key utilities don't get much simpler than PCSpeedDialer, though competing utilities offer more features. Similar to other programs of this type, PCSpeedDialer installs in the system tray and provides hot-key access to your most frequently used programs and files. It also offers hot-key access to Internet addresses. You don't get much guidance with this latter feature, however, beyond what's provided in the basic help file. We think PCSpeedDialer could benefit from a few prepopulated hot-key entries to get novice users started. We also note that PCSpeedDialer can't launch programs using special mouse clicks, nor does it support multicharacter shortcuts (aliases). It stretches a huge notification window across the bottom of the screen each time you use a hot key, but you can easily disable this feature. Folks seeking a no-nonsense hot-key application might take a look at this one, but more feature-rich options are available.

Astatix Launcher allows you to quick start any applications, open documents and explore folders in a single click. It allows assigning hotkeys to any actions, fulfil several special functions: open/close CD door, run screen saver, hide task bar and others. One of additional possibilities is a control of Winamp. You can use any hotkeys and control Winamp player anytime even you are playing full-screen games like Quake or Counter Strike. Version 1.62 fixed issues with tray icon.Editor's review of Astatix Launcher This program enables quick access to commonly used programs, but could stand a bit of redesign. Astatix Launcher positions several shortcut bars on each side of the screen that roll up when not in use. It comes preset with a nice selection of shortcuts for standard programs like Microsoft Word and Excel and controls to manage Winamp, the CD tray, and screensaver activation. The program impressively offers several preset hot keys as well. It's also a simple process to add your own shortcuts, although Astatix doesn't support drag and drop like others in the category. The program's Manager window relies too heavily on tabs and offers more options to customize toolbar appearance and behavior than seem strictly necessary. That said, the shortcut bars and hot keys proved convenient and effective. We definitely would have liked a less intrusive countdown nag screen; Astatix Launcher's seems more persistent than most. Although the price tag may deter the casual user, serious users, intermediate and above, will like the flexibility of this app's toolbar and hot-key options.

Using keystrokes that work no matter what program you are in, you can use ZenKEY to launch a program or bring it back into focus, open a document or Internet resource, resize or move a window, perform an Internet search, access Windows utilities, control Media players and even issue System commands. You can assign any keystroke to perform these tasks, and create pop-up menus with often used commands that appear at the press of a button. Version 1.6.1 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.Editor's review of ZenKey While this handy application can perform various computer tasks and launch programs in just a few key combinations, users should beware that it supersedes all hot keys existent on other running programs.ZenKey resides in the system tray, where you can view the categorized shortcut menus. You can easily use the app's wizard function to quickly guide you through setting up your shortcut combinations, or just use the ZenKey configuration option to change appearance, behavior, and action. ZenKey effectively provides shortcuts to almost every function and feature--from Windows utilities to launching programs, or even your media player. However, although this program runs in the background, it overrides existing hot keys on other programs, making them unavailable. Unfortunately, there is no suspending or pause option to cancel this effect, except to terminate the program from your system tray. Nonetheless, any user of this free app can appreciate the quick access to programs that it provides.

FastFolder is a background program which allows quick access to any of twelve selectable folders from the system tray. It provides an easy way to navigate directories. The code in the program is designed to use minimum system resources and is very stable. There are nno registry changes or secret files made. FastFolder contains no Spyware or AdWare, and is totally non-intrusive.Editor's review of FastFolder This wee application offers quick access to frequently-used folders from an icon in the system tray, although it's missing the hot-key support found in comparable programs. FastFolder's utilitarian interface is easily accessed via its system-tray icon and makes specific folders accessible with one or two clicks. Adding a shortcut for your favorite folder is a snap: just browse the target folder directly from the program's tree view list, specify a name, and set the folder path. As a result, you can bypass Windows Explorer and quickly access them from the tray icon. The right-click menu also gives you access to common Windows' system folders and drives. However, even quicker access would be possible if the program supported hot-key shortcuts, but considering FastFolders's freeware status, we can easily forgive this minor oversight. This time-saving app can be used by any user looking for a way to manage and access favorite folders.

Key Launcher creates and manages hot key shortcuts to run commands and start programs. Use this utility to save keystrokes and mouse clicks to get to the features and programs you want more quickly! Includes the ability to start programs, open web pages, launch system programs, open documents, and control your multimedia settings.Editor's review of Key Launcher While you won't be able to create custom tasks, this handy program with its functional interface is nonetheless effective in assigning user-defined hot keys to launch Web sites, applications, and files. We appreciate that Key Launcher can also assign hot keys for doing numerous tasks such as controlling active windows and multimedia settings, launching control panel applets, performing shutdown operations, emptying the Recycle Bin, and sending e-mail to enhance user productivity. The system-tray icon displays at a glance when and what hot key was pressed. On the plus side, users can import, export, and print hot-key lists. Unfortunately, though, Key Launcher doesn't offer options for creating and adding custom tasks to the default list. In spite of this flaw, we think all multitaskers and time-pressed users can benefit from what Key Launcher offers.

Small, freeware, full-featured scheduler, that can launch applications and open documents at specified time or with specified frequency. Can be started as a system service or as a regular standalone application. This is a UNIX Cron ported to Windows. It is not resource demanding, and it can run even on very older PCs without any noticeable performance degradation. We have never seen it's service to allocate more than 150K of operative memory. Version 1.16 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

If you waste time navigating the Windows file system in search of the files you want, then there's a simple solution. TaskTracker takes Windows Explorer and turns it inside out; your files are right where you need them all the time. TaskTracker automatically tracks all kinds of file types that are registered on your system - including Office documents; multiple image formats; and many, many other document types you work with on a daily basis. The longer you use TaskTracker, the more files it tracks, and the more useful it becomes as the single point of access for all your document-centered Windows work.In version 1.1.106, multiple selected files can now be added and removed from Virtual Folders at once.Editor's review of TaskTracker This utility is not your usual file launcher. In other programs of this kind, you need to add and update shortcuts to the most frequently used files and folders yourself. Meanwhile, TaskTracker takes the chore of monitoring which files and folders you use. Unlike the Windows Recent Files feature, TaskTracker stores as many shortcuts to documents as you like and sorts them by type, such as Word documents, PDFs, or MP3s. The program's handy Virtual Folder feature allows you to categorize files according to any parameters you'd prefer. The interface is quite handy: you can simply drag and drop a file or a folder to include them in the list. However, we wish it were more compact. If you're in need of a file launcher, TaskTracker deserves a closer look than other utilities of this kind.

PS Hot Launch is meant to quickly run different applications, open documents, go to the right folders and Web pages, and send mail to a specified address. The above operations are carried out through the menu that can be called by clicking the program icon in the taskbar system tray, and also by pressing user assigned hot keys (support for the key significantly extends the number of possible combinations).Editor's review of PS Hot Launch VVL This simple shortcut application creates a quick access menu and hot keys for your favorite files, programs, and folders, but won't display a sorted list of used hot keys. PS Hot Launch's tiny, plain interface is easily accessed via its tray icon. It's easy to create a menu of your favorite programs and often accessed files and folders. Adding a shortcut is a snap; you just drag and drop the target file or a program directly to the program's Explorer-style list. Adding a subgroup or a separator to organize shortcuts takes a second. Navigating Windows Explorer for often-used folders is eliminated as you quickly access files from the menu. Even quicker access is made through setting a hot key for each shortcut. As you create a new shortcut you enable the hot-key function and press the desired combination. It couldn't be faster and easier, though we greatly miss a sortable and printable list of used hot keys. This time-saving freeware is for any level user looking to speed access to often used folders, files, and applications.

Absolute Start-Up provides a start-up monitor, start-up delay, and start-up programs sequence for Windows start-up. You can enable and disable the selected start-up items and also research additional details for an item with the help of online resources and get the recommendations from the database of potentially dangerous programs. This start-up manager has a smart start-up monitor to trace start-up changes and inform you about them.Editor's review of Absolute Start-Up Though not the best of all possible start-up managers, Absolute Start-Up provides plenty of useful ways to fine-tune the boot process. It automatically checks for harmful and useless start-up items and disables them if you choose. ( Complete utter waste of space! it thunders about Microsoft Find Fast.) You can set a schedule for start-up programs to run, or have them start after a delay. You also can set hot keys to disable programs at start-up. Absolute Start-Up provides tools for managing Windows services and Internet Explorer extensions, too. The interface, though attractive, could be more straightforward. For instance, you can t change the order programs start simply by reordering them in the application window. We also would have liked a tool to automatically optimize Windows start-up. Besides imposing a stingy 21-day trial period, the demo prohibits adding new entries to the start-up list. Nevertheless, Absolute Start-Up s strong feature set makes it worthwhile for home and office use.

QuickStart resides in the System Tray and allows you to quickly start often-used programs. Right-click on the icon to display launch menu and left click to browse for a new program to run. Also launches Web sites and documents. Just browse, or enter the name or URL, and click launch.Editor's review of QuickStart Although setting it up to your liking may take some time, QuickStart is pretty useful in the long run. In its basic form, the application docks in your system tray with a short menu of links to open your Windows calculator and a clock/calendar. A swift left click lets you quickly browse and launch your files and programs. QuickStart will automatically create a shortcut and add it to the programs you select. You can even list and launch your favorite Web sites from the system tray icon. You'll have to add your frequently used and favorite files manually to QuickStart to get them listed, and you'll have to put up with a nag screen until registration. Even so, this time-saver is easy to use and quite handy for anyone looking to clean those shortcuts off the desktop.

ESP literally puts every file you care about at your fingertips. Simply provide ESP with a list of directories (local to your PC or on network drives) and then begin typing the name of what you want! As you type, ESP presents a list of files matching your query. The files you access more often are listed before files you rarely or never access.Editor's review of ESP Despite its dull presentation, this utility effectively enhances Windows' search functionality. ESP is a self-executable file, and its straightforward interface is simple enough for most users to figure out. The program allows you to specify search directories and folders, and matches will begin appearing with the first character you type in the Search field. ESP automatically displays the first 10 search results, or you can click the + button to show all results. As with the standard Windows' search tool, files can be opened from within the program. The small interface includes a list of recently accessed files that can be hidden using the View menu. Also included is a tool for more advanced users to create customized associations to open files with a certain program. ESP worked well in our tests, and we were pleased to find it was effective searching both local and network drives. The fully functional demo version proved to be a fast and efficient way of searching files that's suitable for the novice, but with a few extras geared toward the more advanced user.

WindowPane is an application program, which removes all the drudgery of finding, launching, and loading files. Not only will WindowPane locate, categorize, and list all the files on your PC, WindowPane enables you to launch and load them directly from the search list, with one double-click of your mouse.Editor's review of WindowPane This program provides the ultimate in system filing and accessibility, although the massively cluttered interface is a turnoff. On the tail end of the installation, WindowPane sorts and populates four lists based on file extensions. In our case, we had DOC, XLS, JPEG, and MP3 files as initial listings and could quickly grab other file types using the program's drop-down menus. The application's interface is packed and displays each list side by side; fortunately you can click the single/double button to switch to a two-window display. You can scroll through your entire list of files for a specific one, though only 25 are viewable at a time. WindowPane can instantly launch multiple files at once and even features a handy application-only button to launch a blank slate of the corresponding program. Its interface is overflowing with associated file data, and scrolling to locate your desired file is a pain when you have a lengthy list. You'll only receive 10 days to familiarize yourself with this program's functions, though we must say, you'll like its filing skills.

Folder Cruiser Lite puts an icon next to the clock on your computer; when you click on this icon, a user-configurable list of folders is displayed in a menu. When you select one of these items, the folder's contents will be displayed in a new menu. If a folder contains many items, Folder Cruiser Lite can sort and group these items by name. Instead of having a large menu to scroll through, you will see a smaller, organized, menu containing a list of letters. When you select one of these letters, a new menu is displayed showing only the items in the folder that begin with the selected letter. By knowing the name of a file, you can easily find it within a folder using this feature. From the menu in Folder Cruiser Lite, you can open any file or folder by double clicking it, and can use the Windows context menu for any item by right clicking on it.

Control Runner is a program launcher and manager for Windows that can substantially increase your productivity. It's built on the popular MomShell program manager, first released in 1995. You can launch programs on Windows systems in two ways: by clicking a shortcut on your desktop, or by browsing the Start menu. Both methods are fine when you have a few applications installed, but if your work depends on many frequently used programs, or your organization requires a consistent user interface, there is a better way. Control Runner presents installed applications in a powerful and convenient tabbed interface, allowing you to group related items, whether they're applications, documents, or Internet links. Selecting and launching the right one is a guaranteed, two-click task. There's no more guessing, and you have control over how your system is organized.Editor's review of Control Runner Although it provides a handy way to organize your frequently used programs, Control Runner won't offer much benefit to users who only regularly run a couple of programs. The utility offers a tabbed interface, so you can group programs and documents according to their functionalities. You access the utility via its system tray icon or a hot key, though we wish you could launch its individual programs with a quick keystroke combination. Adding new entries is a snap, as you can simply drag and drop programs to Control Runner's main window. We also appreciated the ability to spruce up the app's look with a number of skins. The features that allow you to hide all taskbar or desktop items with a single click are welcome extras and should come in handy to those who quickly need to conceal their activities. Since it just basically improves upon Window's built-in functionality, Control Runner is a better fit for multitaskers than for casual home users.

Kirby Alarm is a completely free alarm and task scheduler that will pop up a note, run a program, play a sound, or send an e-mail at user-defined intervals. Various options are available for setting alarms and programs to run every x minutes/hours/days/months/years, or the last Friday of the month, or the last day in the month, for example. A unique feature helps you not skip alarms, and conditional execution of an alarm can be based on the Watch File feature.Editor's review of Kirby Alarm This alarm-clock program offers plenty of flexibility for every type of reminder. A straightforward interface lets you get started right away by letting you pick what type of alarm you need and whether you need it only once or as a recurring reminder. At the appointed time, Kirby Alarm and Task Scheduler can send an e-mail, pop up a brief message on your desktop, launch a program, or play a sound. You also can set it to skip alarms missed when your computer is turned off. We like the ability to set recurring alarms, which makes it convenient to launch a monthly hard-drive back-up program or serve up a quick reminder about recurring appointments. The Watch File feature lets you configure the program to trigger an alarm only once a file meets certain conditions, such as starting a back-up once a virus scan finishes. Anyone looking for an easy way to pop up useful reminders or to launch recurring processes should check out Kirby Alarm And Task Scheduler.

From the developer: ""Open+, simply put, eliminates the issues of file associations in Windows - a problem not truly addressed until now. File association is simply an old mechanism in Windows inherited from the pre-Windows era (the DOS personal computer days). It works by looking at a file's extension which is the characters after the last dot of any file name (.html, .mp3, .jpg, .doc, and so on). Windows launches the program that last claimed that file type. The problem is that many programs can open a given file type, and until Open+, there was simply no sane mechanism in Windows to cater to multiple programs using the same extension(s). Furthermore, the program that takes 'ownership' of the file is usually the last program you installed and quite often is not the program you really want to own the extensions it took over. Open+ eliminates these issues and also enhances the very nature of associations in Windows. ""Key features of Open+ 2.0 are: the unique ability to associate many programs with many extensions in Windows. Does not tamper in anyway with your actual Windows associations - your icons will remain the same regardless of your Open+ settings so you always know what you are clicking on. Your settings in Open+ will always override Windows associations - never again will you have to suffer the inconvenience of installing new programs that 'take over' associations on your computer that you then somehow have to try and restore. Includes a number of 'Quick Start' features - you will be using Open+ with speed and confidence - within minutes.""

Using keystrokes that work no matter what program you are in, you can use ZenKEY to launch a program or bring it back into focus, open a document or Internet resource, resize or move a window, perform an Internet search, access Windows utilities, control Media players and even issue System commands. You can assign any keystroke to perform these tasks, and create pop-up menus with often used commands that appear at the press of a button. Version 2.0.1 includes unspecified updates.

An easy to use application that allows you to control your computer resume from power-off state (hibernation) or wake up from sleep mode (stand by). It is a good power management application, which has a clean and easy-to-manage task schedule that allows you to open files, play sounds, run programs, close programs, open a Web site, show a message, and make your computer power on, stand by, hibernate, shut down, or reboot etc. at any specified time. It also supplies a useful feature for record and playback a keyboard/mouse macro. Version 2.05 added the feature for keyboard/mouse macro, added the feature for import or export the tasks list, fixed the atomic clock date off bug.

AutoRun Creator offers the fast and efficient way to build auto-run programs. You can build your own CD/DVD auto-run programs within few minutes. All you have to do are three steps: scan directory, build and save, burn CD/DVD. Version 1.6 adds Windows Vista support.

A sleep timer for your computer. Automated Shutdown, Restart, Log Off, Standby, and Hibernate Windows functions in a GUI, user friendly environment. This utility is particularly good for long downloads where you would like your computer to shut down after a certain amount of hours, playing music before you go to bed, or any other reason you might need it. Just select a function, enter when you want it to be executed, (at a certain time of day, or in a certain amount of time), and click start.After following these steps, you can leave your computer and PC Sleep will safely perform the selected function in the entered amount of time with no effort on your part. A noticeable pop-up window will appear when there is one minute left on the timer. The same window will pop-up if no time is selected; giving you 30 seconds to stop the timer before PC Sleep executes the selected function. Version 2.1 now bundled with force function files, which support recurring actions every day, week, or month.

An easy to use programs launcher. Organize yourself with this handy application that can give you quick access to all the programs that you use the most. Very convenient and easy to use. Organize yourself and spend more time working on your computer and not looking for your programs. Easy to use programs launching layout.Editor's review of MyFavorites Pro This simplistic program creates shortcuts to frequently used programs, but falls short in several areas. My Favorites' interface consists of 48 shortcut slots. Click one to browse for and assign an executable file to it. The process is simple, but we sorely miss features found in similar applications. First of all, the program doesn't have the option to minimize to the system tray, so it's going to take up valuable taskbar space when it's open. Second, when you click a shortcut to a program it doesn't immediately open. Instead, you'll have to click Yes as a new window opens asking if you want to run the selected program. This seems an unnecessary step that detracts from the purpose of creating shortcuts. Finally, we were disappointed that the program can't create shortcuts to any other type of file except executables. It may be simple to use, but with its limited functionality, we suggest users look at the host of other more effective programs to gain quick access to their favorite apps.

LaunchPad is a task scheduler for Windows. You can run those onerous, oft-put-off tasks after normal operating hours, like disk optimization, tape backups, and daily reports. In addition, you can run DOS commands, run/quit any program, communicate with programs using DDE commands and scripts, display a message, send keystrokes to programs, shutdown your system, reboot your system, and use Hot Keys. Version 3.23 is a bug fixing release.Editor's review of LaunchPad Event Scheduler This simple macro creator executes basic system tasks with no effort on your part after configuration, though it isn't as grand as its competitors. LaunchPad Event Scheduler lets you create and schedule macros to run programs and DOS commands, perform PC power options, and send keystrokes to specific applications upon launching. You can schedule events by day, time, and regular intervals. This smart utility will also execute a defined macro as a result of certain conditions such as a file change or a window opened. Overall, LaunchPad Event Scheduler isn't as stout as some macro schedulers, but novices will find its basic, no-frills approach to be less intimidating.

Create professional royalty-free autorun (auto-play) CD-ROM menu projects. Create a standardized look for all company CDs with an easy-to-use interface. The optional HTML interface provides complete customization of the end-user interface with clickable links, graphics, and menu options. Project files may also be combined into one file for added security and convenience. The end-user interface does not require the use of a web browser. Version 1.03 increased number of buttons, added email commands.Editor's review of CD Menu Builder The first thing consumers see when they bring software home on a CD or a DVD is the menu that helps install or navigate through the program. This program helps build those autorun menus, useful both for distributing commercial software or simply creating project CDs for use inside a company. It is fairly versatile, helping to build either classic point-and-click menus, HTML-driven code, or slide shows. However, we were disappointed to see the lack of a wizard that might guide new users through the creation process, or templates that would speed the process. Nor is the design process fully WYSIWYG, which could have been an alternate way to help novice users. In our testing, we ran into a bug that interrupted one critical function. For now, these quirks keep us from recommending the program wholeheartedly, despite its versatility.

CU2 can read web pages, documents or any text you drag onto it's form or copy to the clipboard with built-in Text-To-Speech capability. Launch MS Word or Excel or Outlook in two key strokes. Hit the hotkey, type your search and CU2 launches your browser, automatically displaying your results in the search engine of your choice. CU2 means that you don't have to open a Dos window in order to work with the command line.Version 1.5.8 adds context menus and more search features.Editor's review of CU2 This application helps expedite access to programs and Web pages, but some features are locked and others failed to function during assessment.CU2 places a skinnable, minute textbox onto your desktop. To open an application or Web page, you need only type some letters (short name) into the box or press a hot key. You can create your own set of commands or check out the predefined list of commands, but the former feature is locked during trial. CU2 has a skin creator and the ability to read any text or clipboard content, but these features are locked as well.The program did quite well in launching applications. However, commands to call Winamp, look up word definitions, and translate languages failed to work during testing. CU2 does provide faster and more convenient access to your programs than fumbling through the Start Menu. But all things considered, CU2 still has some blips to work out before it can do its job flawlessly.