We explore some application launchers that will invariable help us—in one way or the other—in our mission to clean up our desktops.
Portable Application Launchers
Portable application launchers are extremely useful when it comes to launching portable applications on USB flash drivers. They also come in handy when you’d rather not install a software programme on your PC.1. PortableApps.com
PortableApps.com is one of the most popular Windows apps available when it comes to application launchers. The site allows you to take your favourite software with you on any portable storage device, and even facilitates local storage and could computing. It is a fully open source as well as free platform that provides a number of useful portable programmes. It essentially acts as a portable desktop where you can save all your setting and preferences—for all your portable programmes. It comes with its own application launcher, providing easy access to your programmes.2. CodySafe
A programme very similar to PortableApps.com, CodySafe comes with an additional feature that enables you to download portable programmmes from the CodySafe site. CodySafe is also available in paid version (these versions range in price from US $19.90 and US $29.90 to US $89.90), and provide numerous additional features such as sub-groups and sub-categories, access to an Apps Depot, password protection, and hardware encryption.3. SE-TrayMenu
SE-TrayMenu provides a replacement for the missing Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 7 (it can be used in XP, Vista, and Windows 8, as well). Use SE-TrayMenu to gain quick access to most frequently used applications and system commands using a customizable pop-up menu from the Windows system tray. Quickly add programmes, documents, folders, and Internet links to the menu using drag-and-drop. The menu is also completely customisable.4. Portable Start Menu
Portable Start Menu is a simple and free application launcher for Windows similar to the Start menu that can be installed on a USB flash drive or a local hard drive. Organise your programmes in a simple menu system and launch them using a system tray icon. When you close Portable Start Menu on an USB flash drive, running applications can be closed automatically, as well. Portable Start Menu also allows you to automatically mount and dismount TrueCrypt containers.Start Menu Desktop Application Launchers
We will now focus on application launchers that either replace or enhance the Windows Start menu, Taskbar or Desktop. We will also discuss a launcher that comes in the form of a gadget for the Windows 7 desktop.1. Jumplist-Launcher
Jumplist-Launcher is a free Windows programme launcher that allows you to consolidate applications on the Taskbar, combining multiple applications into one jump list. It doesn’t require installation, so you can run it directly on your local hard drive or on a USB flash drive. You can add up to 60 programmes in custom groups inside one jump list, and drag and drop shortcuts, files, and folders onto the Jumplist-Launcher setup dialog.2. 7Stacks
7Stacks is a free application launcher for Windows that emulates the stacks functionally of Mac OS X. Once you install 7Stacks, an icon is added to your desktop allowing you to easily create new stacks as shortcuts on the desktop itself. You can then pin up to 10 different stacks to the Taskbar. If you do not want to pin your stacks to the Taskbar, you can easily use the menu mode, and leave the shortcuts to your stacks on the desktop itself. You can create stacks from special folders such as My Documents, or from ordinary folders on your hard drive.3. Windows 7 App Launcher Gadget
The Windows 7 App Launcher Gadget provides a very small application launcher that is displayed on your desktop as a gadget. You can drag and drop programme shortcuts, files, and folders directly onto the gadget. You can also add favourites from Firefox, Opera, and IE to the gadget so you can quickly access websites.Keyboard Application Launchers
The following application launchers are for those of you who prefer using the keyboard over the mouse. They make launching applications and opening files quick and easy.1. Find and Run Robot (FARR)
Find and Run Robot (FARR) is a free application launcher for keyboard maniacs. It uses an adaptive ‘live search’ function to allow you to rapidly find programmes and documents on your computer simply by typing.Display the FARR window using a custom hotkey, and then start typing the first letters of the application, file, or folder you want to find, and the results display instantly. You can also use FARR to run web searches, send emails and manipulate files, among other things, Plug-ins, add-ons, and extensions are also available for FARR.
2. Executor
Executor is a multi-purpose launcher for Windows that allows you to quickly run programmes, and search for anything from one central location. It’s like a more advanced and customizable version and customisable version of the Windows run dialog. It operates using keywords, and each keyword can be assigned a hotkey, so Executor can also perform like many popular hotkey managers. The layout, appearance, and behavior of Executor can be easily customised.To Cite This: Dhaubhadel, Prabal Man and Shrestha, Prabhat. “CLEANING UP YOUR DESKTOP.” The Kathmandu Post, 16 Aug. 2012, p.8.
