Computers, Columns, Windows Software, Downloads
Switched Download: Launchy
What it does
Launchy is, at its most basic level, an application launcher similar to the search box built into the Windows Vista start menu. But Launchy is a faster and prettier way to find and start-up your favorite programs, and can do so much more if you take the time to find out.
What we like about it
First and foremost, Launchy is fast. Hit 'Alt+Space' to bring up the dialog box and start typing, and, before you can type the second letter of the program you want to launch, Launchy has already started filtering out the options and presented you with the correct program. Launchy's response time puts desktop searches like Microsoft's and Google's to shame, and it's smart (it launched Firefox after two keystrokes the first time, then after just one letter -- "f" -- the second time). Launchy will also perform basic mathematical calculations, search Web sites, and open bookmarks from Firefox or Internet Explorer.
Launchy is also incredibly customizable. Skins can be easily be found in the skins forum on the Launchy homepage, or on DeviantArt. Launchy does more -- check out the plugin forums where you'll find plugins that let you add events to your Google Calender, run commands, kill processes, and control iTunes. For the truly adventurous, check out this collection of scripts from Lifehacker, which allow you to use Launchy (combined with a Twitter account) to add tasks to your Remember the Milk to-do list, add text to files, and set reminders.
What we don't like
Unlocking the hidden power of Launchy is not as easy as it should be. The incredibly useful Lifehacker scripts we just mentioned require you to edit text files to set them up properly, which may turn off the computer averse, and many plugins have not been updated to work with the newest version of Launchy, rendering them relatively useless. It also can't compete with more full featured desktop search engines like Google Desktop when it comes to indexing documents. Launchy is great for Launching apps, less useful for helping you track down that proposal you wrote up about a floating grill that can't remember the name of.
Bottom line
For those looking to save a few precious seconds by not digging around in the start menu, or those with Quicksilver-envy, Launchy is a solid solution. And if you're not afraid to get your hands dirty with a bit of text file editing, then you'll find the plug-ins to be useful and time-saving. Ultimately, however, it's all about getting to your favorite programs quickly without having to litter your desktop with start-up icons -- after all, launching apps by double clicking on shortcuts is so twentieth century.
Download Launchy Here
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