StartUp can improve Windows loading time as it is a small app that loads on start up and loads only the things you want loading. All you need is the commandline for the program you wish to be able to control and tell StartUp the command line and you can now choose whether to have it starting up with windows. To avoid having 2 of the same program open, you can use RegStop to stop programs from making registry entried so they start themselves when windows does.
Version 1.3 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
Download Now (109.5K)
http://download.cnet.com/StartUp/3000-2344_4-10066734.html?tag=mncol
Showing posts with label Desktop Enhancements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Desktop Enhancements. Show all posts
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Brutus 2006
Though you won't find an extensive feature set, you will find a few new ways to access shutdown operations and modify your Start menu with this simple freeware application. Brutus creates desktop and Quick Launch icons that let you quickly restart, shut down, log off, and lock your computer. From the Start menu, you can access its main control panel that allows you to determine how Windows will behave during a shutdown process. You also can hide items Start menu items such as Settings, Documents, Help, and Run. Unlike its competitors, you can't use Brutus to schedule or set an alarm to initiate shutdown operations. Though it's limited in scope, any user who wants a simple tool to perform shutdown functions can try this free application.
Download Now (1.01MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Brutus/3000-2344_4-10455770.html?tag=mncol
Download Now (1.01MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Brutus/3000-2344_4-10455770.html?tag=mncol
Auto Shutdown Genius 3.0.1
Auto Shutdown Genius provides users with an innovative way to monitor and control the hows and whens of computer shutdowns. This program offers a wide selection of choices that can help customize every user's system.
This program has a very scientific-looking interface. The CPU usage monitor, similar to a heart monitor in a hospital, instantly jumps off the screen. A spiking green line shows a real-time reading of what percentage of the hard drive is being used. Above this area is a list of commands users have operating with the Auto Shutdown Genius, as well as a table of commands above that.
Setting up this program is simple and surprisingly flexible. The key to operating your shutdown is the Task button. Here you can customize every aspect of this program. Users are given a choice between shutting the computer down daily, weekly, monthly, once, when idle, or when usage hits a certain point. From there, users can set the specific times each day or point of usage that trips the task. Tasks range from shutting down, restarting, logging out, hibernating, going to standby, turning monitor off, locking work station, or starting screensaver.
There is a short 10-day trial, but most will still be able to get a sense of this program's capabilities. We highly recommend Auto Shutdown Genius for users looking for an intuitive, reliable way to shutdown their computers. Its simple display and easy settings make this a great choice for a variety of users.
Download Now (1.12MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Auto-Shutdown-Genius/3000-2344_4-10604443.html?tag=mncol
This program has a very scientific-looking interface. The CPU usage monitor, similar to a heart monitor in a hospital, instantly jumps off the screen. A spiking green line shows a real-time reading of what percentage of the hard drive is being used. Above this area is a list of commands users have operating with the Auto Shutdown Genius, as well as a table of commands above that.
Setting up this program is simple and surprisingly flexible. The key to operating your shutdown is the Task button. Here you can customize every aspect of this program. Users are given a choice between shutting the computer down daily, weekly, monthly, once, when idle, or when usage hits a certain point. From there, users can set the specific times each day or point of usage that trips the task. Tasks range from shutting down, restarting, logging out, hibernating, going to standby, turning monitor off, locking work station, or starting screensaver.
There is a short 10-day trial, but most will still be able to get a sense of this program's capabilities. We highly recommend Auto Shutdown Genius for users looking for an intuitive, reliable way to shutdown their computers. Its simple display and easy settings make this a great choice for a variety of users.
Download Now (1.12MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Auto-Shutdown-Genius/3000-2344_4-10604443.html?tag=mncol
HotKeyz 2.8.0
This powerful utility makes it easy to create and manage hot keys that open programs, shut down your computer, control media applications, and more.
Hotkeyz's intuitive interface divides hot keys into nine preset categories, including Control Panel, Desktop, and Internet. A simple table lists the 11 preconfigured hot keys that perform basic tasks like launching Internet Explorer, accessing the Control Panel, and adjusting volume. Novices will appreciate the step-by-step guide to creating their own hot keys, especially for more complex operations such as opening your Internet Explorer home page or automatically filling in online log-in information. A reliable help guide also eases the learning the curve.
Hotkeyz sits in the system tray when not in use, but of course, it has its own hot key combination. This user-friendly, effective freeware application makes it easy for anyone to create customized keyboard shortcuts.
Download Now (1.28MB)
http://download.cnet.com/HotKeyz/3000-2344_4-10590793.html?tag=mncol
Hotkeyz's intuitive interface divides hot keys into nine preset categories, including Control Panel, Desktop, and Internet. A simple table lists the 11 preconfigured hot keys that perform basic tasks like launching Internet Explorer, accessing the Control Panel, and adjusting volume. Novices will appreciate the step-by-step guide to creating their own hot keys, especially for more complex operations such as opening your Internet Explorer home page or automatically filling in online log-in information. A reliable help guide also eases the learning the curve.
Hotkeyz sits in the system tray when not in use, but of course, it has its own hot key combination. This user-friendly, effective freeware application makes it easy for anyone to create customized keyboard shortcuts.
Download Now (1.28MB)
http://download.cnet.com/HotKeyz/3000-2344_4-10590793.html?tag=mncol
Shutdown Xpert 1
Shutdown Xpert offers users a tool for saving computer life by providing multiple options for shutdown. You can reduce PC wear and tear and shutdown after lengthy downloads, even while away from your computer.
Installation was a breeze with this freeware. The program is built with several safeguards to avoid installation errors, such as asking what folder you want the program stored in, showing the path in full and asking the user to confirm whether this is the proper destination. Once installed, the program appears as a small icon at the bottom right of your screen and offers the user options to: Force Shutdown, Force Reboot, and to restart at a specific time.
However, operating this program is not quicker or easier than going to Windows' shutdown menu and closing out. The only unique benefit is the shutdown timer, which is useful in certain situations where the user must leave the computer for an extended period. The biggest concern we found was the impossibility of forcing a shutdown or rebooting when you most need it. If your computer is frozen and the mouse will not function, the user must revert back to the traditional Ctl+Alt+Del command because there is no way to access the Shutdown Xpert in this situation. While this freeware functions as it promised, we don't see a great need for adding Shutdown Xpert for its single extra function. We'd prefer a shutdown manager that has a few more options.
Download Now (1.03MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Shutdown-Xpert/3000-2344_4-10782136.html?tag=mncol
Installation was a breeze with this freeware. The program is built with several safeguards to avoid installation errors, such as asking what folder you want the program stored in, showing the path in full and asking the user to confirm whether this is the proper destination. Once installed, the program appears as a small icon at the bottom right of your screen and offers the user options to: Force Shutdown, Force Reboot, and to restart at a specific time.
However, operating this program is not quicker or easier than going to Windows' shutdown menu and closing out. The only unique benefit is the shutdown timer, which is useful in certain situations where the user must leave the computer for an extended period. The biggest concern we found was the impossibility of forcing a shutdown or rebooting when you most need it. If your computer is frozen and the mouse will not function, the user must revert back to the traditional Ctl+Alt+Del command because there is no way to access the Shutdown Xpert in this situation. While this freeware functions as it promised, we don't see a great need for adding Shutdown Xpert for its single extra function. We'd prefer a shutdown manager that has a few more options.
Download Now (1.03MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Shutdown-Xpert/3000-2344_4-10782136.html?tag=mncol
Circle Dock 1.5.4
The Circle Dock application was designed to help you launch your programs from a circular dock.
Features:Launch your programs from a circular dock,Drag and drop your files, folders, and shortcuts onto a circular dock that you can resize and Rotate the dock with either your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys.
CNET Editor's Note: This 0.9.2 Alpha 8.2 version of Circle Dock is pre-release software and should be used with caution. Pre-release versions are inherently less stable than official releases and you should be aware that such software can cause problems to your computer system.
Download Now (19.08MB)
Features:Launch your programs from a circular dock,Drag and drop your files, folders, and shortcuts onto a circular dock that you can resize and Rotate the dock with either your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys.
CNET Editor's Note: This 0.9.2 Alpha 8.2 version of Circle Dock is pre-release software and should be used with caution. Pre-release versions are inherently less stable than official releases and you should be aware that such software can cause problems to your computer system.
Download Now (19.08MB)
RK Launcher 0.4 beta
RK Launcher is a free application that will allow the user to have a visually pleasing bar at the side of the screen that is used to quickly launch shortcuts. With support for themes, PNG's and ICO's and with smooth amazing animations, RK Launcher is a versatile and great taskbar replacement.
Features:When the mouse is moved over the dock all the icons will automatically grow,Minimized windows will normally be shown on the Windows Taskbar and all parts of RK Launcher can be fully customized.
Version 0.4 beta includes numerous bugs have been fixed and a couple of new features were implemented as well.
Download Now (715.9K)
http://download.cnet.com/RK-Launcher/3000-2344_4-10915464.html?tag=mncol
Features:When the mouse is moved over the dock all the icons will automatically grow,Minimized windows will normally be shown on the Windows Taskbar and all parts of RK Launcher can be fully customized.
Version 0.4 beta includes numerous bugs have been fixed and a couple of new features were implemented as well.
Download Now (715.9K)
http://download.cnet.com/RK-Launcher/3000-2344_4-10915464.html?tag=mncol
XWindows Dock 5.6
We've seen a lot of docks for Windows in our day, and they're usually not very good. We regarded XWindows Dock first with skepticism, then with guarded excitement, and finally with a sense of not being as disappointed as we usually are. But yes, we were still disappointed.
One thing XWindows Dock gets right--to some extent--is the dock's appearance. It comes with icons for My Computer, Control Panel, and Trash, and all three of these are sleek and attractive. Adding other programs to the dock is a bit problematic; the icon for Firefox became pixelated and ugly. Users can set open windows to minimize into the dock, which displays a preview of each open window. Nice in theory, but in practice it's not very attractive. Controlling the dock is even more problematic. It's hard to find the right place to right-click in order to access the preferences, and the preference menus are not intuitive. There are plenty settings, but it's unclear what many of them do. Adjustments to the interface that should have been simple, like having the dock hide and reappear, were confounding. The program has a built-in Help file, but it's brief and vague. We suspect that there's nothing functionally wrong with the program at all, it's just severely lacking in intuitiveness and guidance. Patient users may find that it's not so bad.
XWindows Dock is free. It installs and uninstalls without problems. We recommend this program with reservations; although there's plenty of room for improvement, it's far from the worst dock program we've ever seen.
Download Now (4.31MB)
http://download.cnet.com/XWindows-Dock/3000-2344_4-10915291.html?tag=mncol
One thing XWindows Dock gets right--to some extent--is the dock's appearance. It comes with icons for My Computer, Control Panel, and Trash, and all three of these are sleek and attractive. Adding other programs to the dock is a bit problematic; the icon for Firefox became pixelated and ugly. Users can set open windows to minimize into the dock, which displays a preview of each open window. Nice in theory, but in practice it's not very attractive. Controlling the dock is even more problematic. It's hard to find the right place to right-click in order to access the preferences, and the preference menus are not intuitive. There are plenty settings, but it's unclear what many of them do. Adjustments to the interface that should have been simple, like having the dock hide and reappear, were confounding. The program has a built-in Help file, but it's brief and vague. We suspect that there's nothing functionally wrong with the program at all, it's just severely lacking in intuitiveness and guidance. Patient users may find that it's not so bad.
XWindows Dock is free. It installs and uninstalls without problems. We recommend this program with reservations; although there's plenty of room for improvement, it's far from the worst dock program we've ever seen.
Download Now (4.31MB)
http://download.cnet.com/XWindows-Dock/3000-2344_4-10915291.html?tag=mncol
Skype Portable Launcher 1.2
The need of portable version of Skype is discussed for years. Skype is available for BlackBerry, smartphones and for Apple computers, but the ability to use this powerful communication tool from a regular USB flash drive in a convenient and user-friendly way is still not provided by Skype developers. Portable Skype Launcher - the utility for launching Skype from a flash drive. Run your Skype application directly from your portable drive with no need of installation. Carry your Skype profile, settings, history and received files always with you.
Download Now (235.47K)
http://download.cnet.com/Skype-Portable-Launcher/3000-2344_4-10912570.html?tag=mncol
Download Now (235.47K)
http://download.cnet.com/Skype-Portable-Launcher/3000-2344_4-10912570.html?tag=mncol
Task Killer 2.30
This program is intended for QUICK application terminating. For example you may "kill" halted application by clicking on the Task Killer icon in taskbar and choosing it from list.
Download Now (319.34K)
http://download.cnet.com/Task-Killer/3000-2344_4-28405.html?tag=mncol
Download Now (319.34K)
http://download.cnet.com/Task-Killer/3000-2344_4-28405.html?tag=mncol
Quick Startup 2.8.0.718
Quick Startup provides the tools for speeding up a computer by singling out slow-moving startup programs. With a basic setup and impressive results, this program will certainly make a difference.
We were pleased to discover the program's interface was incredibly simple to operate, housing its few commands on a single, intuitive screen. This was a blessing, as the Help file's tutorials were brief and not very useful. Quick Startup listed every program that starts running when we turned our computer on. With each, we were given a simple one-click option for delaying it. The programs were given a simple rating based on how slow they moved and this was our guide for delaying them. Once restarted, we noticed an increase in speed and that the sluggish programs waited a few minutes after startup to begin. The program provided a helpful feature that managed all our scheduled tasks, such as updates and virus scans. We were able to customize this and presumably increase speed ensuring no two ran at the same time. Overall, the program was simple enough for novices to understand, but provided results that all level of user could appreciate.
Quick Startup is a freeware program. With simple controls and immediate results, we highly recommend this program.
Download Now (3.81MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Quick-Startup/3000-2344_4-76051.html?tag=mncol
We were pleased to discover the program's interface was incredibly simple to operate, housing its few commands on a single, intuitive screen. This was a blessing, as the Help file's tutorials were brief and not very useful. Quick Startup listed every program that starts running when we turned our computer on. With each, we were given a simple one-click option for delaying it. The programs were given a simple rating based on how slow they moved and this was our guide for delaying them. Once restarted, we noticed an increase in speed and that the sluggish programs waited a few minutes after startup to begin. The program provided a helpful feature that managed all our scheduled tasks, such as updates and virus scans. We were able to customize this and presumably increase speed ensuring no two ran at the same time. Overall, the program was simple enough for novices to understand, but provided results that all level of user could appreciate.
Quick Startup is a freeware program. With simple controls and immediate results, we highly recommend this program.
Download Now (3.81MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Quick-Startup/3000-2344_4-76051.html?tag=mncol
Free Launch Bar 2.0
At first glance, this free utility seems exactly like the Windows Quick Launch bar. One major difference makes it far handier, though. With Free Launch Bar, you can add not only shortcuts, but entire pop-up menus of shortcuts. It's kind of like having as many Start menus as you can build. Interface options allow you to change icon size, fonts, and other minor display options. You even can password-protect your new menus to lock out changes. People who find the default Quick Launch bar too small for all their shortcuts will appreciate Free Launch Bar.
Download Now (1.69MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Free-Launch-Bar/3000-2344_4-10333488.html?tag=mncol
Download Now (1.69MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Free-Launch-Bar/3000-2344_4-10333488.html?tag=mncol
PC Auto Shutdown 4.1
PC Auto Shutdown helps you automatically shutdown, power off, reboot, hibernate, suspend or log off computers at schedule time you specifies. It can shut down computers at schedule time when no user is logged on or when computers are in suspended power conservation mode. It gives you different ways to schedule the shutdown event for your needs, such as daily, weekly and only once. During the shutdown, it can clean up Recycle Bin, temporary files, IE cache, IE cookies, IE history, IE auto-complete entries and recent document list to improve system performance and protect your privacy.
Download Now (831.12K)
http://download.cnet.com/PC-Auto-Shutdown/3000-2344_4-10399335.html?tag=mncol
Download Now (831.12K)
http://download.cnet.com/PC-Auto-Shutdown/3000-2344_4-10399335.html?tag=mncol
Vista Start Menu 3.55
Vista Start Menu does away with Vista's translucent aero theme, making it opaque, and builds it out with several levels of features and customization. It prevent programs from jumping around, as is their wont sometimes in the standard Vista Start menu, and it throws in a basic zoom feature accessible via CTRL Plus and CTRL Minus. It adds loads of keyboard support, so if you access the menu via the keyboard button, programs, folders, and sections of the Start menu are clearly labeled with hot-key numbers and letters.
Making cosmetic changes and surfacing directories is much easier with this app, since right-clicking anywhere from your username icon to any program will reveal a list of choices that include opening the host directory. Even though the program can be set to run as Vista starts, its uninstallation is boilerplate and easy.
However, we encountered a few snags. There's a Pro upgrade available, but it's unclear whether some features--such as search tabs and power up and down options--weren't accessible to us because they're restricted to the paid version or because of a software bug. Still, if you're a die-hard keyboard user or just looking to make the Vista Start menu a bit more customizable, we recommend you give Vista Start Menu a try.
Download Now (2.39MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Vista-Start-Menu/3000-2344_4-10621981.html?tag=mncol
Making cosmetic changes and surfacing directories is much easier with this app, since right-clicking anywhere from your username icon to any program will reveal a list of choices that include opening the host directory. Even though the program can be set to run as Vista starts, its uninstallation is boilerplate and easy.
However, we encountered a few snags. There's a Pro upgrade available, but it's unclear whether some features--such as search tabs and power up and down options--weren't accessible to us because they're restricted to the paid version or because of a software bug. Still, if you're a die-hard keyboard user or just looking to make the Vista Start menu a bit more customizable, we recommend you give Vista Start Menu a try.
Download Now (2.39MB)
http://download.cnet.com/Vista-Start-Menu/3000-2344_4-10621981.html?tag=mncol
Startup Delayer 2.5.138
Startup Delayer helps users avoid a slow system start by giving them control over programs that automatically load when Windows boots up.
This program provides a simple interface to work with. The screen is dominated by the list of programs your computer opens when starting Windows. Above this list is a short row of icons that allow you to add and remove programs and organize the time they are opened.
Adding a program is as simple as locating it in the file tree and then assigning it a specific time to open after Windows has begun. From there it is listed, along with the others, on the main screen. One interesting addition is spacing all program load times out evenly. This takes a lot of work from the user by simply timing every program to automatically open at staggered intervals.
Startup Delayer has isolated a problem that many computer users suffer from and provides an efficient, simple way to solve it. It's suitable for any user who wants more control over start-up programs.
Download Now (979.89K)
http://download.cnet.com/Startup-Delayer/3000-2344_4-10068235.html?tag=mncol
This program provides a simple interface to work with. The screen is dominated by the list of programs your computer opens when starting Windows. Above this list is a short row of icons that allow you to add and remove programs and organize the time they are opened.
Adding a program is as simple as locating it in the file tree and then assigning it a specific time to open after Windows has begun. From there it is listed, along with the others, on the main screen. One interesting addition is spacing all program load times out evenly. This takes a lot of work from the user by simply timing every program to automatically open at staggered intervals.
Startup Delayer has isolated a problem that many computer users suffer from and provides an efficient, simple way to solve it. It's suitable for any user who wants more control over start-up programs.
Download Now (979.89K)
http://download.cnet.com/Startup-Delayer/3000-2344_4-10068235.html?tag=mncol
DOSShell 1.6
It is an x86 applications launcher that works in tandem with the outstanding DOSBox emulator. Plus, it is also a convenient Explorer-like entries manager, where you can store inks for all of your often-used DOS programs. Forget about typing-in boring commands at the DOS-Prompt: All that you need to do is to add a record into DOSShell's database, and then you can enjoy the simplicity and speed of running your favorite old-games and software.
Download Now (312.25K)
http://download.cnet.com/DOSShell/3000-2344_4-75072926.html?tag=mncol
Download Now (312.25K)
http://download.cnet.com/DOSShell/3000-2344_4-75072926.html?tag=mncol
WinRar launcher 1.0
When you wish to run WinRAR displaying exactly the folder you need, you simply right-click anywhere within this folder and select Launch WinRAR from the context menu. Voila! You now have the WinRAR window open and displaying contents of the folder you need.
That's it! No more time spent in vain. No more aggressive mouse clicking in attempt to access the lower level folder. You simply tell WinRAR where exactly you want to browse for files and navigate using the interface you've already got used to.
Download Now (618.16K)
http://download.cnet.com/WinRar-launcher/3000-2344_4-49716.html?tag=mncol
That's it! No more time spent in vain. No more aggressive mouse clicking in attempt to access the lower level folder. You simply tell WinRAR where exactly you want to browse for files and navigate using the interface you've already got used to.
Download Now (618.16K)
http://download.cnet.com/WinRar-launcher/3000-2344_4-49716.html?tag=mncol
Switch Off 3.2.0.450
This handy program is a PC timer that can shut down, log off, or force your computer to hibernate. It works either as a countdown timer, or set up like an alarm clock. When the proper time is reached, SwitchOff shuts down all open applications and performs its task. You can configure it to operate daily, weekly, or for a single occurrence. The interface is basic, but well organized. It features a small memory footprint and stable operation. A simple Web interface allows you to operate it from anywhere on the Internet. You can set it to operate minimized on the desktop or as a Windows service. Anyone needing a PC timer will find this program a useful addition to their system.
Download Now (176.49K)
Download Now (176.49K)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
LogonStudio Vista 1
LogonStudio is another entry in the excellent line of environment-controlling programs from Stardock. Although it's easy to swap in a new background wallpaper onto your screen, the "Log In" screen is another story. This app makes it just as easy to customize that screen, too.
LogonStudio Vista comes with four main options: Load, Download, Create, and Upload. Load lets you use Stardock's theme packages, while Download takes users to Stardock's WinCustomize.com community, where they can download free background images. Create lets you load a standard image format, like JPEG, into the program's database, and Upload takes users to WinCustomize.com to share their designs with others. The layout is familiar and basic, with the options in the narrow left nav and the main window filled with thumbnails. The app comes with four extra backgrounds to get you started.
We found the process to get a basic JPEG image onto our screen to be a bit convoluted, with the program needing the image to be loaded via the Create option, but once there it was easy to use. The option labels are a bit confusing, but other than that this is a fairly reasonable piece of freeware for those who want to doll up their Vista log-in screens.
Download Now (3.12MB)
http://download.cnet.com/LogonStudio-Vista/3000-2072_4-10696252.html?tag=mncol
LogonStudio Vista comes with four main options: Load, Download, Create, and Upload. Load lets you use Stardock's theme packages, while Download takes users to Stardock's WinCustomize.com community, where they can download free background images. Create lets you load a standard image format, like JPEG, into the program's database, and Upload takes users to WinCustomize.com to share their designs with others. The layout is familiar and basic, with the options in the narrow left nav and the main window filled with thumbnails. The app comes with four extra backgrounds to get you started.
We found the process to get a basic JPEG image onto our screen to be a bit convoluted, with the program needing the image to be loaded via the Create option, but once there it was easy to use. The option labels are a bit confusing, but other than that this is a fairly reasonable piece of freeware for those who want to doll up their Vista log-in screens.
Download Now (3.12MB)
http://download.cnet.com/LogonStudio-Vista/3000-2072_4-10696252.html?tag=mncol
ObjectBar 2.1
ObjectBar is a customizable toolbar that allows users to add and remove various elements. We found it to be a nice addition to our Windows experience.
The toolbar itself can be customized with an assortment of themes and skins, and the ability to tweak the toolbar's contents means that the interface can be just about whatever a user wants it to be. However, the interface with which the user manages the toolbar could be better designed. It's easy enough to add and remove programs, but other functions, including changing themes and skins, aren't so intuitive. The program's lack of Help file--the Help menu just opens the Windows help--makes this especially frustrating. That said, we were able to configure ObjectBar in a way that was more or less pleasing. We appreciated the fact that we could set the ObjectBar to appear only when we moved our cursor to the top of the screen; this kept it out of the way when we weren't using it. From the ObjectBar we were able to open shortcuts, programs, and files, switch between open Windows, and perform other functions. Items from the system tray can also be added to the ObjectBar for easy access.
Overall, the program didn't blow us away, but it did perform well and we appreciated having access to so many different functions all in one spot. ObjectBar is free to try and it installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend it to all users.
Download Now (10.12MB)
http://download.cnet.com/ObjectBar/3000-2072_4-10069555.html?tag=mncol
The toolbar itself can be customized with an assortment of themes and skins, and the ability to tweak the toolbar's contents means that the interface can be just about whatever a user wants it to be. However, the interface with which the user manages the toolbar could be better designed. It's easy enough to add and remove programs, but other functions, including changing themes and skins, aren't so intuitive. The program's lack of Help file--the Help menu just opens the Windows help--makes this especially frustrating. That said, we were able to configure ObjectBar in a way that was more or less pleasing. We appreciated the fact that we could set the ObjectBar to appear only when we moved our cursor to the top of the screen; this kept it out of the way when we weren't using it. From the ObjectBar we were able to open shortcuts, programs, and files, switch between open Windows, and perform other functions. Items from the system tray can also be added to the ObjectBar for easy access.
Overall, the program didn't blow us away, but it did perform well and we appreciated having access to so many different functions all in one spot. ObjectBar is free to try and it installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend it to all users.
Download Now (10.12MB)
http://download.cnet.com/ObjectBar/3000-2072_4-10069555.html?tag=mncol
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