Desktop Utility Software Reviews and Downloads

Fast Windows Hider

Fast Windows Hider is a simple tool that allows you quickly to hide and unhide any window, based on a text string in the window title. Once you have configured the program, you can simply press a customizable keyboard hotkey to hide or show the target windows from sight without closing them. The hidden windows will not appear in the taskbar.

Magnifying Glass Pro

Magnifying Glass Pro is a unique on-screen magnifier that enables you to enlarge the area under your cursor while maintaining all mouse click functionality functionality. You can create multiple profiles that allow you to define how the magnifying glass should work including zoom factor, screen position, size as well as contrast and brightness adjustments and display effects. The program includes a handy Auto-Switch option that can automatically switch between profiles depending on which program or window is currently active under your cursor. Magnifying Glass Pro is not only useful for the visually impaired, but can also be used for detailed design work, on-screen presentations and a variety of text- or graphics-based projects. The program can support multi-monitor setups and optionally display the magnified view on a separate monitor.

Key Launch

Key Launch enables you to quickly launch programs and documents from your keyboard, y simply typing the first few letters of the name or a pre-defined alias command. By default, the program indexes your desktop, Start menu and Recent Documents, but you can extend the index and add other folder locations as well. To launch a command simply press Ctrl+Q (customizable) and type the command into the dialog.

SideSlide

SideSlide enables you to create a custom launchpad for programs, documents and folders, using a mini-desktop that hides on the edge of your screen until you activate it with your mouse. In addition to shortcuts the program also offers reminders (with alarm) and sticky notes as well as clipboard capture. You simply drag shortcuts into the workspace, create containers to organize your content and completely customize the appearance with background images and colors. The containers and notes can be arranged in layers, shrunk/expanded and moved around freely by means of drag and drop. Other features include support for Launch Groups that allow you to start multiple programs at once, zooming in and out of shortcuts, image display and more.

Desktop Magnifier

Desktop Magnifier is a utility to magnify portions of your desktop or program windows. It works similar to the standard Windows Accessibility Tool, however offers additional features like an optional smoothing mode that applies anti-aliasing to the magnified view, as well as a grid overlay. The magnified image can be captured and saved to .BMP file or copied to the clipboard.

RTDesktop

Switch between desktops,Define Shortcut key ,Free upgrades,Clear Shortcut key , Trial Version allows to switch Desktops upto 30 times

Qsel

Qsel is a launcher for programs, documents and web links with large or small Icons. Easy configuration of launcher windows using drag&drop. Create any number of Categories with individual launcher window settings. Switch categories through index window (click on title button), quick pop-up (right click) or special launcher Icons. SystemTray mode with pop-up menu for quick access to all windows and functions. Automatic drive letter handling on Flash Drives, CR-ROM's..

Launchy

Launchy is a free windows utility designed to help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager. Launchy indexes the programs in your start menu and can launch your documents, project files, folders, and bookmarks with just a few keystrokes! Small taskbar utility which gives you quick access to desktop icons without minimizing active programs. DeskTask also allows you to easily switch between open windows and dialogs.

Actual Windows Manager

Actual Windows Manager provides you with complete control over your desktop windows. It enables you to roll-up any window, minimize it to a system tray icon, apply transparency and more, via newly added control buttons that are added to each title bar. You can also create specific rules for any program or folder, allowing you to apply custom settings automatically, whenever the window is opened.

PopSel

PopSel offers a pop-up menu to launch programs, (registered) documents, web links, programs with special parameters, or batch files etc.. If you want to reduce the number of icons on your Desktop, or if you want a quick access to programs or documents, put a little extra menu on your desktop or into the Quick Launch Tray. Submenus (one level) are supported. Auto adopt drive letter on flash drives, CR-ROM's.

Direct Access

Direct Access enables you to define shortcuts commands that you can use to launch programs or websites, send emails, or insert text snippets from anywhere on your desktop. Unlike may other command based launchers, this program does not depend on any input box, but allows you to simply left-click anywhere on the desktop or active window and type the command on your keyboard to launch the associated program or file. An optional confirmation via the F1 key can prevent accidental launches if needed. In addition to file and website launching, Direct Access can also insert frequently used text snippets via keyboard macros, and even launch your email with a pre-configured email message. Other features include grouped command to create custom menus, drag and drop command creation and more.

Visual Task Tips

Visual Task Tips is a handy Windows shell enhancement that displays a thumbnail snapshot of any Windows that was minimized to the Windows taskbar. Just hover your mouse over a taskbar item and instead of the standard info tip, you will see a small snapshot of the Window. Visual Task Tips works with minimized folder, applications and web pages.

RocketDock

RocketDock is an program launcher that hides along the edge of your screen and reveals an attractive, alpha blended and animated launchpad when you hover your mouse over the area. You can drag and drop shortcuts into RocketDock, assign custom icons and choose from different interface themes. The position of the menu can be customized along with the optional icon label font and auto-hide behavior. RocketDock includes more than a dozen skins and is also compatible with MobyDock, ObjectDock, RK Launcher, and Y`z Dock skins.

Easy Desktop Keeper

Easy Desktop Keeper enables you to save, restore, manage and and lock the desktop layout including files and folders located on the desktop, arrangement of desktop icons, wallpaper and the selected screen saver. The program can automatically restore the desktop to the saved state whenever you start your computer, or you can restore it on demand. In addition, you can also choose to completely look the desktop for a specific user, so that he cannot add or remove items from it.

Desktop3D

Desktop3D replaces your standard XP/Vista desktop into a less cluttered desktop with animated background and large icons. The 3D desktop only displays 6 default icons, and your original desktop icons can be accessed via a shortcut to the desktop folder. The desktop environment looks nice, but unfortunately lacks much of the functionality of the standard desktop, such as certain right-click menu options, the ability to hide icons and more. The default icons are huge and cannot be resized, while newly added icons are very small unless you replace them with one of the supplied sample icons. Overall, not recommended unless you are willing to give up common desktop features for some additional eye candy, or if you want a feature limited desktop alternative for your kids.

FBReader

FBReader is an e-book reader for various platforms. Currently FBReader works on Linux desktop. Windows XP computer. FreeBSD computer. Various linux-based mobile devices: Sharp Zaurus with Qtopia-based ROMs, pdaXrom or OpenZaurus ROM. Archos PMA430. Siemens Simpad with Opensimpad 0.9.0/Opie ROM. Nokia 770/N800 Internet Tablets (maemo). PepperPad 3 handheld web computer. Motorola E680i/A780 smartphones. (This port is available from the third-party site.) IRex iLiad. (This port is available from the third-party site.) FBReader is distributed under the terms of the GNU GPL.

LaunchBar Commander

LaunchBar Commander is a highly customizable program and folder launcher that enables you to creates custom docks that hold shortcuts to your favorite programs, documents or folders. In addition to regular shortcuts, it supports folder links that can display the content of a folder in a drop menu, with an option to apply filters based on file date and naming patterns, as well as command-line parameters for scripts and executables. The menus can be customized with icons, transparency effects, fonts and colors. Other features include drag and drop support, portable configuration files and more. LaunchBar Commander is not quite as easy to use as others, but it offers more flexibility than most.

LaunchOnFly

LaunchOnFly is a Start Menu alternative. It lets you launch applications, open files, folders, web links, send e-mail, and do even more much faster and easier using quickly accessible and easily configurable menu which you can open using either mouse or keyboard. After installation LaunchOnFly even creates an initial menu for you. It's very easy later to add new items to menu using 'Send To' menu.

Zoommy

Professional-oriented magnifying software with rich features and flexible options. You can magnify up to 30x, measure the selected area and make its screenshot. Unique Slow Mouse mode providing the best zooming experience

Magic Lens Max

Magic Lens Max is a unique desktop magnifier and enhancement filter that enables you to view portions of your screen in an enlarged mode and/or with several applied image filters and color modes. It supports gamma adjustments, image resampling, color channel selections, greyscale, area rotation view and more. All the effects are applied in real-time and follow your mouse cursor and can be activated with keyboard shortcuts. You can also capture the enhanced area and save it as in various image formats. Other features include adjustable lens size and shapes (rectangle, rounded rectangle, oval), and more.

Zzoom

A free screen zoomer, color picker and image grabber, all in one!

ZoomIt

ZoomIt is a desktop zoom and annotation tool, that enables you to zoom your desktop with your wheel mouse or the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard. It is activated with a customizable keyboard shortcut, and can also be used to draw on your desktop (with or without zoom), using a customizable color and pen width. ZoomIt is very convenient to use, it does not require any additional windows to open or close, and even includes a customizable break timer that will blank your screen with a countdown when it is activated.

Prg Text Launcher

Prg Text Launcher is a desktop tool to open applications, files, folders, URLs, e-mails in three steps. The program provides an easy way to starting your tasks or switching between tasks quickly. You do not even focusing on computer monitors! Come on! Press Ctrl + Enter, type a keyword as 'ie', then press Enter. You will find that everything is so relaxed.

PromptPal

PromptPal provides a modern front-end interface for the Microsoft command prompt (DOS box). The program does not replace the command processor itself - every instruction runs through Microsoft's cmd.exe as normal, however it adds several useful functionalities that allow you to overcome limitation of the standard DOS window, and work faster, more efficiently. It offers context sensitive syntax help, command history, customizable command list and standard Open dialogs to insert file or directory paths (without typing). In addition, PromptPal also integrates with the Windows Explorer and optionally with as a Taskbar toolbar for quick access.

StaffEye

StaffEye is a boss-key program that enables you to quickly hide and/or close specific programs or windows. You can either trigger the action via keyboard shortcuts, or activate the camera monitor, which uses your web cam to detect motion, and automatically hides the designated windows if someone walks into the room.

ShellToys

ShellToys is a suite of 46 shell extensions, adding powerful new features to the Windows context menu for files, folders, windows and dialogs.

BGEye

BGEye renders system information as the desktop wallpaper. The information is rendered as a variable array of elements, together with icons, onto a pre-defined background, before being saved as a bitmap and temporarily set as the wallpaper. BGEye renders a new wallpaper every 60 seconds (or less).

WindowBlinds

WindowBlinds allows you to completely change the look and feel of Windows by applying new skins to the standard interface that cannot only customize the looks, but also add functionality. The skins cover every detail of the Windows interface, including taskbar, start button and menu, dialogs and more. They are easily applied or removed, and can also be further customized to suit your needs. The program includes several popular styles and additional skins can be downloaded from the web site.

Vykey Launcher

Vykey Launcher is an toolbar launcher, that help to organize and access your favorite programs, documents, execute system commands and more. Provide multiple toolbars, that can docking to screen edges and autohide feature.

BitRule

BitRule is a simple screen measurement tool that enables you to click on two points on your screen to get their horizontal, vertical and diagonal separation, as well as the angle of the diagonal to the horizontal. You can choose between pixels, inches, centimeters, and picas, and calibrate the program to match your monitor.

Launch-n-Go

Launch-n-Go is a utility launcher that enables you to assign hotkeys and keywords to selected programs, commands, documents or web sites. You can also use it to insert dates and text snippets into any document via hotkey, and quickly launch search results, weather forecasts etc. The program integrates into the Windows taskbar,from where you can enter a keyword to launch the associated action.

Virtual Poet

The Virtual Poet is a utility that automatically selects words that rhyme with a particular word chosen by the user. The Virtual Poet is a utility for the professional poet and any one who wants to write a small poem with just the right words for that special someone. If you have ever spent minutes, hours or even days searching for the right rhyme, Virtual Poet can do it for you in just seconds.

Yahoo! Widget Engine

Click to read our editor's review for Yahoo Widget EngineThe Yahoo! Widget Engine (formerly known as Konfabulator) is a JavaScript runtime engine for Windows and Mac OS X that lets you run little files called Widgets that can do pretty much whatever you want them to. Using Yahoo! Widget Engine you will be able run widgets that can be alarm clocks, calculators, will fetch the latest stock quotes for your preferred symbols, can tell you your WiFi signal strength and even give your current local weather. What sets Yahoo! Widget Engine apart from other scripting applications is that it takes full advantage of today's advanced graphics. This allows Widgets to blend fluidly into your desktop without the constraints of traditional window borders. Toss in some sliding and fading, and these little guys are right at home in Windows XP and Mac OS X.

XNeat Windows Manager

XNeat Windows Manager adds additional features to the Windows taskbar and system tray, that enables you to minimize any window to an icon in the system tray (instead of the taskbar), keep any window on top, set a custom transparency level, and also hide any window or tray icon. Furthermore the program allows you to re-arrange the order of the taskbar buttons by simply dragging them around. XNeat Windows Manager integrates into the right-click menu of the taskbar and system tray. It also allows you to change the taskbar appearance by hiding the Start button, system clock and other elements. Very handy!

Autostart and Process Viewer

Autostart and Process Viewer allows you to manage your startup programs, and view or terminate running processes. The program allows you to mark trusted startup program, so that newly added items can be easily identified.

Application LaunchPad XP

Application Launchpad XP has a Graphical User Interface that allows the user to quickly launch Applications, reducing the need to use the Windows Start Menu. The Software provides Quick Access to up 200 Applications and/or Documents on your hard drive, organized by Category. Windows user accounts are accommodated, maintaining separate lists for each user. Application Launchpad XP helps you to remove the clutter of multiple Desktop Short cuts...

PfiOO

PfiOO is a website launcher for a quick and discreet browsing, that allows you to enter website addresses without saving them in you browser's address bar. PfiOO is also a small and very usefull program since you don't have to launch your browser each time. This website launcher makes easier and faster your surfing experience and can disappear in a simple click.

Noah

NOAH is a new concept in Internet data management software that integrates email, Web pages, RSS feeds, contacts, scheduling, program files and other data into a single, customizable, easy to use client interface. This version includes new features such as:A faster database and overall enhanced performance.A new, easy to use, icon driven interface. A Setup Wizard that simplifies installation. An Import Wizard for Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird.Drag and drop importation of Web addresses and desktop file shortcuts.Drag and drop Web page caching. Fast-Linkstm - single click access to an updated list of the most popular Web sites. Plus there are many other new features and enhancements that integrate the management of email, Web pages, RSS feeds, contacts, scheduling, and program files into a single, customizable, easy to use interface.

Quote Reader

Quote Reader is a simple desktop tool that inserts a new quote into your desktop wallpaper on a regular schedule (every X minutes). The quotes are read from a plain text file that contains more than 5000 quotations from famous people like Freud, Nietzsche, Voltaire, Twain, Einstein and others, and you can add also add your own to extend the inventory, or edit the quotes as you please. The position of the desktop quote can be easily customized with a drag and drop positioning panel.

Auslogics Visual Styler

Auslogics Visual Styler enables you to customize and style the appearance of your desktop environment by changing icons, wallpapers and backgrounds as well as the screens for logon and boot sequence. The program offers downloadable themes that can quickly change the appearance of your PC, or you can tweak it yourself by customizing only certain aspects of the system. Other features include visual appearance tweaks, wallpaper changer and a restore wizard that allows you to any changes.

IconTweaker

IconTweaker allows you to customize Windows with different sets of icon themes. It comes with several themes to choose from and additional ones can be added later. You can choose to change all icons according to the theme, and also set different icons for selected files and/or folders. The program provides an easy to use interface, and can restore your original icons at any time.

Vision Suit

Vision Suit adds a visual effects layer to your desktop that can help reduce screen glare and at the same time create a unique desktop environment. The program blends your screen display with colors, gradients, light effects and background images or textures that act as an overlay for your entire screen area, including programs, windows and all other desktop elements. Vision Suit includes a variety of preset themes and 5 lightning effects, that can be adjusted to your preference. The effects look very attractive, so if you are having problems with screen glare, this could be an elegant solution to your problem. We found it a little too distracting, but it`s a matter of personal preference (that`s why we did not give it a rating).

Mumm iBoard

This Info-Board comes with a free Birthday manager, Horoscope, Desktop "Post-It" and Puzzle Game! NOTE: Some features of the Mumm-iBoard are in German language only!

True Launch Bar

True Launch Bar is a powerful replacement for the Windows QuickLaunch bar that integrates all the standard functionality and adds a wealth of functionalities that can turn your QuickLaunch bar into a flexible shortcut organizer with integrated RSS reader, network monitor and many other tools. You can create it as a simple program launcher, or as a complex utility bar with the help of free plug-ins. True Launch Bar displays customizable icons which menus that allow you to group your shortcuts, assigned hotkeys and even password protect them. The program also offers a unique features that enables you to automatically switch toolbars based on the currently active application. Other features include customizable color schemes, drag and drop support and much more. If you are looking for a powerful program launcher that tightly integrates with Windows, definitely give True Launch Bar a try.

ServiceMill

ServiceMill is a utility that turns any program into a native Windows NT/2000 service. It allows you to run a utility that is not available as a native NT service without the need for user sessions. You can write your own batch or script and run it securely as a service

e-Speaking Voice and Speech Recognition

This voice recognition software uses your voice to command and control your computer and dictation. Reduce or eliminate mouse clicks or keyboard input.

StartRight

Those of you that have a dozen system tray programs will like this little tool - it will manage the execution of programs that are automatically started by the operating system at logon time. Rather than starting everything at once, StartRight will set a delay between each program launch, allowing Windows to load faster and more efficient. The program will automatically configure all startup programs, so if you are a novice user, there is nothing for you to configure. Advanced users can optionally edit the startup order or exclude certain programs from the delayed start. StartRight supports your common startup folder entries as well as registry runkey items. All original settings can be restored to their previous state by clicking the restore button.

Thoosje Vista Sidebar

Our Vista sidebar for Microsoft Windows XP and Vista has gadgets like media players, google search, yahoo search and lots of more search engines. It has also gadgets like weather and system uptime and lots of more useful gadgets. The sidebar uses 50% less RAM and is faster than the original Microsoft Sidebar with more extras. Thoosje's Vista Sidebar is also part of the Vista Transformation Pack.

Desktoplet

This program provides access to desktop items when the desktop is covered by other windows.

Send To Toys

Send To Toys is an enhancement of the Send To system menu. It adds a Send To "Folder..." option to the right click menu, which allows you to select a folder and copy the file there. In addition, the "Send To Clipboard (as name)" copies the name of the file or files to the clipboard.

WinPaster

WinPaster allows to store and quickly paste text snippets, images and other data into any application. You can prepare various snippets (email signatures, canned reply messages etc.), organize them into folders and then paste them into the currently active program by simply double-clicking on an item. To further speed up the insertion, you can also define text macro shortcuts that will be replaced with the designated text whenever they are typed or use keyboard hotkeys to paste the data. WinPaster also supports plug-ins that enables you to perform calculations (and paste the results), insert the current time and date or dates from a calendar. Can also run from a Flash drive.

Shortcut

Create desktop shortcuts to any website. Easy to use. Just save the program in your desktop, open it, enter web address and shortcut name and create it. Access any website from your desktop. Free.

Samurize

Samurize is the popular advanced system monitoring and desktop enhancement engine for Windows. IT professionals, overclockers, gamers and desktop modders alike use Samurize for system information, weather reports, news headlines and much much more.

Winstep Xtreme

A powerful, multi-paged desktop replacement, program launcher and document organizer that can be used as an alternative or supplement to the normal Windows desktop. Also features handy modules such as a talking clock that can synchronize your system time with the atomic time servers on the Internet, an Email Checker, Weather monitor, CPU, RAM and Net Meters and more!

Responding Heads

Responding Heads enables you to launch programs, commands and actions via voice commands spoken into your PC microphone. The program uses the MS Speech recognition engine and is very easy to configure. It places a small animated head on your desktop that confirms that spoken commands and adds some animation to the process (this can be turned off). Responding Heads supports program launching, e.g say `Open Mail` to run Outlook Express, as well as several system and keyboard commands, text-to-speech conversion, and even typing of pre-configured keystrokes. Responding Heads is very easy to set up, and worked well during our review.

Serence KlipFolio

Klipfolio is a small, efficient and easy to use desktop program that allows you to collect, view and manage live information channels. Save the time and energy needed to stay up-to-date.

TrayDevil

TrayDevil can minimize any window to the system tray and also acts as a quick reboot and shutdown tool. It enables you to simply Shift+left-click on any window (program, folder, website etc.) and it will be minimized to the system tray, using its standard windows icon. In addition, you can use the middle mouse key to quickly close windows, hide the system clock and reboot your PC by double-clicking the TrayDevil icon. Small and easy to use.

DeskTask

DeskTask enables you to display your current Outlook tasks and appointments on your desktop. The information is shown in an overlay that integrates with your desktop wallpaper and automatically updates itself to display the latest information. You can customize the appearance and configure how many days of appointments and tasks to include, filter tasks by category and more. Clicking on an item can optionally open it in Outlook. A very useful desktop addition for those that manage their appointments with Outlook.

DeskTool

This desktop tool bar provides access to frequently used applications by displaying an organized row of buttons from which to choose. It integrates into the desktop shell of Windows 9x and Windows NT/2000. Drag and Drop is supported for adding, deleting and moving buttons around within the tool bar. You can "dock" DeskTool to any one of the four edges of your screen, or leave it free-floating. You can also make the tool bar auto-hide when docked to an edge.

WindowManager

WindowManager provides an easy way to manage all the currently opened Windows on your desktop. It allows you to hide selected windows, make them transparent or always on top. You can also configure the taskbar and all child windows opened by applications. WindowManager runs in the system tray and also offers password protection for several of the functions.