[Vipralion]

Working on computers is something many of us do for a living. From being paid to doing what you do, to the hobby-interests many of enjoy, it's the plethora of programs used that can make things a bit less manageable.

First up is Launchy, an open source keystroke launcher for Windows. With the simple press of Alt+Spacebar or any other hotkeys you like, you'll be presented with a small window that contains a text field. Start typing and Launchy will do its best to give you the result you're looking for. Type in Word, media player, my docs, etc. and with the push of the enter key the program will launch.

Launchy scans your Start Menu, as well as any other folders you would like, and indexes them for easy and instant access without having to navigate a menu with every program you have installed, or looking for a particular icon in your Quick Launch. Using the keyboard is an easy way to get things done quickly.

Since I've started using it, I've gotten rid of my quick launch toolbar and been able to remove most of the icons from my desktop. All that's left there are the usual My Computer, My Documents, Recycle Bin, and 3 program icons I like to keep there.

[ChrisTheFeral]

ohhh neat!
I have been looking for something like this, thanks

Plus, open source is always great!


Thanks so much


EDIT: their site isn't working for me :S

[bboy daniel]

My younger brother and roommate use this. Really cool stuff from what I see. It's always cool to use more keyboard shortcuts.

[sushrukh]

Originally Posted by Vipralion

Working on computers is something many of us do for a living. From being paid to doing what you do, to the hobby-interests many of enjoy, it's the plethora of programs used that can make things a bit less manageable.

First up is Launchy, an open source keystroke launcher for Windows. With the simple press of Alt+Spacebar or any other hotkeys you like, you'll be presented with a small window that contains a text field. Start typing and Launchy will do its best to give you the result you're looking for. Type in Word, media player, my docs, etc. and with the push of the enter key the program will launch.

Launchy scans your Start Menu, as well as any other folders you would like, and indexes them for easy and instant access without having to navigate a menu with every program you have installed, or looking for a particular icon in your Quick Launch. Using the keyboard is an easy way to get things done quickly.

Since I've started using it, I've gotten rid of my quick launch toolbar and been able to remove most of the icons from my desktop. All that's left there are the usual My Computer, My Documents, Recycle Bin, and 3 program icons I like to keep there.

Thanks for posting this Vipralion.

[sharkhead7854]

lol as unorganized as i am my memory is even worse, no way i could remember keyboard shortcuts XD

[metsamees]

Nice thanks for post
what's more better than not having more shortcuts
i'll be checking that out soon

[Vipralion]

Hehe well the good news is that all you gotta remember is Alt+Spacebar and Launchy pops up. All you need to remember is the name of the program you're looking for. Even if you don't quite remember it, you can start typing in a word and Launchy will bring up relevant results.

I found that Google Desktop offerred similar functionality but in my experience was too slow and clunky to manage launching programs. I've since completely gotten rid of Google Desktop.

Lol. Still can't get rid of WindowBlinds though. Every few weeks I get tired of the the Zune or Energy Blue themes in XP and turn on the WB. I really love the look of 'Black' and 'Eminence". And then I have those on for a few weeks then turn 'em off to get some sort of performance boost I suppose. Not even sure if there is a performance hit at all from it.

Also tried Stardock ObjectDock and it's pretty nice, could even go for a full-on taskbar replacement if you buy the full version, but... Iunno. Could enhance productivity in some ways. If I took the time to really think about how I could use either taskbar, objectdock, or both to maximize workflow I'm sure I could come up with something but I'm good without it.


Another tool I use often, especially when dealing with opening/saving files in different folders, is Direct Folders. It's a free download and installs easily enough. What it does is allow you to double click in the open/save as dialog window and it'll bring up a context menu that'll let you quickly switch to a particular folder that you setup in the software. You can add as many folders to the list as you like. There is a pro version that lets you jump to the last folder/file used. Link: Direct Folders - quick access to your favorite folders

[ChrisTheFeral]

Ach, I just downloaded it and opened it, when I move the window around, it copies like as if it were a mouse trail everywhere :-S

anybody else have that issue?

BTW, not a short mouse trail either, it's a long one!

[SkyFuser]

Wait, the Launchy window is following your mouse around? I just tried it but nothing happened.
And I just installed it. It's pretty awesome, although I DO wish its search engine could be better, you need to know the exactly name :\

[ChrisTheFeral]

Originally Posted by SkyFuser

Wait, the Launchy window is following your mouse around? I just tried it but nothing happened.
And I just installed it. It's pretty awesome, although I DO wish its search engine could be better, you need to know the exactly name :\

Damn, all they need to add (generally speaking) would be a % before and after their search variable, wow, I wonder why they haven't.

Also, I don't mean it's following my mouse around, I mean when I click and drag the window it leaves a trail of windows, like a mouse cursor would when you have the trail set to on. If that makes sense?