Application Launcher

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by screamer, Feb 16, 2009.

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  1. screamer

    screamer Registered Member

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    Not a poll, but looking for experiences / suggestions.

    Recently had to replace a HDD and motherboard on my Dell XPS 600. I'm in the process of setting up this "new" box and decided on some changes from the old look & feel. I'm considering a launcher. Anyone who uses one and cares to share your experience / suggestions. All will be appreciated. Running Win XP SP3.

    ...screamer
     
  2. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Registered Member

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    I used a Dock for awhile, preferring RocketDock over ObjectDock. The way docks are architected there are some security issues; specifically, inheritance: The dock needs the authority to run what it launches, so virtually everything can theoretically be launched by the dock without further authorization.

    I went back to using a simple custom toolbar, although I did place a folder of folders of shortcuts onto the toolbar for the ability to nest icons.
     
  3. Aaron Here

    Aaron Here Registered Member

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    For simple and effective functionality rather than desktop eye-candy (like ObjectDock, RocketDock, etc.), try Jet Toolbar. :thumb:

    I am using it with WinXP SP3 (not sure if it's Vista compatible). It's very light, easy to use and can be positioned just about anywhere on the desktop (and if you wish, hidden until you hover over it with your mouse's arrow).

    Oh yeah, it's freeware!
     
  4. screamer

    screamer Registered Member

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    ehhh, kinda lookin' for some eye candy. As long as it doesn't impose a security issue or become a resource hog. Guess I can control authority to run what it launches via Malware Defender.

    ...screamer

    keep 'em coming
     
  5. Pedro

    Pedro Registered Member

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  6. Sully

    Sully Registered Member

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    What is your definition for the terminology 'launcher' ? Do you mean, something that sits in the tray or hotkey or somethign, that you can easily start applications instead of using the start menu or cluttering the desktop with icons?

    Or do you mean a tool that you can configure to launch all your startup items from one interface and semi-control the autostarts?

    Sul.
     
  7. screamer

    screamer Registered Member

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    Currently I have installed RocketDock, but I see there is a plethora of simillar apps. Just wondering about pro & con of each. i.e. resources, security...


    ...screamer
     
  8. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Registered Member

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    There are a few. I tried both RocketDock and ObjectDock and used RocketDock for quite awhile. One of the nice docklets that works with either, the Stacks Docklet, does not play nice with UAC, so Vista and Windows 7 users need to fuss with it. There is still a page on my website about docks, but, as I said before, I went back to less eye candy and a basic Windows toolbar. I never did have any icons on my desktop; do not like the clutter. I do use the Windows Explorer replacement, xplorer² Pro, and have it on my toolbar. I read on their forums that they have a toolbar, too, but I do not really need yet another toolbar, so have not investigated it. I believe it comes with the free version of xplorer², too.
     
  9. jumpshot

    jumpshot Registered Member

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    ..what Pedro suggested.. +1
    Couldn't be easier, or less intrusive.
    J.
     
  10. bellgamin

    bellgamin Registered Member

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    I heartily recommend RunIt -- Free. Feather-light. Friendly. Fabulous. :thumb:
     
  11. raakii

    raakii Registered Member

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    I use rocketdock for programs and Autodialogs for folder shortcuts.Winstep has a nice loook.RunIt and Jet tooolbar is fine too,but they they the candy look of rocketdock. Problem with Rocket Dock or other Docks that it shakes on loading layered video files.

    The lancher one neeeds depends on whether the user uses keyborad or mouse.Launchy does not have a good GUI.RocketDock looks the best.
    Btw , this topic is nice .:thumb:
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2009
  12. mr mister

    mr mister Registered Member

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    i've tried a lot of application launchers, and i can recommend 3

    1) tray commander http://www.ardamax.com/tc/
    http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/Tray_Commander/traycom.html

    there's also a free version, Tray Commander Lite http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/Tray_Commander_Lite/traycomlite.html

    the requirements doesn't mention vista, but i've used it on vista without any problems

    2) true launch bar http://www.truelaunchbar.com/
    there's also a free version but it's not fully vista compatible yet http://www.freelaunchbar.com/

    3) turbolaunch http://www.savardsoftware.com/turbolaunch/
     
  13. Sully

    Sully Registered Member

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    I see now what you want. I made one of these a little while ago. Works well enough. I made mine to be least flashy, to the point, and use less mouse clicking to get the job done. Try it out if you like. A bit cryptic as it runs from an .ini file, but it works well.

    SG-Menu

    There are a couple help files there, I am afraid though my scripting skills might be better than my english skills. There is a build tool, that is to help build your ini file should you share it. You can add programs to check for, and it is easier to do the initial ini setup. I would suggest reading and playing, then delete .ini file created and start over after you see the structure.

    Might work a trick for you, might not. Sure saves me a lot of time, and I enable disable my network adapter from there as well as change my gateway, as well as toggle 2 tray icons up to the desktop. You be the judge.

    Sul.
     
  14. raakii

    raakii Registered Member

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    Tray commander is better than auto dialogs ,and jet toolbar is better than turbolaunch .
     
  15. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    I use ObjectDock for icon access to commonly used programs and documents. I also use Launchy to launch other programs, documents, and websites by typing a few characters.
     
  16. raakii

    raakii Registered Member

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    Thanks mister ,i am using rocketdock and tray commander now
     
  17. CGA

    CGA Registered Member

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    FARR, Launcy on stereoids. Free, configurable, non-indexing, plenty of plugins, good community, responsive author, I could go on and on.
     
  18. Tony

    Tony Registered Member

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    I have just tried the free version of Tray Commander from the snapfiles link and was quite impressed by its ease of use so i went to the home page to see how much it costs and K9 web protection lists it as malware/spyware source, then WOT shows ardamax web site as yellow/unsatisfactoryo_O
     
  19. Tony

    Tony Registered Member

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    I really like this little program Bellgamin :)

    I see that it is no longer developed though :(
    Any idea if this runs on Vista ??
     
  20. mr mister

    mr mister Registered Member

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    it's because of ardamax's other, more well-known product, the keylogger
     
  21. newbino

    newbino Registered Member

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    No doubt about it, SlickRun.

    Extremely light, unobtrusive, customizable - it's a different concept and you ought to give it a try

    :)
     
  22. mr mister

    mr mister Registered Member

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  23. Espresso

    Espresso Registered Member

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    I like the QuickLaunch bar, dragged over to the left side of my screen. I also have a bunch of folders full of links in my Links bar, which I have showing in Explorer windows.
     
  24. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Registered Member

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    I do not use the QuickLaunch bar; rather, I created my own custom toolbar and added it for use.
     
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