MedalFolders: launch programs, URLs, files or folders from the system tray
MedalFolders is a free, small system-tray based program, file, and folders launcher. It allows for adding items to the list through simple drag and drop, and will automatically separate applications and files/folders/URLs into two different sections.
I was looking for a simple tray-based launcher when I found this. I’ve reviewed similar launchers before (see the ’verdict’ section below), but wanted a simple system-tray based launcher with the ability to add apps and files by dragging and dropping icons. It also had to look good. MedalFolders delivers on both counts, even if its somewhat old and hasn’t been updated for a while.
Here’s a list of what this program can do:
- Interface: looks good. Displays the app of file icon in the list by default.
- Support: opens programs, files (including URLs), or folders
- Import/Export: allows exporting and importing menus, such that you could exchange your menus if need be or transport them to other computers.
- Drag and drop: open the program interface then add items by dragging and dropping icons.
- Reconciles shortcuts: i.e. if you add an item to the list by dragging and dropping a shortcut then remove that shortcut, Medalfolders will still find the original program or file that the shortcut points to.
- Ordering of items: alphabetical. No user control provided. MedalFolders will place apps in an "Applications" section and everything else in a "Files and Folders" section.
- Memory use: around 20 megs in memory. Seems like is should have been less, but not a whole lot of memory nonetheless.
What it does NOT do:
- Cascading menus: does not support cascading menus for folders. Clicking on a folder entry will
simply open the folder in explorer. - Custom folders/ordering: does not allow for manual ordering of items or creation of custom folders. Entries will either be in the "Applications" or "Files and Folders" sections, sorted alphabetically.
The verdict: a nice little launcher if you just want something simple and straightforward, and works great for launching URLs. For similar launchers with more bells and whistles check out Kana Launcher or LaunchOnFly.
Do you know of other system tray based launchers that you like? Let us know in the comments!
Version Tested: 2.0.0.503
Compatibility: WinAll.
Go to the program page to download the latest version (approx 2.74 megs).
couldnt get it to work with vista, even with the usual tricks (changing its comapatability, running as admin etc). Its probably not ususual given that it was last updated in 2005, before vista came out. may run in xp but given its age should be retired gracefully
LaunchBar Commander is also pretty good and feature-rich. Apart from the menu in system tray, we can also have dockable and slidable bars.
I’ve been using for some years now. It’s not a system tray launcher, but a Quick Launch bar replacement (perhaps ‘enhancement’ is more accurate), so I hope you won’t mind me mentioning it here. There is a more tweakable non-free version called True Launch Bar, but the free version pretty much does it all for me. The two major enhancements are separators for grouping icons, and the ability to add menus (and sub-menus). It works best for me with the taskbar raised to two rows high, with FLB on the bottom. Works fine in Vista.
Ahem, sorry about the ‘extended’ link!
20 MBs a little high for my liking.
I also started with Free Launch Bar. Upgraded to paid to for export/import, and to support a good developer. It also works with Windows 7.
Nice to have all the bells and whistles, but I find it a simple matter in XP to make a new toolbar called ’shortcuts’ and link to a folder I created that contains shortcuts to the apps, urls, etc. It’s completely customizable and I can group similar objects in their own folders. Sometimes KISS works better.
I use Rocketdock for my mac-clone launching (the common stuff there) and Launchy – I have it index the start menu and all folders in my docs, and shortcuts I put in a certain folder. I have a LOT of stuff I can potentially launch, with no visual clutter – I start tying and it appears.
Me too it’s easier and it doesn’t add any load on the ram
Quote:
Nice to have all the bells and whistles, but I find it a simple matter in XP to make a new toolbar called ’shortcuts’ and link to a folder I created that contains shortcuts to the apps, urls, etc. It’s completely customizable and I can group similar objects in their own folders. Sometimes KISS works better.
I use PStart. Runs from the systray, very versatile, comes with a note utility, lets you sort items manually, and uses less memory (mine is currently using 11 megs, with about 200 items in it).
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MedalFolders 3 (beta) is going to be released within the next week or two.
Please sent us an email should you want to become a beta tester. You can email me at marius@medalware.com.
Subject line = “MedalFolders Beta Tester”….
The new MedalFolders 3 is going to kick some #@#….
We have include some incredible features…
Believe me, our team has spend a lot of time on the feedback we received to improve.
Guy and Girls, please make sure you get the latest MedalFolders 3. To be released soon…