If you have a case of Mac-envy, or if you’re looking for a launcher that combines both form and function, then check out Winstep Nexus. This docking launcher has been out for a while, but the latest release (ver. 12.2) is a quantum leap forward in terms of speed and performance, as well as a →
Access favorite folders within a stylish popup launcher on the taskbar, with MiniWe
If you’re interested in a quick and stylish way to display your favorite folders on your desktop in then check out MiniWe. This free software displays a popup window right from the Windows taskbar that connects to any folder that you specify (see screenshot). Moreover, it lets you customize the way your popup looks, as →
Toggle hidden file and name extensions visibility via hotkey with HiFiTo
There are many hidden files on your system, and for the most part it is very good that that is the case; it keeps your folders tidy and clean looking, and keeps many files (somewhat) protected, that needn’t be played with. But for those times when you need to see the hidden files (or when →
Add a scrolling RSS ticker to your desktop with Snackr
If information is power, then surely adding more of it onto your desktop in the form of an RSS feed ticker is a good thing, right? (Note: I am being somewhat facetious here). In any case, if an RSS ticker is what you want, then Snackr, a free multiplatform Adobe Air application, is what you →
Download desktop skins, launchers, and widgets with ‘RainMeter Skins Gallery’
RainMeter, to quote our original review of it, is “one of the most powerful free desktop customization and widget engines on the Windows platform”. This software has matured since we wrote about it more than a year ago, with more and more user-generated skins, tools, and tweaks. The ‘RainMeter Skins Gallery’ is exactly what sounds →
MaxMax can change the behavior of maximized windows, keep parts of the desktop always visible
Did you ever wish that a section of your screen could be kept from being covered with windows when you maximize them. For example, you may have desktop widgets, sticky notes, a launcher, or other tools or content that you would like to be able to always access. If so, then you should check out →
Change your Windows 7 logon screen with Windows 7 Logon Screen Tweaker
This free app is for those who like to customize, tweak, and generally place their individual mark on everything that has to do with their computer. The program does exactly what it says: it changes the logon screen in Windows 7, the user icon, the logon text branding, as well as a handful of other →
Organize your desktop shortcuts with QLaunch
If you’ve got too many icons on your desktop, you may be interested in QLaunch, a free launcher of shortcuts, files, and folders. QLaunch provides multiple user created floating Windows that can house your icons and shortcuts, and will even let you ‘cluster’ them together manually in the same manner that people normally do on →
Control your Recycle Bin from the system tray with Minibin
MiniBin lets you open and empty your recycle bin from a system tray icon. This would make sense in many different scenarios, e.g. if you find yourself frequently minimizing windows to get to your Recycle Bin, if you like to keep your desktop clean of unnecessary icons, if you use a replacement shell that doesn’t →
Automate repetitive or frequent tasks with mouse gestures, using StrokesPlus
StrokesPlus is a mouse gesture recognition program that allows you to perform frequently used or repetitive tasks by simply drawing a gesture with your mouse or performing mouse and/or keyboard modifiers to fire off an action sequence. It’s is a great little freeware program that’s loaded with different options, like adding keyboard modifiers and even →
Add docking toolbar launchers to the sides of your screen with Coolbarz
Want a nice, functional, launcher that appears only when you need it? Then check out Coolbarz, a free software that can add up to 4 toolbars on any of the sides of the screen. These no-frills toolbars (see screenshot) appear when you mouse over the side of the screen and are invisible when you move →
Tiles: a sleek, Windows 8 inspired sidebar widget and launcher
Tiles is a Windows 8 inspired sidebar launcher. It has three “swipeable” tabs that you can switch across; an apps tab that displays open programs and windows (very similar to the Winodws taskbar), a tiles tab which can house your favorite shortcuts for files, folders or program shortcuts, and a ‘docs’ tab, which is a →
