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Launchy: Free Windows Keystroke Launcher

Launchy might come in handy for some of you. The freeware tool indexes your start menu and lets you start every program, document or other files with a few keystrokes. The tool hides in the background and you can bring it forth by holding alt and hitting space. Enter the first letters of the file you want to launch and it should be found really quickly. When launchy found it you simply hit enter and the file loads.

Update: Launchy has been updated in the last year. It is not clear if the developer has stopped working on the program completely or if he is only taking a hiatus. The latest Launchy version available for download is Launchy 2.5 for all supported operating systems (Linux, Mac and Windows).

Users can install the program or use it as a portable version on their system. First time users should open the options of the file launcher first to configure the folders that should be included by the program launcher. Automatically included are all programs of the start menu and quick launch toolbar. It is possible to add other directories under the Catalog tab in the program.

launchy options

Subdirectories are automatically scanned for applications by the program. Users who add new folders or remove existing ones need to click on the rescan catalog button afterwards to generate a new index of programs.

Other options include changing the skin and visual effects, set the program window to be always on top, or adding or removing plugins like the calculator.

The core program window consists of a simple form that you can enter program names into. It is often sufficient to enter the first few letters of a program. Launchy will suggest the most suitable program automatically, with the option to launch it with a tap on the enter key.

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About the Author:Martin Brinkmann is a journalist from Germany who founded Ghacks Technology News Back in 2005. He is passionate about all things tech and knows the Internet and computers like the back of his hand. You can follow Martin on Facebook or Twitter.

Author: , Wednesday May 10, 2006 -
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Responses so far:

  1. Marc-O says:

    http://www.launchy.net/#intro

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