This could obviously mean some problems for applications that use the middle-mouse button for other tasks. That’s why the developer built in an option to exclude applications from triggering the program launcher.

Mouse Extender displays icons to start the control panel and to restart and shutdown the computer system by default. It is furthermore possible to add programs, files or folders to the program interface. The easiest way to add programs is to right-click in the interface and select the option to add running programs to the program launcher. The programs need to be running and cannot be minimized for this. Files and folders can be added through the file browser. Each program, file and folder is represented by an icon that is shown in the interface.

A click on the icon will launch or open the selected item. It is possible to keep the program launcher on top all the time unless the minimize or close buttons are pressed. Other options that are available include changing the number of icons per row, hiding the system buttons and adding programs to the list of excluded programs.

Mouse Extender (via Addictive Tips) offers an interesting twist in the program launcher niche. The only aspect that might need work is the memory usage of the program. More than 40 Megabytes of computer memory could turn many users away from the otherwise excellent program launcher. The portable software program is available for most versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

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There is one thing of concern during installation. Speed Launch can only be installed if you accept that usage metrics will be send over to Microsoft. I suppose one could simply prevent the communication with the server if he does not like to transfer the data. As always, there is no real information what data gets transferred, only the assurance that it will not be used to identify the user.

Well, if you still want to give it a try you notice a bulls eye in the lower right corner of the screen after installation. That’s the area where you drop files and websites on to create shortcuts.

The shortcut Windows C opens the main program interface that you see above. You type in the first few letters of the file, application or website that you want to use and hit enter. Depending on the choice the file is instantly launched or additional input is requested (for example when picking Wikipedia).

Internet pages are opened in the default browser which is very surprising but also welcome for a Microsoft application. Microsoft Speed Launch could be described as a basic version of Launchy. The only advantage is that it comes directly from Microsoft which will surely appeal to many users who are cautious about third party applications.

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I did feel a little bit overwhelmed by the plethora of options and settings of the application. It too almost 15 minutes before I thought that I had seen all of the functions of the program.

Zen Key is an application manager that can launch, manage and manipulate applications. Most of its features can be executed with a few keystrokes. Alt Space opens the Zen Key menu by default which puts everything at your fingertips.

zen key

Zen Key, among other things offers the following features:

• Work and play on an Infinite desktop (almost)
• Launch a program or a file
• Control program windows
• Automatically make windows transparent
• Iconify windows
• Open folders
• Control Media Applications
• Open Websites, perform an Internet search
• Issue a Windows System command
• Simulate a series of keystrokes

Zen Key uses only 6 Megabytes of memory when running which is really astonishing. Two windows had been iconified and the virtual desktop was displayed when I checked the memory usage.

The major problem that users might have with Zen Key is that it is quite complex and takes a while to get just to. It does add a few nice features that seem pretty unique to me though and that alone makes it a program that is worth that time.

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