One of the main advantages of Maxto is its multi-monitor support. After executing Maxto for the first time each of the computer monitors currently connected to the computer system become preyed out. This is the configuration phase of the application. The user can then divide each computer monitor screen horizontally or vertically numerous times until the desired partitioning has been defined. Each are can be manually adjusted by moving the dividing bars around. The actual computer monitor shines through which makes it easy for users who want to adjust the settings according to current window placements.

It is furthermore possible to load a monitor profile instead of configuring the areas of the computer monitor manually. Profiles exist that divide the computer monitor vertically or horizontally. The new areas become active once the preparations are done. Another option is to configure an alternate setup for the computer system which can be switched to easily. Perfect if you run two different kind of application sets that have different space requirements.

Keyboard shortcuts are available to move the windows into adjacent areas quickly, to maximize windows full screen or to enable the alternative layout.

The drawback of the application is its resource usage. While the application itself ships with a size of less than 200 Kilobytes it uses more than 30 Megabytes – and the same amount of virtual memory – while running on a computer system with one connected computer monitor. It should also be noted that Maxto requires the Microsoft .net Framework 2.0 or higher.

An alternative is Winsplit Revolution which is more resource friendly or Acer Vista Grid which despite the name works on both XP and Vista.

Maxto, via Lifehacker.

Winsplit Revolution is a split monitor application that can split the computer monitor exactly like the user wants it. It comes with a few default layouts like splitting the computer monitor in half either horizontally or vertically or dividing it into quarters. A nice feature of the program is that it is flexible enough to accept user defined schemes so that the computer monitor can be split exactly like the user wants it.

Each scheme can contain various layouts. The default left and right theme for instance contains layouts to assign 50%, 33.3% or 66.6% of the computer monitor screen to a window that is moved in the area.

The software program is hotkey driven and supports drag and drop as an alternative way of moving windows in the right spot. Hotkeys usually consist of CTRL ALT and the numpad. Pressing the same hotkey a second time alternates between the defined layout schemes. Additional hotkeys are available for various operations like maximizing or minimizing windows.

Windows Fusion is another interesting feature. It can be used to move two windows into an exact position on the monitor screen.

Winsplit can be installed regularly or as a portable application. It is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista and requires roughly 8 Megabytes of computer memory while running.