Windows Startup Manager

Martin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:12:10 +0000

Autoruns is for many experienced computer users the only software program worth mentioning when it comes to managing Windows startup settings. Inexperienced users on the other hand are often overwhelmed by the sheer functionality of the startup software and prefer software programs that display less information and concentrate on the core: listing Windows startup programs.

Autostart Explorer is a free portable software for the Microsoft Windows operating system that lists the programs and files that are started during Windows startup. The main advantage of this software program over more complex solutions like Autoruns is its simplicity. It does list all the relevant Windows startup entries divided into categories like Registry, startup folders or standard executables.

The program will list a short description of the currently selected Windows startup entry and the programs that are started during Windows startup. One major shortcoming is that the program does not provide the means to delete entries right away. The user has to either click on the Open Folder button to open the folder containing the program that gets autostarted or open a Registry editor manually.

While this could be meant as another means of protection to avoid accidentally deleting important startup entries it is a major nuisance for users who want to get rid of some of the autostart entries of their Windows operating system.

Another program that provides the means to delete entries is Starter. It is not as complex as Autoruns but provides more information and possibilities as Autostart Explorer. Probably the best program of its kind for inexperienced users.

Tags: autoruns, autostart explorer, portable software, starter, startup, windows software, windows startup, windows startup manager

Key Launch Application Launcher

Martin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:34:36 +0000

Key Launch is an application launcher for Windows that can launch applications but also commands with just a few keystrokes. Application launchers speed up working with the operating system but require a period of vocational adjustment before the user can utilize their full potential.

The software program is driven by the global hotkey [CTRL SPACE] that opens the run box of the application launcher. Entering a char will show the first five hits in the container below and provide the means to scroll through the rest if there are more than five results.

Besides launching applications and files Key Launch can initiate Internet searches, open bookmarks, start Control Panel items, create a new email message, manage computer shutdown commands or open Internet addresses.

Every application launcher has to face off against Launchy. Key Launch is compatible to Windows Vista which Launchy is not according to the information on the Launchy homepage. Launchy on the other hand is Open Source and available for Linux which Key Launch is not.

Another advantage of Launchy is that users have created plugins and skins for the application launcher while Key Launch stands on its own as of now. Computer memory usage is similar for both application launchers with Launchy using a few additional Megabytes while running.

Tags: application-launcher, key launch, launch applications, launchy, program starter, starter, windows software

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Windows Startup Manager

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