Anchor Link AquaSnap Portable
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-05-23
Version: 1.6.3 – Released: 2012-05-23 Windows: 2000, XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 2.04 MB Portable
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“AquaSnap is a free software that greatly enhances the way you can arrange windows on your Desktop. It allows you to snap the windows to the edges or corners of the desktop by simply dragging them where you want.
“AquaSnap is a great replacement for the Aero Snap and Aero Shake features of Windows 7 and will surely boost your productivity! AquaSnap consumes very little memory and CPU.
“Key Features:
• Can resize windows to half screen and quarter screen.
• Multi-monitor compatible.
• Works with child windows of Multiple Document Interface (MDI).
• Skinnable interface.
• Multilingual GUI.”
Anchor Link Auto Hide Desktop Icons
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-03-06
Version: 2.02 – Released: 2013-03-06 Windows: 98, ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 22 KB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
Portable
“Auto Hide Desktop Icons is a lightweight portable Windows program. If you use desktop backgrounds, it helps you to see sometimes the wallpapers clean and in full bloom.
“Includes an automatic hiding and showing feature of the desktop icons, an adjustable timer and arbitrary activation options. It is the right desktop tool if the desktop is awash with icons so you can see more of your desktop background! As an optional feature: you can also activate the Auto Hide and Show the Task Bar feature.”
Anchor Link BitRule
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: ??? – Released: 2009-06-21 Windows: 2000, XP, Vista
File Size: 2.35 MB
“BitRule is a free screen measurement tool that is much easier to use than the cumbersome screen ruler and caliper products that mimic their physical counterparts. Just click on two points on your screen, and get the horizontal, vertical and diagonal distances, as well as the angle to the horizontal.
“BitRule measures in pixels, inches, centimeters and picas.”
Anchor Link Classic Shell
License: GNU GPL – Open Source Last Reviewed: 2013-04-17
Version: 3.6.7 – Released: 2013-04-13 Windows: Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 8.8 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Classic Shell is a collection of features that were available in older versions of Windows but were later removed. It has a customizable Start menu and Start button for Windows 7 and Windows 8, it adds a toolbar for Windows Explorer and supports a variety of smaller features.
“Classic Start Menu is a clone of the original start menu, which you can find in all versions of Windows from 95 to Vista. It has a variety of advanced features:
• Drag and drop to let you organize your applications
• Options to show Favorites, expand Control Panel, etc.
• Shows recently used documents. The number of documents to display is customizable
• Translated in 35 languages, including Right-to-left support for Arabic and Hebrew
• Does not disable the original start menu in Windows
• Right-click on an item in the menu to delete, rename, sort, or perform other tasks
• Available for 32 and 64-bit operating systems
• Has support for skins, including additional 3rd party skins
• Fully customizable in both looks and functionality
• Support for Microsoft’s Active Accessibility
• Converts the ‘All Programs’ button in the Windows menu into a cascading menu (Vista and Windows 7)
• Implements a customizable Start button (Windows 7 and 8)
• Can show, search and launch Windows Store apps (Windows 8)
• And last but not least — it’s FREE!
Anchor Link Classic Windows Start Menu
License: GNU GPL Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 4.05 Beta – Released: 2010-10-23 Windows: Vista, 7
File Size: 905 KB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Windows 7 has eliminated the start menu we used in Windows XP and that, in my oppinion, made apps easier to find and lanuch. Now, you can recover this classic menu for free. Once executed, this tool will launch a Windows XP-style menu that you can call in the same ways you used to do before: Win key, Ctrl+Esc or clicking left mouse button on the Windows logo; if you click right button, the application will ask you to exit. So easy!
“ClassicWinStartMenu updates menus every time, and shows you the last installed applications, and now new version adds improved visual appearance, context menus, drag and drop, sorting, and more minor features. Also you can add new files or folders just dropping them over the start button. Always remember you can do these operations on the original menu folders, and changes will be reflected into your new menu.”
Anchor Link Change XP Start Button
License: Information only Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Windows: XP
“This is a simple Easy to do Introduction on how to change your Start Button text, image, and hover text. This is a fun way to Spruce up your computer to your special touch!”
Anchor Link ConvertAll
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-07
Version: 0.5.2 – Released: 2011-11-02 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 6.7 MB Portable
“ConvertAll is a powerful free unit converter that supports over 400 data units. With ConvertAll, you can combine the units any way you want. If you want to convert from inches per decade, that’s fine. Or from meter-pounds. Or from cubic nautical miles. The units don’t have to make sense to anyone else.
“Features:
♦ The base units for conversion may be either typed (with auto-completion) or selected from a list.
♦ Units may be selected using either an abbreviation or a full name.
♦ Units may be combined with the “*” and “/” operators.
♦ Units may be raised to powers with the “^” operator.
♦ Units with non-linear scales, such as temperature, can also be converted.
♦ A unit list may be filtered and searched.
♦ Numbers may be entered on either the “From” or the “To” units side, for conversions in both directions.
♦ Basic mathematical expressions may be entered in place of numbers.
♦ Options control the formatting of numerical results.
♦ The unit data includes over 400 units.
♦ The format of the unit data file makes it easy to add additional units.
♦ Command line options are available to do conversions without the GUI.”
Anchor Link CSMenu
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 3.6 – Released: 2010-03-24 Windows: 7
File Size: 2.5 MB
“CSMenu is a small application that will allow you to use the classic start menu from previous versions of Windows in Windows 7. Unlike Vista, Windows 7 has no native option to allow you to revert to the classic start menu, so in order to get it back, you need to use a third-party application such as this.
“Best of all, CSMenu is not only quick and easy to install, but it is also completely free.”
Anchor Link Desktops
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-10-20
Version: 2.0 – Released: 2010-10-17 Windows: XP, 2003 and higher
File Size: 115 KB
“Desktops allows you to organize your applications on up to four virtual desktops. Read email on one, browse the web on the second, and do work in your productivity software on the third, without the clutter of the windows you’re not using. After you configure hotkeys for switching desktops, you can create and switch desktops either by clicking on the tray icon to open a desktop preview and switching window, or by using the hotkeys.”
Anchor Link FastRes
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 1.8 – Released: 2005-01-13 Windows: All
File Size: 174 KB
“FastRes lets you quickly change your screen’s resolution and color depth, from the system tray. It is small, and takes up very little memory.”
Anchor Link Fences
License: Shareware – $9.95 Last Reviewed: 2013-04-30
Version: 2.10 – Released: 2013-04-29 Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 10.8 MB Requires: .NET Framework 2.0
Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Fences is a one-of-a-kind program, allowing you to draw labeled shaded areas on your desktop, which become movable and resizable containers for your desktop icons. These groups can help bring organization and consistency to your computer’s desktop, solving the ‘constant mess’ problem that has plagued the desktop since its inception.
“Fences also helps you finally appreciate the wallpaper you have hiding behind all that clutter. In addition to its organizing features, Fences offers a patent-pending quick-hide feature. Double click your desktop, and all your icons will fade out. Double click again, and they’ll return.”
Anchor Link Iconize
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-02-29
Version: 2.0.0.4 – Released: 2009-08-28 Windows: All
File Size: 120 KB
“Iconize is a simple tool, that allows you to minimize any window or application to an icon in the System Tray. Simply right click on the Iconize tray icon and select the program to minimize from the list. It also allows you to Minimize, Maximize, Restore, or Close all applications at once.”
Anchor Link iRotate
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 1.37 – Released: 2008-06-01 Windows: 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP
File Size: 110 KB
“iRotate provides convenient access to the native rotation capabilities present in contemporary display drivers, via a popup menu accessible from the system tray and optional system-wide hotkeys. It’s no longer necessary to resort to bloated Windows hacks, additional software layers or phantom drivers to achieve content rotation. In most instances, support is now available directly from the graphics chip manufacturers, who continuously improve and apply quality assurance to their drivers.
“By leveraging the native rotation capabilities now provided by ATI, nVidia, Intel, S3, XGI and others, iRotate offers exceptional speed and efficiency, with minimal impact on scarce system resources — the entire iRotate package, including installation, documentation, and native language support in all the major European and Asian languages, weighs in at less than 100kb. And like all EnTech graphics utilities, iRotate supports multiple graphics cards from various vendors, simultaneously, under every multi-monitor enabled operating system from Windows 98 to XP.”
Anchor Link KSTray
License: Freeware – Donations appreciated Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 1.03 – Released: 2006-08-12 Windows: 9x, Me, NT, 2000, XP
File Size: 292 KB
“This is a utility that allows you to minimize any program to your system tray area and remove it from the task bar. You can define any program, and you can also define your own icon to use! KSTray will remember the program the next time you run it as well. At any time, you can show or hide the program window.”
Anchor Link Magic Boss Key
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2011-02-24
Version: 4.10 – Released: 2011-02-24 Windows: All
File Size: 1.7 MB
“Magic Boss Key allow you to hide active program window immediately using a hot key! You can hide the browser windows, folder windows, applications windows, all your desktop icons and taskbar when your boss or anyone else you don’t want to see your screens comes in. It’s speed is brought to maximum to allow you react as quickly as possible to any threat that appears. You won’t feel even a slight difference in the performance of your home or office computer after installing it. With a cool and user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to use EfreeSoft Boss Key. Everybody should have such program for personal privacy.”
Anchor Link OldBar
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-09-25
Version: 1.2.2 – Released: 2012-09-25 Windows: 7
File Size: 978 KB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Brings back the detachable toolbar removed in Windows 7 —
OldBar is a hand and reliable application designed as a replacement for the old additional detachable toolbar that can be docked to screen edges.”
Anchor Link Pitaschio
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 2.26 – Released: 2009-05-07 Windows: 2000, XP, Vista
File Size: 61 KB
“Pitaschio is a freeware which makes it convenient to use Microsoft Windows. The Pitaschio includes a large number of useful functions. For example:
√ Snap a window to other windows when moving and resizing
√ Restrict a window position to inside of the screen
√ Always keep a window above all other windows
√ Minimize a window to the system tray
√ Use small icons in the desktop
√ Disable Windows key, Insert key, Alt key etc.
√ Lock the mouse or keyboard while cleaning them
√ Take statistics about mouse and keyboard
√ Calculate Moon’s age
√ Control the sound volume using the mouse wheel
√ Display the sound volume level on the screen”
Anchor Link Power8 Portable
License: Freeware GNU GPL Last Reviewed: 2013-05-02
Version: 1.4.2.599 – Released: 2013-05-02 Windows: 7, 8
File Size: 208 KB Requires: .NET Framework 4.0 or 4.5
Portable Both 32- and 64-bit versions
A start Menu for your Windows 8 PC
“Power8 Portable is a custom version of Power8 that can be run from a USB drive, without needing to be installed onto the host computer, and that adds a fully-functional Start Menu to any Windows 8 computer.
“In addition to launching installed programs and accessing native Windows apps, Power8 Portable can also be used to shutdown or restart the PC with a single mouse click.”
Anchor Link Push the Freakin’ Button Pro
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2013-03-27
Version: 4.5.4 – Released: 2013-03-26 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 7.19 MB
“PTFB Pro is a mouse auto-clicker and macro recorder for automatically handling confirmation screens and other windows that interrupt your workflow. It quietly keeps watch from the system tray. When it sees a window that you have previously targeted, it carries out the button and key presses that you have defined, saving you time, irritation and finger-wear. PTFB Pro can also trigger your macros according to schedule, user-definable hot-key or command line directive.”
Anchor Link Seven Classic Start
License: Demo – $24.95 Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 1.71 – Released: 2010-05-30 Windows: 7, 2008
File Size: 967 KB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Seven Classic Start returns the familiar Start menu to the newest version of Microsoft Windows, making the switch easier for users of legacy systems. Experienced users and owners of legacy versions of Windows will enjoy the easy upgrade path, while enterprises will benefit from having employees hop onto the new system without retraining.”
Anchor Link Start Menu 8
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-27
Version: 1.1.0.45 – Released: 2013-04-26 Windows: 8
File Size: 4.5 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Start Menu 8 is specially designed for Windows 8. It offers a perfect solution for users who work with Windows Start Menu all the time and are not accustomed to the new Metro start screen in Windows 8. This smart tool brings back both the Start Button and Windows Start Menu, and offers the option to skip Metro start page, allowing users who only work on desktop to boot to Windows 8 desktop directly. It’s the best start menu replacement for Windows 8.”
Anchor Link Stickies
License: Freeware – Donations appreciated Last Reviewed: 2012-11-12
Version: 7.1e – Released: 2012-11-12 Windows: 98, Me, 2000, XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 1 MB
“Stickies is a virtual post-it notes program that allows you to place sticky notes on your desktop, that will remain where placed until closed, even across reboots. The appearance of the sticky notes can be customized (transparency supported on Win2k/XP) in color, font and other aspects. In addition, the notes can be sent across a networked and also synchronized with friends, imported/exported, sent by email and more. You can choose to hide or show all notes with a single click from the tray and also recover notes that have been deleted in the past. Stickies can be hidden (sent to sleep) for a certain period, or until a specified date and time, to act as a reminder. One of the best sticky note program you can find, it is small, well documented and comes with many useful features.”
Anchor Link Taskbar Eliminator
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-02-29
Version: 2.9 – Released: 2010-06-04 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 563 KB Portable
“Taskbar Eliminator is a simple tool that enables you to completely hide the Windows Taskbar, allowing you to make full use of your desktop space. You can hide/unhide the taskbar at any time by pressing ALT+T on your keyboard and use CTRL+ALT+T to bring up the configuration dialog. Taskbar Eliminator can be set to start with Windows and hide the taskbar automatically when your computer starts. Standalone software, no installation required.”
Anchor Link Taskbar Shuffle
License: Freeware – Donations appreciated Last Reviewed: 2012-02-29
Version: 2.5 – Released: 2009-04-27 Windows: 9x, NT, 2000, XP, Vista
File Size: 631 KB Portable
Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Rearrange the buttons on your Windows taskbar by simply dragging and dropping them. Allows you to rearrange your system tray icons by dragging and dropping as well. As of version 2.1, you can shuffle your tray icons as well, but that requires you to hold a hotkey (CTRL by default).”
Anchor Link Taskix
License: Freeware – Donations appreciated Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 2.1 – Released: 2009-11-05 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008
File Size: 213 KB
“Enables taskbar reordering with a small footprint. Taskix, a tiny, free utility, turns on and off to enable dragging taskbar items around each other, and even move around items if you’ve enabled ‘taskbar grouping’. Auto-starting the app with Windows is a one-click affair, and it used only 800KB of RAM on my XP system, so it’s hardly a performance hit.
“How to Use It:
Simply drag-and-drop the button you want to move. Note that if ‘Group similar taskbar buttons’ is set, you will be able to move a button inside the group or move the group as a whole, but not to move a button out of its group. If by opening many windows the buttons in a group become stacked up one over the other, Taskix will also allow you to reorder them inside the stack.”
Anchor Link TClock Light
License: GNU GPL – Open Source Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 0.0.0.1 – Released: 2004-09-08 Windows: 9x, Ne, NT, 2000, XP
File Size: 374 KB Portable
“TClock Light enhances the clock on the Windows taskbar. You can customize the display, define actions to perform on mouse clicks/drops, set multiple alarms, customize the start button, start menu and task bar etc.
“TClock Light is a simple version of TClock. I made it from TClock2ch that was made by volunteers.”
Anchor Link Tclock2 Stanley’s Pick
License: Freeware – Source available Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 1.2.0 – Released: 2003-08-03 Windows: 98, Me, 2000, XP
File Size: 96 KB
“Tclock2 is based off the code of TClock, created by Kazubon. Tclock2 is a tool that allows you to change the windows Taskbar and Desktop that normally is not possible.
¤ The Desktop: Make the icon text background transparent and change the text color. Also change the icons to small view.
¤ The Taskbar: Flatten the taskbar, make the tray flat, hide the grippers or make the task switch flat.
¤ The Start Button: Change the icon, text or font, make it flat or a custom color. Better yet, completely skin the start button.
¤ The Tray/Clock: The tray can be made a custom color or skinned in WinME, Win2K and WinXP. The clock can be made a custom color or skinned in all windows versions. Change the format of the clock as well as its tooltip. Synchronize the clock with the internet. Set up alarms to do various tasks.
¤ The Start Menu: Change the start menu banner, remove the banner or allow the banner to be visible when small icons are shown.
¤ nd Much Much More….”
[ For additional background information on the original T-Clock, and a copy of the last release (which apparently works on Vista and 7), visit this site:
( Stoic Joker’s T-Clock )
; Ed. ]
Anchor Link TClockEx
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 1.4.2 – Released: 2000-03-09 Windows: 9x, NT, 2000, XP
File Size: 190 KB
“TClockEx enhances the standard Windows taskbar clock, adding the ability to display the date, time and lots of other information in any format you like. TClockEx is highly customizable, from the format to the font and colour, and even the tooltip information.”
Anchor Link Tray Pilot Lite
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-02-29
Version: 1.10 – Released: 2003-08-30 Windows: 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP
File Size: 61 KB
“Tray Pilot allows you to hide the System Tray icons. It might be useful if you have too many icons in your System Tray and there is not much place left for the buttons of your running applications on the taskbar. Just click a small button to the right of the System Tray, your System Tray will hide and space for the taskbar buttons will be expanded.”
Anchor Link True Launch Bar
License: Shareware – $19.90 Last Reviewed: 2013-01-17
Version: 6.2 – Released: 2013-01-16 Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 12.8 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
~~ A Superior Replacement for the Standard Quick Launch Bar ~~
“With True Launch Bar, your workspace becomes more convenient and fun to use. Create a custom menu on the taskbar to list similar apps. Drag and drop necessary shortcuts there. Select menu icons to find applications quickly. If icons are not enough, True Launch Bar can show tooltips for you to find what you are looking for almost on autopilot. With separators and submenus, you can group items by topic and create any kind of a custom menu you want. Are you a fully-fledged touch typist? Awesome! True Launch Bar lets you specify hot keys for menus and shortcuts to open them with a touch of a button. With True Launch Bar, any application is just a click away!
“Features:
Compatibility with standard Quick Launch (unique)
Grouping links into popup menus
Full support of Windows XP Visual Styles
The Aero Glass Effects for Windows Vista/7
Virtual Folders (unique)
Separators
Improved separators (unique)
Recently accessed button
Thumbnails View (unique)
Drag and Drop
Hot keys
Run your shortcuts without click (unique)
Skins
Fast toolbar switching (unique)
Related Links (unique)
Protection (unique)
Plugins (unique) Support Windows XP-style icons (unique)
Auto-sensing toolbar (unique)
Overlay Images on menu (unique)
Multi column layout (unique)
Hot keys manager
Backup/Restore toolbar
Easy installing of skins
Improved tips (unique)
Support PNG images as icon
Using 3 state PNG image as button (unique)
Redistributing toolbars
Context menu templates
Integration with StartKiller (unique)
Changing default command
Customizing buttons and menu items
Improved Custom Colors
Tear Off Menu
Anchor Link WallMaster
License: Freeware – Pro $24.95 Last Reviewed: 2010-11-20
Version: 2.4e – Released: 2001-11-22 Windows: 9x, NT, 2000, XP
File Size: 1.11 MB
“WallMaster inherits the basic key features of its commercial brother, WallMaster Pro. You can program the desktop wallpaper to change at a predetermined time interval (e.g., every 10 minutes) and customize the wallpaper position (tile, center, fit to screen, auto fit, or custom) easily. With all its cool and unique features packed within a simple easy-to-use interface, mastering your desktop wallpaper has never been this easy and fast!
“Key Features:
» Supports many popular graphics formats (BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF, PCX, TGA, and WMF)
» User friendly interface with full context-sensitive help
» Create collections of your favorite wallpapers and customize them as you like easily
» Change the wallpaper on Windows startup
» Use different background color for each wallpaper
» Hide your desktop icons to see more of your wallpaper
» Gamma correction support to fix dark images.”
Anchor Link Wallpaperupdate
License: Free Online Last Reviewed: 2013-05-15
“A number of pictures, many of which are suitable for use as Windows wallpaper.”
Anchor Link WindowBlinds
License: Shareware – $19.95 Last Reviewed: 2012-04-14
Version: 7.4 – Released: 2012-04-12 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 65.2 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“WindowBlinds allows you to completely change the look and feel of Windows by applying new skins to the standard interface that cannot only customize the looks, but also add functionality. The skins cover every detail of the Windows interface, including taskbar, start button and menu, dialogs and more. They are easily applied or removed, and can also be further customized to suit your needs. The program includes several popular styles and additional skins can be downloaded from the web site.”
Anchor Link WinSize2
License: GNU GPL – Open Source Last Reviewed: 2012-02-29
Version: 2.38.04 – Released: 2011-06-16 Windows: All
File Size: 4.68 MB
“Move windows automatically to a predefined place. Resize width and/or height. Moving OR changing size possible. Supports text CONTAINED in titles (like ‘Notepad’) to identify window. Features:
• Move and resize Windows
• Identify the window according to the title or parts of the title
• Setting a window to: Normal / hide / minimize / maximize / full screen / special fct.
• Learn new position / Delete position
• Everything by one hotkey (configurable; e.g., Ctrl+Alt+Z) 1-/2-/3-times
• Multi language support with handbooks in English and German”
Anchor Link WinSplit Revolution
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-11
Version: 11.04 – Released: 2011-04-12 Windows: 2000, XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 1.5 MB Both 32-bit and 64-bit supported
Portable version available on-site
“WinSplit Revolution is a small utility which allows you to easily organize your open windows by tiling, resizing and positioning them to make the best use of your desktop real estate.
“WinSplit is especially useful for high-end LCD screens with high resolutions because it helps you to efficiently manage many active windows. As you can see in the screenshots below, the advantages of using WinSplit is that it saves you from having to drag and drop windows by allowing you to snap windows into specific tiled configurations using simple keyboard hotkeys.”
Anchor Link ZoomIt
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-07
Version: 4.42 – Released: 2013-02-05 Windows: XP, 2003 and higher
File Size: 292 KB
“ZoomIt is screen zoom and annotation tool for technical presentations that include application demonstrations. ZoomIt runs unobtrusively in the tray and activates with customizable hotkeys to zoom in on an area of the screen, move around while zoomed, and draw on the zoomed image. I wrote ZoomIt to fit my specific needs and use it in all my presentations.”