There are a lot of handy ways to launch programs and apps in Windows, and here are 3 of my favorites: RocketDock, StarDock ObjectDock, and True Launch Bar.
There are a lot of handy ways to open your applications in windows, from the built in Quick Launch menu to some of the desktop addons. Personally, I like something fun and animated, and while on Windows I can’t use the Gnome Docky launcher, there are a few to choose from in Windows.
First off is RocketDock. This application launcher is animated and smooth, and features full customization. You can even add taskbar support, which makes your taskbar minimized windows into icons on RocketDock. It features multi monitor support, a drag n drop interface, auto hide, portability (woot!), and it’s free. Lets check it out…
Next up is Stardock’s Objectdock. There is an ObjectDock Plus for around $20 but I’m going to focus on the free one to keep it fair. ObjectDock works about the same as RocketDock with few differences. This one has some neat builtins, like the 5day weather lookout, importing of your quick launch bar, and the ability to change the effects. They offer lots of customizations and options.
The third one I’m checking out is True Launch Bar. This one is a little bit different in a lot of ways. First off, there is a trial version but after that runs out you’re supposed to pay $20 to keep it. No thanks. With True Launch Bar, you can customize a menu for your taskbar, and drag and drop icons into it. You can also create tooltips, separators and submenus. Lets check this one out.
It’s definitely different from the other two but it has the same general idea.
We’re back, and my favorite has got to be RocketDock. With it’s smooth transitions and super ease of use, I gotta say it’s pretty awesome. I’ve always liked that neat MAC interface with the floating icon bar, so this is a nice addon. And I didn’t notice any difference in my computer’s performance while running it. On the other hand, Stardock ObjectDock was slightly jittery on my machine.
What program do you use? Hit me up in the comments or email me — tips@hak5.org.
And be sure to check out our sister show, Hak5 for more great stuff just like this.
there portable apps and the best it free and can be place on usb. http://portableapps.com/
http://portableapps.com/support
that’s a good one. I’ve been using http://www.liberkey.com the last two years.
What about Launchy?!
Rocketdock gets my vote too.
Executor is my go to launcher.
My favorite launcher, which I have been using for years, is Hoekey: HoeKey is a teeny (12k) program to assign hotkeys to do most anything (http://www.bcheck.net/apps/hoe.htm).
My second favorite launcher, which I also have been using for years in parallel with Hoekey, is Executor: Executor is a multi purpose launcher and a more advanced and customizable version of windows run (http://executor.dk/).
Bins is the best, but its not free any more, http://www.1upindustries.com/Bins/
Hello to Shannon .. and all the Hak5 crew,
happy new year! now to the meat of this email (Rainmeter.net) I was wondering if any of you use it. i like it a lot and its very useful, runs great on win7, but if you guys have any other rainmeter style apps for win7. i would like to hear about them.
thanks. keep up the great data flow.
Hey guys, check this out:
http://mrc0rrupted.deviantart.com/art/WinLaunch-0-4-1-Mac-Launchpad-for-windows-277763668?
Nice video rocket dock is definitely the best of the 3 and i have used them all before but when i ran stardock objectdock it ran quite smoother than on yours. However i tried a new dock called Winstep Xtreme, which actually comes with a whole desktop replacement environment but i like the windows task bar over theirs.
You gotta try Launchy!