Free Software Workshop » desktop modding

RocketDock – application launcher

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:20:14 +0000

RocketDock is a free application launcher that combines the power of ObjectDock, MobyDock and Y’z Dock. This freeware can replace the dull Windows taskbar and give your desktop the smoothness of the MAC OS X dock.

The first thing that you’ll probably do after installing the application is adding shortcut icons to RocketDock. This is a fairly simple task: just drag&drop the icons on your dock or right-click and choose Add Item .

The interface is simply stunning. The effects used are pleasant to watch, especially the zooming on the application’s items. RocketDock can be positioned in every part of the screen. You can choose from a wide collection of themes and also download different icon sets. The program’s settings can be fine tuned, so your dock will be as you desire.

RocketDock screenshot

Besides the application’s looks, RocketDock’s functionality shouldn’t be ignored. Instead of browsing for your programs’ executables or cluttering your desktop with tens of shortcuts, RocketDock will start your favorite software with a single click.

If you decide to keep RocketDock, I recommend checking the Run at Startup in the Dock Settings window, so you don’t have to start the program yourself when you open your computer.

Pros and Cons

Low memory (RAM) usage and very stable
You can minimize windows to RocketDock (taskbar function)
Fully customizable (really!)
Submit a comment if you found one.

The download is about 6.20MB. Available for Windows 98/Me/NT/XP/Vista.
Download linkDownload

Publisher’s website

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ObjectDock – launchbar and taskbar

admin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:23:09 +0000

ObjectDock is an application that will give your desktop a new, futuristic look. The dock is similar to MAC OS X’s BubbleBar. This freeware will let you launch your favorite programs in just one click; it also acts like a taskbar, allowing you to view current running applications.

As you hover your mouse over the icons, ObjectDock magnifies them; the graphic effects are very pleasant to look at. This utility offers a wide variety of skins so you can customize the interface as you wish.

If you want to remove the Windows Taskbar and use ObjectDock instead, make sure you use the Hide the Windows Taskbar function in Dock Settings as this will completely remove the Win taskbar.

objectdock

Having a slow computer is not a problem; you can lower the details to get more speed. ObjectDock lacks a system tray, but if you want to get this feature and many more you can pay 20$ for an upgrade to the Plus edition. This offers tabbed docks, task grouping and other effects.

Features:

objectdock properties

Simple to implement shortcuts
Easy drag & drop operation
Many skins to choose from
Low memory usage
Smooth animations
Replaces the Windows Taskbar
Can be positioned on any edge of the screen

Download ObjectDock

RocketDock – application launcher RocketDock is a free application launcher that combines the power...

Crystalize XP 2.0 – set windows transparency level

admin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:26:24 +0000

Crystalize XP is a simple application that helps you set the transparency level of the windows in Win XP and also in Vista.

The level of transparency can be set between 100 and 255, where 255 is total opacity. After you install the utility, you can set the parameters by pressing Ctrl+Alt+P.

The program requires very little resources and works in background, so it won’t interfere with your work. If some parts of the window are not displayed, you should press F5 to refresh and everything should be ok. Crystalize XP will change the design of your windows.

Download Crystalize XP

Launch programs instantly with Launchy

admin — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:44:49 +0000

Launchy is a free and open source keystroke launcher for Windows and Linux that will allow you to launch a program just by typing the first letters of its name.

After using Windows or Linux for a few months, it’s impossible that you haven’t installed different programs for fulfilling your needs like office suites, audio/video editing tools, instant messaging software, games and so on. Your desktop or Start menu may be cluttered with shortcuts to your applications. This is where Launchy steps in.

The program runs in the background and when you need to use it, simply press Alt+Spacebar. Simply type the first letters and Launchy will “guess” the programs you’re trying to open. Instead of browsing to your application’s executable, this process is very quick (alsmost instant) and will save you a lot of time.

Launchy screenshot

How does Launchy know how to complete the program name? Easy: from the Windows Start menu. What if you have applications that didn’t require installation? No problem. You can add new directories where you have those executables (.exe) and Launchy will also index them.

The application’s shortcut keys can be modified, if you’re not happy with Alt+Spacebar. You can choose from a variety of skins and plugins or add your own via the Plugins tab in Launchy options.

What I like about this freeware is that you can use Google’s calculator, search on Wikipedia or YouTube right from it’s interface. For example, type gcalc, then press Tab and input your expression. You can also find out the speed of light like I did below:

Launchy GCalc screenshot

Pros & Cons
very fast, easy to use
open source (thus 100% safe)
not available for Vista

The download is about 4MB. Available for Windows 2000/XP and Linux operating systems.

Download linkDownload Launchy

Publisher’s website

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