SmartStartMenu — A Start Menu Replacement For Keyboarders
If you prefer the keyboard to the mouse or dislike the apparently random nature of the Start Menu, SmartStartMenu may be for you. It’s an “address bar” like area for your taskbar (or desktop) that lets you start programs and other items in your start menu by typing their name (or even a few letters of their name if you set things up that way). You can even have it scan other folders if you don’t keep everything in your start menu. It is a replacement for both the start menu and the run box.
Here’s the feature list from the SmartStartMenu web site:
* FREE world class product with no hooks or marketing schemes!
* User configurable file types and locations that allows you to choose what gets scanned.
* Specific support for .lnk (shortcuts) and .url (favorites) file types so the working folder, arguments, and other options are used when launched.
* Type-ahead support to instantly show you what items match your criteria.
* Run system commands and programs found on the PATH.
* Open folders using ‘drive letter’, UNC, and URL based paths.
* Implemented as a toolbar to cleanly integrate with your desktop. (Allows resizing and floating!)
* ‘Start’, ‘Word Start’ and ‘All’ Sub-string matching modes.
* ‘First’, ‘MRU’, ‘MFU’ Auto-Selection modes integrated with the system’s ‘User Assist’ data.
* Optional History listing supported for commands launched but not found in the scan.
* Optional Folder listing supported for paths typed as criteria.
* Manual scan refresh and option to auto-refresh at startup.
* HTML style Windows help file with access via F1.
* Global hot-key (can be disabled) for fast access via the keyboard.
* Explorer context menu extension that gives you CopyPath and Open in DOS box menu items.
* Runs on Windows 2000, Windows XP (32bit & 64bit), and Windows 2003 Server.
* Requires less than 2 megs of disk space.
* Full featured (MSI) install and uninstall support.
Personally, I still prefer Find and Run Robot, but the taskbar integration is very nice. This keeps the program always available, but out of the way.
Rating: 4.0
Operating System: Windows 2000, XP, 2003
License: Freeware
Price: Free
Version: 1.53
Web Site: http://www.planetharrington.com/products/smartstartmenu/index.htm
[tags]Windows, freeware, run box replacement, start menu replacement[/tags]
You can unlock your task bar, drag the toolbar from the taskbar, and use it as a popup style by using the hot key when you need it and just letting it fall behind when you don’t. This gives you an access method similer to what you are used to.