Launchy Launchy is a file launcher for Windows XP. The developers claim it would help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager.

Arrow How Does it Work?

To begin with Launchy indexes your start menu programs, control panel applications and Firefox bookmarks. When not needed Launchy hides in the background utilizing very little system resources. Upon pressing Alt+Space a tiny window pops up. You can type the name of the application or bookmark you want to launch and Launchy would provide suggestions as you type. All this is so easy that you have to simply use it to believe.

Launchy

Arrow It’s Not Just a File Launcher

Launchy is not just a file launcher. Here are some of the things you can do with Launchy.

Arrow Search The Web : Launchy allows you to search in Google, Msn, Yahoo, Live Search, Weather.com, Amazon, Wikipedia, Imdb, Msdn, Netflix and Dictionary.com.

Arrow Calculate : Launchy features a built in calculator that can add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Arrow Explore : You can even explore your computer using Launchy. Start by typing the root directory (example “c:\”). Then enter partial name for a directory or press down key to view the list of directories. Use Tab key to enter a directory.

Arrow Launch Bookmarks : Launchy v1.25 includes the Foxy plugin which allows you to launch Firefox bookmarks directly from Launchy. Opera users can use Opery plugin for similar functionality.

Arrow And There is More

Launchy is very flexible and there are loads of things you can do with it. You can add more directories and use Launchy to quickly access your documents. You can even specify the file type you want to be indexed from each directory. However don’t add too many directories as that may prove to be counter-productive. The latest version of Launch includes the Runny plugin. Runny allows you to create aliases for custom commands. Cybernet has a nice tutorial on Runny.
You can extend Launchy further by downloading plugins and change it’s appearence by downloading new skins.

Arrow My Verdict

Launchy delivers on its promise to help you forget about your start menu and the icons on your desktop. It provides the search as you type functionality present in Vista’s Start Menu on systems running Windows XP and you don’t even have to open the Start Menu.
It’s small, it’s efficient and it’s free. Launchy is truly a must have software for Windows XP users.

Official Website
Download Launchy
Requirements : Windows XP
Version Reviewed : 1.25
Cost : Free