Top 10 Best Launchers & Shutdown Tools for Windows
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Hot Keyboard Pro
Automate a large number of repetitive tasks, by creating macros with this help of this straightforward and unobtrusive application.
Hot Keyboard Pro is a software tool which was developed in order to help you perform repetitive tasks in a more efficient manner, by creating macros and assign them to hotkeys.
The program does not offer to download or add other third-party products during the installation process, and after you are done with it, you are greeted by a plain UI. It can be used by anybody, regardless of their experience level.
In fact, there is a setup wizard you can run an unlimited number of times and the Help contents are extensive, so that novice users can be sure they can run the app at its full potential.
There are multiple types of macros you can create, such as recording or playing keystrokes, sound volume control, add a reminder, shutdown the computer, paste text or open a directory.
Whichever types you wish to create, you are required to append a macro name, parent menu and establish a macro launch condition. To be more precise, you can launch an action if a window title or class, or process name contains a specified keyword, or if an expression is met.
Aside from that, you can also activate a macros by setting it up a keyboard shortcut, a schedule, text shortcut, window popup, Windows startup or tapping the screen with more than two fingers.
The macros can be tested and password-protected, yet it is also possible to import them from the hard drive, in formats such as HKB, HKBACKUP, HK4BACKUP, as well as export them as a HK4BACKUP file.
All in all, Hot Keyboard Pro proves to be a useful piece of software, dedicated to both power and novice users, with a good response time and a minimal usage of CPU and memory.
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Download Hubs
Hot Keyboard Pro is part of these download collections: Macro Managers
AdvancedRun
Run any application using advanced settings like custom priority, window state, permission and compatibility variables with the help of this simple system tool.
For a while now, Windows has been offering its users sufficient methods of running apps by enabling them to tweak settings like system compatibility modes and others related to basic video.
If you want more, you are left with two obvious options: if you have the necessary skills, you can practice some advanced computer ninja moves using the Command Prompt or turn to a software solution that expands your OS' capabilities for running apps, such as AdvancedRun.
This is a pragmatic and useful piece of software that allows you to run programs with different and more advanced settings than you usually could.
Advanced settings to run apps, within a simplistic window
The application is not designed to win any beauty contests, but it does feature a straightforward user interface with a single window, which makes it somewhat accessible even for the most inexperienced users out there.
As expected, the utility enables you to run any app using specific environment variables, command-line arguments and it even helps you choose the start directory for the program. You can also set affinity masks and appoint the exact core of your computer's CPU that the current program should use.
Priority classes and system compatibility modes settings at your disposal
No surprise here, as AdvancedRun makes it possible for you to run apps in Normal, Idle, High, RealTime, Below Normal and Above Normal priority modes.
In addition, you can set the program's main window state (Normal, Hidden or Maximized and Minimized), as well as its window position and its default size, considering that the app offers you these options to begin with.
Furthermore, you can run apps in compatibility modes for older versions of Windows, with different users and permissions. What is more, you can disable visual themes and desktop composition, run apps in 640x480 resolution, turn off display scaling on high DPI settings and many others.
Run apps with your custom settings with just a few mouse clicks
You can save all your favorite settings into a configuration file to a location of your choosing and then easily run the program automatically with everything tailored to your needs and preferences.
All in all, if you are looking for a lightweight and simple-to-use tool that offers you more options to run your apps than Windows, then AdvancedRun might just be it.
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RunAsDate
A lightweight and portable utility that allows you to run a program in the date and time that you specify, using low system resources.
Computer applications serve as tools used to perform various tasks. When having to work with more than one, you might not need to use them simultaneously or only need one at a specific date. RunAsDate is a tiny and portable application that you can use to schedule programs for execution at a specific time. It can be handled by all types of users, regardless of their skill level.
Little effort required to deploy on your system
As installation is not a prerequisite, you can drop the executable file anywhere on the hard disk and run it immediately.
It is also possible to move RunAsDate to a USB flash disk or similar storage unit, in order to run it on any computer with minimum effort.
Quick setup process of schedules
What's more, the Windows registry does not receive new updates, and leftover files are not kept on the hard disk after eliminating the app.
The interface is based on a single window with a plain and simple structure, where you can point out an application's path using either the file browser or drag-and-drop function, as well as establish a date and time for launching it.
Multiple time related options to handle
Furthermore, you can enter command lines, run multiple instances of RunAsDate to schedule multiple utilities for execution, as well as enable the tool to change the date immediately when the program starts, move the time forward according to the real time, as well as return to the current date/time after a specific time interval. Last but not least, it is possible to create desktop shortcuts.
To sum it up
Overall, RunAsDate has a good response time and a minimal impact on computer performance, using a low amount of CPU and RAM. We have not come across any issues throughout our evaluation, as the tool did not freeze or crash. Thanks to its intuitive layout and overall simplicity, first-time users can quickly learn how to work with RunAsDate.
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PreventTurnOff
A small and effective software solution that can prevent your computer from going out or shutting down in a time-controlled manner.
Most of the time, users are looking for tools that would shutdown their PCs on a scheduled time, without any additional intervention. PreventTurnOff can do that, but you can also use it to keep your computer on even when no activity is detected.
Prevent shutdown and standby
The main purpose of the utility is to block your computer from shutting down, entering standby, hibernation or hybrid sleep, while also disabling the screensaver or preventing your monitor to power off.
You can easily toggle the status of these functions with a single mouse click, meaning that you can go back to the default PC actions without any hassle.
Built-in timer
PreventTurnOff comes with an integrated timer, thus making it possible to schedule your computer to disable blocking actions at a certain date and time. Additionally, you can schedule your PC to exit the app and shutdown, enter standby or hibernation, restart or log off.
Shortcuts to Windows options
Another handy feature of PreventTurnOff is represented by the many shortcuts to various Windows options, such as Task Manager, System, Power Configuration, Desktop, Monitor settings, System Fonts, Screensaver, User Accounts, System Configuration and System Information.
Moreover, you can also alter the screensaver timeout without needing to leave the main window of PreventTurnOff.
Other shortcuts included within the app are those related to powering off the computer, such as instant or normal Shutdown, Restart, Log off, Hibernate or Standby.
To wrap it up
All in all, PreventTurnOff can help you keep your PC powered on even if the OS might try to restart it after installing an update or any other similar scenario. You can set the app to run at Windows startup, so the blocking is effective without any other action from you.
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QuickHelp
Launch web pages, programs, or any kind of file by finding it based on its name and selecting it from an organized database you create.
Sure enough you can launch nearly any item of interest through desktop shortcuts or pinned elements on the taskbar. However, things can easily become crowded, making it more difficult to identify the ones of you wish to access. On the bright side of things, applications like QuickHelp want to make launching your files a little different, but easier.
Helps you keep a clean workspace
One thing you need to know is that the application relies on Java Runtime Environment to function, so you might want to make sure it’s already on your computer. However, it can also be deployed through the program installer. Moreover, this means that it runs on more than just Windows operating systems.
It quietly sits in the tray area most of the times, which is the place where its features are found. Needless to say that one of the first steps is to define the items you want to quickly launch. Effort on your behalf is minimum during the creation process, and it can be configured to launch both web pages and local files.
Easily add web pages and local items
The main requirements narrow down to a piece of text and a path. It’s recommended to keep your texts clear, because they’re also used as tags for identification. The item can be fitted with a web page for your default browser to bring up, as well as any kind of file or executable to be launched in its associated program.
You might have noticed that the tray menu doesn’t enlist your items. This is because finding and launching items is done a little different than your average launchers. In other words, you need to use a search field to quickly find items, with the results sheet showing them as detected.
A few last words
To sum it up, QuickHelp is a neat little application which can increase overall productivity on your computer, but also help you keep a clean and organized workspace. It can launch any kind of file and web page, with an incredibly easy to configure operation.
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PC Timer .NET
Schedule a computer shutdown, restart, power off, or a user sign out operation after a specified time interval thanks to this simple application.
If you have your computer doing a tedious task, you will have to leave it on for several hours. In such situations, a shutdown scheduler is more than welcome. Still, Windows does not come with a GUI-based tool tailored for this particular task, although many users would find it handy. Thankfully, there is no shortage of shutdown schedulers out there, and one of the alternatives is PC Timer .NET.
Countdown timer to perform the selected shutdown task
The application boasts a straightforward interface which, although it looks a bit outdated, is well-organized and simple. The top section displays the timer, meaning you can set the number of hours, minutes, and seconds to countdown before the selected action is initiated. A progress bar is shown once the timer is started.
A dedicated section will allow one to set task executions at a later time in the future. A calendar and clock selector makes for an easy job in defining the execution time.
Shutdown, restart, power off the PC or log out the current user
The lower part of the main window reveals a list of the tasks PC Timer .NET can perform. You can choose to shutdown, power off, or restart the PC, or configure the application to sign out the currently logged user. Computer hibernation scheduling is not possible with PC Timer .NET.
A handy feature of the application is the possibility to prevent the unauthorized cancellation of the scheduled task. To do so, PC Timer .NET enables you to set a password the user has to provide to abort the operation.
A simple shutdown scheduler for Windows
While more advanced users can create a shutdown timer in the command prompt, the process is not as simple as having a GUI-based tool such as PC Timer .NET.
The advantages of the application are its simplicity, the small footprint on the system, and the fact that it does not require installation. Thanks to the ability to set tasks to be executed at a later time, users can achieve even more flexibility for organizing their time.
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SystemTrayMenu
A handy solution for having all your frequently accessed files and folders within reach, without cluttering your Windows start menu.
By default, the fastest way to find and open files and folders on a computer is via the Start Menu. However, if you are looking for an alternative, you can try SystemTrayMenu, as it provides you with a handy menu located in the system tray.
Portable launcher
One of its most important features is its portability, since this offers you the flexibility to carry it with you on a removable USB thumb drive.
As soon as you launch the app, you gain access to the root folder you specified in the Settings window, and assuming the same location exists on each computer you typically work on, you can immediately browse its contents.
Hotkey support
Another handy aspect of SystemTrayMenu is that you can display and hide it using a dedicated hotkey. If you do not like the default combination or if it triggers a conflict with a previous utility, you can easily change it by simply entering the new hotkeys.
You can also set it to automatically run at Windows startup, so you can enjoy its functions without needing to open it manually every day.
Supports sub-folders and search operations
If the source directory comes with sub-folders, you can rest assured that you can access their contents as well, since SystemTrayMenu supports them as well. Moreover, due to the integrated search field, you can quickly find a certain item, which can be quite handy when dealing with very large folders.
You can even customize the app's behavior so you can launch files with a single mouse click, instead of the double-click typically required by the operating system.
To sum it up
All in all, SystemTrayMenu can help you save a lot of time when you need to easily find and open files and sub-folders from a chosen location. This way, you can launch all the items you might have previously placed to the root folder, no matter if they are shortcuts, scripts, documents and so on.
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VisualCron
Automation tool that provides advanced file/script execution, document transfer, desktop macro recording, as well as SQL execution and monitoring.
VisualCron is a complex automation utility that delivers a user-friendly, yet feature-rich working environment for easy task scheduling. The plethora of options it comes with makes it stand out, and the array of predefined tasks it bundles helps you automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks without any programming or scripting knowledge.
Automate repetitive tasks to save time
Based on a server-client architecture, VisualCron enables you to control it via the system tray menu. The server runs as a Windows service, remembering and performing all tasks, even if no user is logged in, while the client is the one you can use to define new tasks and manage existing ones. Experienced developers can make use of the VisualCron API to execute tasks against the server within their own application.
The purpose of VisualCron is to save you the time needed to perform common tasks manually. Once configured, it runs unattended and performs the scheduled tasks, provided conditions are met.
Predefined actions for everything
There is nothing you can't do with VisualCron. It integrates predefined actions for process execution or closing, network maintenance operations (ping, FTP, page loading, etc.), file uploading, email sending, instant messaging, SQL script execution, encryption, file management, service handling, Excel operations, system controlling (shutdown, restart, wake up, and so on), and this is just a part of the task you can schedule.
Creating a new job requires you to go through a detailed configuration process, so patience is required. But once you get accustomed to defining triggers, setting time exceptions, conditions, and timeouts, everything should run smoothly.
Aside from task creation and setup, the client enables you to define user permissions, manage client connections, certificates, credentials, and configure email notifications in case of server or execution errors. Furthermore, the a simplified version of the client can be launched via a web browser.
A robust and powerful automation tool
The above is not by far a complete description of what VisualCron can actually do. There are various options one can experiment with and discover, which can meet the automation needs of the most demanding users.
Advanced file and script execution capabilities, alongside other functions, such as desktop macro recording, file transfer, and system control hide under a fairly simple-to-use interface. While it can server regular users as well, its maximum potential is, most likely, reached in a larger environment, with various automation needs.
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NirLauncher
Access and run various network monitoring, web browser, desktop and HDD utilities, programmer tools and numerous other useful apps from Nir Sofer from one location.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Note:The password to open the archive is nirsoft9876$
NirLauncher is a package of applications that provide you with a wide selection of tools designed to improve and make your daily computer use smoother (the required password can be found on the app's page).
Provides you with all necessary details about the tools you want to launch
First off, it is important to note that due to the nature of the suite, namely a bundle of over 200 applications, it can naturally trigger alerts from various antivirus solutions. The triggers are linked to the password-recovery utilities, an issue that you can read more about on the developer's blog.
The package includes an extensive list of utilities that you can use on various occasions, including, but not limited to office, web browsers, Internet related, disk, system, desktop, network monitoring, video, audio, programming, so on and so forth.
You should know that the utilities available are portable and hence, you can run them whenever you need them. At the same time, by accessing the Properties function, you can learn more about the executable you are about to launch, including the version, last update, description and whether it is a GUI or CLI type of app.
Allow you to run applications with your preferred parameters
In addition to accessing dozens of useful utilities from one location, you can also schedule applications to run in a given interval. Therefore, after you specify the executable file you want to run, you can set the time and date and set the app to run automatically at the set time.
Moreover, you can set parameters so that the utility behaves in a controlled manner and hence, does not delete files, cache, change your custom file association, avoid creating a new window or perhaps close it after executing, for example. You can configure the way apps can be launched, namely double click, enter, advanced mode or admin mode, to name a few options.
A comprehensive bundle that can make your daily computer use easier
Irrespective of whether you want to keep a close eye on your network activity, manage browser cache, capture unusual events, file modifications, recover passwords or check for the codecs you have installed, then perhaps NirLauncher could come in handy.
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NirLauncher is part of these download collections: Application Launchers
FastKeys
A powerful automation software that helps you configure programs to start different activities on your computer, assign keystrokes for performing various operations, define abbreviation strings for your frequently used text, and manage mouse gestures.
FastKeys is a lightweight software application that comes packed with several automation tools for getting you rid of repetitive tasks.
Its purpose is to help you configure programs to start different activities on your computer, assign keystrokes for performing various operations, specify abbreviation strings for your frequently used text, and draw mouse gestures.
You are allowed to run programs, open files, directories, and website, as well as execute commands and scripts for automatic actions.
What’s more, you can create keyboard shortcuts for carrying out a wide range of operations related to windows (e.g. minimize, resize, zoom in or out), audio files (e.g. adjust the volume, mute the sound), Control Panel (add or remove programs), and many other system tools.
The Text Expander function enables you to create user-defined abbreviations for custom text strings, while the Auto Complete function displays a box with word suggestions that can be selected on the go.
Plus, the strings and words may trigger other operations, such as running applications, opening webpages, or executing commands and scripts.
FastKeys gives you the possibility to draw mouse gestures for performing common or complex tasks, use the built-in programming editor with the syntax highlighting feature, as well as consult the Library section for preset commands.
During our testing we have noticed that the program carries out a task quickly and without errors throughout the entire process. It leaves a minimal footprint on system resources, so the overall performance of the computer is not hampered.
All in all, FastKeys proves to be a reliable application that comes bundled with a complete suite of tools for helping you automate tasks, and is suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
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