CNET Editors' review
Sector-Seven's ControlPad takes hot keys to the next level by transforming your keyboard's number pad into a tool for quickly launching programs, files, or Web sites. Any Windows command can be executed by a series of numbers or letters that you choose.
ControlPad is completely portable and is even available configured as a portable application for installation on USB drives and other mobile devices. We installed ControlPad in a folder on the desktop and activated the program, which showed its active status via a system tray icon that displayed a well-stocked file menu when we right-clicked it. ControlPad is very easy to use: With the program active, we pressed the asterisk key on the number pad and held it briefly. A compact dialog appeared in which we entered a number combination. We pressed the forward slash key (/) on the number pad, and the dialog for entering a command appeared. We typed "notepad" and pressed Enter, and the dialog disappeared. We then pressed and held the asterisk key again, typed in our code, and pressed Enter, and Notepad opened. Pretty cool. Next we browsed to VLC Media Player's desktop shortcut using the ControlPad interface's file browser and entered a new code. When we typed in the code, the player popped right up. The brackets button lets you launch just about anything, such as the volume mute control. We selected the command and opened a video. Typing the code muted the sound; retyping it restored the previous volume setting. The Options dialog let us change the look and transparency of the pop-up, its color, and other aspects, and you can save and reopen your settings, too. There's a handy list of common codes the program uses for various tasks; for instance, 902 opens the Code List itself.
ControlPad is a unique and useful tool that can save you time accessing the files, programs, and processes you use most often. You can program commands almost as fast as you can launch them, and its usefulness seems limited only by your ability to remember the commands you program!
Publisher's Description
From Sector-Seven:
ControlPad turns the numeric keypad on your keyboard to a Windows command execution system. You may configure any numeric code to: Execute any program, open any document, open any web address or send any series of keystrokes to the operating system. Once ControlPad is running, press and hold the * key on the numeric keypad, for about 1 second. At this point, a small window will pop up, allowing you to enter any keyword or numeric code.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 4 votes
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Results 1-4 of 4
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"Definitely going in my toolbox"
Version: ControlPad 0.71
Pros
Easy to use.
Very flexible. (a single command can call multiple commands)Cons
None that I can't change in the options.
It is a little rough to remove or edit a command.Summary
Very easy to add and call commands.
The problem with WinSCP solved itself when I rebooted my machine. All the environment variables match now when I launch cmd.exe in both situations previously described.
Help file is easy to read and understand.
Deleting or editing a command requires you to open the config INI file in a text editor. There is a shortcut to do this thankfully, but it is not what I would call intuitive.
When I launched WinSCP with this, it did not open my stored sessions. I assume it has something to do with a environment variable somewhere. I have yet to find the culprit.
So far the only differences between launching the command prompt from start menu and launching it from ControlPad are:
CP launch: has sfxname and __COMPAT_LAYER
SM launch: does not have sfxname and __COMPAT_LAYER and has SESSIONNAME
Probably worth noting I am running this on Windows 7.
Updated on Dec 15, 2010 -
"Once you figure it out it's really cool"
Version: ControlPad 0.71
Pros
Opens programs fast with little typing.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
A great program so you can get rid of all those icons on your desktop. Was user friendly right from the start. Worth the download.
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"Not very good"
Version: ControlPad 0.71
Pros
None that I can find
Cons
Not user friendly Locks up my system. I checked the box to not display "All Programs" then I unchecked the box but my "All Programs" window is still blank..Now the program icon has disappeared from my desk top, I no longer have my programs displayed
Summary
Not intuitive - at least not to me. Malfunctions and does not operate as promised.
I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling this program with zero success...
Updated on Nov 16, 2010 -
"One of the handiest programs I've used."
Version: ControlPad 0.71
Pros
Wonderful program for opening often used documents, webpages, or applications. Simple to install and use.
Cons
Help directory is not very clear on how to use once codes are entered. However, website does have better instructions.
Summary
Developer is a really nice, helpful, and patient when contacted by email. This don't know how I got along without. I have programs and websites that I use daily and having Control Pad is sure a big help.
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