Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' note: This release will update a previous free version to the new 30-day trial version.
CNET Editors' review
Fences is an app that allows you to organize your desktop icons into categories to un-clutter your workspace. The latest version, Fences 2.0, adds new features to help you get and stay organized even faster.
The interface of the newer version is much like before. The fences look the same - they're clean and blend well, and you can adjust the transparency and color to suit your needs. You'll also still be able to easily sort your files and program icons into multiple fences on your desktop. One of our favorite features, Auto-Organizer, also lets you choose which files will automatically go into the fence you specify--this is handy if you frequently add new files to your computer.
Fences 2.0 also comes with a couple new features, Folder Portals and Desktop Pages. Folder Portals lets you create a fence from any folder and organize the contents on your desktop for quick access. Desktop Pages lets you set up multiple screens, each with their own set of fences, and navigate between them just by clicking and dragging. While we found it fairly easy to set up and use the fences, we liked the user guidance and tutorials so you can make sure you're using Fences to its fullest potential.
Users who are overwhelmed by desktop clutter will like the flexibility of Fences 2.0. The installation is easy and quick and you can try the product free for 30 days to see if it's right for you.
Editors' note: This is a review of the full version of Fences 2. The trial version has limited features.
Fences - Arrange icons on your desktop - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Stardock:
Fences eliminates desktop clutter with adjustable fenced areas that organizes desktop objects into logical groups for quick access. Over 5 million users around the world rely on Fences every day to keep their PC desktops organized for quick and easy access to their programs and files they use most. The new Fences 2.0 features will now keep frequently used folders visible and organized on the desktop by creating a fence from any folder. Customization options direct Fences to automatically place new icons in designated fenced areas. Additionally, simple double click can hide or unhide all fence groups revealing an unobstructed view of the desktop.
Features: Create shaded areas called "fences" on your desktop in which you can place and organize icons. Folder Portals: View and organize the contents of any folder as a fence on your desktop. Desktop Pages: You can now have multiple pages of "fences" on your desktop. To flip a page, just take your mouse cursor to the edge of your screen and click and drag a new page of "fences" onto your desktop. Double-click blank space on your desktop and all of your icons will fade out. Double-click again and they will return. Define rules for where your icons are placed and how they are arranged. When a new icon gets added, from an installer for instance, it will be automatically added to your preferred "fence". Customize the look and color of your fences.
What's new in this version:
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 1,161 votes
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Current version:
2.9 starsout of 22 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Love lov my Fences"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
I have had this program for quite a while (after trying it)....it makes it easy for me to conveniently organize applications that I use all the time or files on my desktop....because I have a hard time figuring out where stuff goes....I think I have been using this about a year now....bought the full version.
Oh, and I like that I can change the color themes to go with my desktop background that I change seasonaly..... :- )Cons
really don't have many cons.
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"I really like the way it helps me organize my desktop"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
Very easy to install and use
Cons
None at this time. My only recommendation would be to make each fence open without having to drag the boundaries
Summary
Love it and a great value for $10.00
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"It seems even easier to use than the old(free)version."
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
A fence is easy to create or remove
Cons
Nothing that I can see
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"Hard to distinguish just what I was downloading"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
I was intrigued originally the idea of putting folders into the desktop fences, or at least it sounded interesting. Did not work at all.
Cons
I had so much trouble with trying to install the download, not sure if I even downloaded the right software as names were confusing. I finally had to restore my computer back before it. I then had to uninstall everything and reinstall my original Fences Pro. Finally I am back to that which works fine. Hard to install and then it did not work and it was hard to get it uninstalled without completely obliterating the original Fences Pro I have.
Summary
Still not ready for prime-time and directions for downloading and installing confusing. Should warn not to download while the original program is working.
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"Works well to keep my desktop clutter organized"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
easy to install and set up.
Cons
In the previous version I had four fences. I only have three with this version and can't find how to create another. The "directions" to draw a rectangle don't work.
Summary
The best organizer I've found having tried several.
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"Not what I expected"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
It gathered up my icons in a rather speedy way.
Cons
Everything else, including NOT providing a free version.
Summary
The only reason that I gave it one star is the way that it organized my icons in a pretty quick manner. Other than that, it di not work like the Fences 1, that I reinstalled.
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"Very Useful Tool"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
Helps to organize what I do have on the screen, hide what I don't want until I need it.
Cons
None really
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"Rubbish, absolute rubbish."
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
None, zero, zip, nada. Have used Fences for about a year - very useful and no trouble. Download this version and all I get is a rip off screen for some cruddy piece of software which I don't want and don't need, but, lo and behold, cannot be refused if you want the new version of Fences. So bye bye Fences.
Cons
See the Pros entry
Summary
Fences? Just don't waste your time.
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"Virtual Desktops"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
Like the sorting options and capability to create screens/desktops off the main screen
Cons
mouse based controls seem to slow down the overall interface.
Summary
An outstanding utility for little or no money.
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"Free version no longer free (but nobody tells you that)"
Version: Fences 2.0
Pros
Reasonably priced. Does what it's intended to do
Cons
Nobody told me the replacement of the free version is no longer free.
Summary
This version tricks you into uninstalling the old, free version, installs this TRIAL version over top and then asks for money. Of course, by this time most people have lost the old version and can no longer re-install the free version. (Luckily I had saved the install package for the free version and was able to re-install it)
I do not support or recommend any product from any company that tries to trick me into doing something I do not want to do. Stardock products will no longer be installed on my systems or on the systems of my clients.
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