Presto for Windows

By Xandros
Trial version
User Rating

Used Presto for Windows?

The product has been discontinued by the publisher, and Download.com offers this page for informational purposes only.

Developer’s Description

Boot your PC in seconds to surf, e-mail, chat, and edit documents.

You are seconds away from productivity with Presto. Start up your computer in seconds. You will be able to instantly start to e-mail, chat, Skype, instant message, listen to music, surf the internet or download apps before Windows XP or Vista even boots. You will automatically be connected to the best available network. Browse the web securely using Firefox. Chat using instant messaging (IM). Make free Skype calls. Listen to music and watch videos.

Presto for Windows

By Xandros
Trial version
User Rating

Used Presto for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: January 24, 2010

Latest update: February 29, 2024

Version: 1.0.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows XP
Windows 10
Windows Vista
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 112,444

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.5/5

69 User Votes

Malware - AVOID
dev_botOctober 3, 2013
Pros
None, this product should not be on CNet
Cons
This version will change your home page and install a raft of crap and unwanted toolbars on your (all your) browsers. It will not let you uninstall AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
Summary
Fantastic to use, impossible tu buy
max_agnelliSeptember 18, 2010
Pros
I downloaded it from cnet and used for a couple of monthes: It starts in 9 seconds on my laptop. I can use wifi, pdf presentations for my job
Cons
If you try to buy the link un prestomypc.com links to regnow.com and you receuve this message:
Summary
The following products you are attempting to purchase are no longer sold through our service, or are in the process of being setup for ordering. Below is the last known contact information regarding the products. You may want to visit the developer's website or write an email for updated info on purchasing.
Stay away from that scam !
jf_bJuly 9, 2010
Pros
None as is.
Cons
No apps, this system is basically useless, presto app store does not work. Useless, don't waste your money.
Summary
Nothing has been happening on the app store since 2009 and it has been impossible to download or update any application. The money paid on the faith that this system would be supported has been totally lost.
Could have been a 5, Win -7- is NOT supported
rdunnJune 6, 2010
Pros
Boots relatively quick, shuts down relatively quick and provides most of the daily applications for 'net use.
Cons
It's temperamental... can take some 'tweaking' to get working right. Direct from Xandros support: NOT supported on Windows 7 ...(yet... which means 'someday' like most of these small Opsys, takes a long time between updates).
Summary
I'm a pc tech and worked with this 'fast boot' limited OpSys... it's a 'customized' limited version of linux, made to boot fast, shutdown fast... but not a fully 'fleshed out' OpSys. I was able to tweak it to work fairly well, liked it... but I had to go to the prestomypc.com forums to do so...and more help came from other users, and messages in the 'beta' section (which is closed), than from Xandros. Some settings were still 'temperamental', which would be forgotten between boots. You should try it, if you're technically proficient ;)... but only on XP or Vista, 'cause it will not install/boot properly with Windows 7, even with all kinds of tweaking for Vista compatibility, etc., etc. It installs ok... then it fails to boot up with any kind of usable screen. I believe support said they'd work up a version compatible for Win 7, but this product and forums will appear dead in the meantime (spam running rampant)... so don't hold your breath.... likely take months, if ever. "Wubi" is a similar windows-based installer for Ubuntu... it is -not- a 'fast boot' linux, but it works. Don't be fooled however, linux requires more technical proficiency than Windows, to get set up fully. If Presto was better 'out of the box' with a carefree compatible installation, they could have made a much bigger splash. The other 'fast-booters' are limited to Intel chips or only available with purchased systems.
A great concept, but not all hardware supported..
fuzbearsMarch 12, 2010
Pros
Does boot quickly and connect to networks without much trouble.
Cons
Poor support of hardware on my new laptop.. No sound..
Summary
This product works wonderfully when on netbooks around when it was created.. But because less useful on my new ones, and had to stop using it. It does not have as broad support as other Linux flavors, but worth trying on yours..
Did not work.
loneguitarOctober 25, 2009
Pros
Good idea, but doesn't load.
Cons
Got to main screen and hung up.
Summary
Not worth $20 if it won't even load.
Great Fast Boot Option
aegis1October 12, 2009
Pros
Fast access & not needing a MS OS all the time makes this a win-win for me. This grabs my router signal & I review 2 mail accts. w/10 min free 'after trial'. It still gets done what I need - For some users, this is the answer.
Cons
Not from where I'm sitting; but my needs are simple.
Summary
get it, use it.share it with friends.
Boot to internet access in 10 second!
tlhorneOctober 7, 2009
Pros
I enjoy full access to all my internet sites and programs without all the waiting for WinXP to FINALLY proceed through boot up.
Cons
The only down side I have with Presto My PC from Xandros is I have a few financial programs that will not work without MSIE 8. I have not found a work around YET.
Summary
My final note is I am thrilled to have this as an option when I am only interested in internet access.
Undocked Only
byronsnakeSeptember 16, 2009
Pros
Fast uninstall.
Cons
I intended to use this with my Dell laptop when it is in the docking station, but it does not allow me to choose OS when in the dock.
Summary
Needs work.
Great Idea, Flawed execution
SlideCloverAugust 31, 2009
Pros
Starts faster than Windows. Good for a dual boot situations with Windows when you just want a browser.
Cons
Slow to connect to the internet. poor printer support. Firefox crashes OFTEN. Presto itself crashes after a couple hours. You can only add Presto approved software. Doesn't seem worth the $20 after using it several months.
Summary
For most people this program will only be used for internet access. The program claims start-up in 10 seconds. This is true, but it takes a minute or two to connect to the network. So in the end, the time savings over Windows is not that big. Still buggy on my computer with frequent crashes. I am excited to see the next version as i think having a back-up OS on your Windows machine is great idea. In a windows crash you could pull your data off using Presto.