CNET Editors' review
Although it's touted as a program launcher, we found this free program to be more of a way to group programs and other items in one place on the desktop. Toolbox isn't for the novice, though, if only because of the knowledge required to understand all of its settings and options.
Toolbox has a busy user interface that features menu options at the top of a small window, and two tabs--one for creating toolboxes and another for application settings. You can go the easy route and add a desktop Toolbox with preset components like My Computer and the Control Panel, and the process takes only a couple of clicks. You can also group your own programs in a Toolbox, which is nearly as easy with support for drag-and-drop functionality, and a very brief wizard for creating a new toolbox. The settings tabs is just as busy as the one for creating Toolboxes, but check boxes make it easy to set the options you want. Novices might not understand those for Shortcuts from LNK files, or some of the other settings packed into the tiny window, but experienced users should have Toolbox customized in no time to open at Windows start-up or place Toolboxes in the right spot.
Toolbox works as promised, but our feelings were divided about the program's capability to simplify program access for the user. Users who have an organized desktop without a lot of clutter won't see the benefits of adding more items to it, but those looking to clear up an overwhelming amount of files and programs might find Toolbox to be useful. The good news is that Toolbox is free, so more experienced users can see if its organizational methods can help them tame desktop clutter.
Publisher's Description
From CyLog Software:
ToolBox is an application launcher for Windows operating systems with many amazing features. Easy to install, you can get going in minutes. Its drag and drop interface creates shortcuts to almost anything; applications, drives, folders, and even simple files.
The first version of ToolBox was written many years ago as a 16-bit application. Since then many features have been added to it, in order to maximize its usefulness. It helps you organize your desktop and get rid of numerous shortcuts that take up valuable space on it. Finally, ToolBox does not need installation. All you have to do is unzip the distribution files on a directory and run the executable. Upgrading your operating system does not affect it. Moving it to a different folder is never a problem. To uninstall you just delete the directory you created for the first run. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
What's new in this version: Version 2.85 includes a bug fix for an exception when mouse-up event is sent to ToolBox without a previous mouse-down.
More Popular Launchers downloads
- LogonStudio
6,259 downloads
- Switch Off
1,923 downloads
- Tiles
1,025 downloads
- PC Auto Shutdown
605 downloads
- Circle Dock 32bit
552 downloads
-
All versions:
3.0 starsout of 5 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
Results 1-5 of 5
-
"Excellent independent way of keeping up to date."
Version: ToolBox 2.67b
Pros
Quick, simple and thorough.
Cons
Restriction to only one computer at one time. I run 5 computers and it would be good to upgrade each computer on line during the one session.
Summary
The simplicity and speed of the programme. The time saved by not having to open every program and searching for an upgrade to that program manually. The simplicity of installing an upgrade would be attractive to those users who may not be technically savvy to the task if it had to be done manually.
So long as security can be maintained, I think the program is terrific! -
"Not sure how to use this toold yet,"
Version: ToolBox 2.67b
Pros
Not sure yet I havn't used it yet.
Cons
None I have found other than expalning how to use the tool.
Summary
Need instructions on when and how to use this tool.
-
"Advertising gimmick"
Version: ToolBox 2.67b
Pros
The toolbox is a way of downloading NCH software for a trial period.
Cons
Installed Spam.
Summary
The Toolbox is a product index that lets you click on one of it's software products which it downloads and installs on your computer. All work their fine for 30 days. After that, they either quit or reduce their functions unless you purchase them. Most, but not all, of these programs are mediocre in quality. While all of their programs seem very basic to me, I have to admit that a few of their programs fill a void where you simply can't find similar programs.
Disregard. I may have confused this program with another one which has the same title.
Updated on Sep 7, 2009 -
"Very Nice Program"
Version: ToolBox 2.67b
Pros
Just what I was looking for, actually. This and Launchy make a good combination.
This actually requires a bit of setting up. The download is not an install file (which is a plus in my opinion -- just stick it in your programs folder and create a shortcut to it). It can be set to display icons and the little hovering window can be manipulated to your liking. You can also create more than one window. Drag and drop to add icons, or add stuff manually with right-click, add. I use it so I can get rid of all those ugly icons cluttering my desktop. Many thanks to the author(s).
Cons
I dunno, maybe an autohide feature, like launchy, would be nice.
-
"WoW!!! Totally Amazing even....."
Version: ToolBox 2.67b
Pros
someone found a way to create a program that does what most computer's do automaticly
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
