12Ghosts StartupGuard for Windows

More-experienced users not happy with Windows' Startup Manager will appreciate this simple but effective utility. 12Ghosts StartupGuard's simple two tab interface combines the familiarity of the Windows tool with a few fixes. Anyone with an understanding of Startup management will immediately comprehend this program's operation.

The program's main tab merely lists all programs set to open at Windows Start. A quick click on a column sorts the list by description, Registry location, or Command Line instruction--three options that are unavailable in the default Windows tool. With a simple check-box click, you easily set an item to not open on next system start, or press a button to delete the item from the list. The program's General tab includes a few minor functions to control when an app loads itself and where to place shortcuts.

This isn't a tool for new users. There is little hand-holding, and 12Ghosts StartupGuard doesn't offer links to more information about each listed startup app. Intermediate users and above, however, should give this useful utility a test drive.