Take Command

This app allows users to tap into the library of commands available through CMD.exe to provide additional flexibility to Windows and Windows apps.

Take Command launches a nicely designed interface similar to the typical e-mail client. The similarity will relieve some of the intimidation many users will experience by seeing such a packed window: four panes with unfamiliar titles like "Command Input" and "TCC Prompt," and a command-line interface within the last-named pane. The Help feature, however, is adequate for dispelling such concerns and providing info for mastering this app. Take Command performed well in our tests. It responded quickly to our input, and we liked the flexibility of its interface--floating or docking its panes as separate consoles. The Folders pane and List View pane offered an Explorer-like directory-tree listing of apps and commands that made powering around our system and transitioning to Take Command's worldview relatively easy. We liked the library of commands provided in the Help system for those unfamiliar with command-line work, and that they were organized both by name and category, making the library easy to employ for any level of user. Using the commands was a snap, although many users may have a steep learning curve to follow to get accustomed to using a command line.

The trial period should be adequate for most users to determine this app's suitability for their work behavior. PC tinkerers who never experienced the joys of pre-Windows DOS and its C prompt--and power users who like to delve into Windows Registry and tweak its functionality--will appreciate the additional control Take Command provides to their computing experience.