Autorun Now

This limited application lets you create an executable file that will launch a file or program while displaying an image of your choice, but limitations mar its performance. Autorun Now comes as an executable program that opens to a small interface with fields for entering the program and file you want it to launch and a browser to choose the image you want shown as the file opens. You can apply one or more of the three special effects to the image, including fade in or fade out. Hit the Create button and Autorun Now produces an executable file that will display your image while the file opens. Though the program proves fairly easy to use, no help file is offered and the limited instructions on the interface include several typos that make the directions confusing. We were disappointed to find that this program, which is listed as freeware, adds a watermark to the executable files it creates and only works with bitmap images. The lack of direction makes this an unsuitable choice for the beginner, and more advanced users will probably want more than this simple application offers.