At first glance, this free utility seems exactly like the Windows Quick Launch bar. One major difference makes it far handier, though. With Free Launch Bar, you can add not only shortcuts, but entire pop-up menus of shortcuts. It's kind of like having as many Start menus as you can build. Interface options allow you to change icon size, fonts, and other minor display options. You even can password-protect your new menus to lock out changes. People who find the default Quick Launch bar too small for all their shortcuts will appreciate Free Launch Bar.
What’s new in version 2.0
Version 2.0 adds Windows Vista support and 64-bit support.
There are no pros to this package, but CNET apparently believes that the pros section should contain at least 10 characters. I will happily oblige, CNET. Here are some unnecessary characters for you to store. There are no pros to this package.
Cons
This application provides the same functionality that Microsoft already provides with the built-in Toolbar feature. If you want to replicate what this software does, simply create a new folder somewhere and add it as a new Toolbar in Windows. You do miss out on the horrible cut-rate icons, and broken English, with Microsoft's version, but I'd be willing to bet that you don't even miss those.
Summary
I wouldn't bother installing this. It's another pointless product that exists solely because people aren't fully aware of what's already available to them in Windows. I'm also really disappointed that the Editor's review claims that Windows doesn't allow you to open sub-menus in the toolbar. It does, plain-and-simple. Who's phoning these editor reviews in?
Fantastic!
gabjag
Pros
I had manually added a quick launch bar to my system -- it took forever for the icons to load after every restart. Then I found this software and what a 360 degree turn -- this software automatically builds a quick launch bar that responds FAST!!
Cons
none to date
Summary
If you're looking for a FANTASTIC quick launch bar, this is it!
Saves your time
armorjan
Pros
Mult-itab, configurable width, light weight
Cons
It auto-hides after you press "Show Desktop" button (Win+D) even if auto-hide feature is disabled, you must activate another open window then activate it.
Summary
<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Mar 8, 2011<p/>Sorry, this is review of another problem, this one worth five starts
Excellent and simple!
JekylandHyde
Pros
I am an avid user of the QuickLaunch bar. Being able to store several icons in 1 folder saves space. Secondly, I love that I can launch the 10 Web sites I view every morning with one click! Simply put them all in one folder and click "launch all!"
Cons
None!None!
Summary
not bad for a simple program
inuyasha_warrior
Pros
i like it.
Cons
i dont see much point when u can do the same thing without this program (which i just now finished downloading, i might come back if i have a complaint.
Summary
i dont have much use for this program as i can do everything this program has to offer without it, tho i havent used it vary long, further analysis is needed,
efficient launch bar
capitanflorius
Pros
The program allows you to launch any application quickly, dark and efficient
Cons
I have no complaints.
Summary
I highly recommend this utility to anybody
Easy to use - easy to customize
txbd75b
Pros
Easy to use - it saves the 'classic xp' menu for Win7 users
Cons
None-none-none
Summary
I think that reviewers should take a look at this and talk it up more - it's great!
Would not install and operate as expected
howardferns
Pros
The bits that worked looked good - when it worked!
Cons
It displayed alongside my existing Quick Launch rather than on top of it, so I had two sets of icons, it looked a real mess. Not only that, but it wouldn't reappear after rebooting, I had to go to the folder and open it each time.
Summary
I tried installing it two times, with the taskbar locked, and with it unlocked. I followed the installation instructions, and I played around with all of FLB's options, but nothing made one jot of difference. If I deleted any of my existing QL icons, then the corresponding FLB ones went as well. All in all, I am very disappointed with it.
Very nice program
nudist_couple
Pros
This is really a nice clean add on for Windows. You can drag and drop icons from the desktop plus you can arrange them to your liking...VERY NICE !!! The control panel can be tweaked to your liking and works.
Cons
After three weeks of use I can find nothing to gripe about.
Summary
I use to download and use programs that Windows already had only to find they worked no better then the Windows version. Now I use very few add on programs unless they really provide a real outstanding change. Sure, you can click on your system bar and unhide quick launch which works okay but you cannot change the order and as you add to the quick launch it becomes a drop down list. With this program you can turn off quick launch and have all the programs in open view along with a side scroll bar for your open applications. I really enjoy being able to group like programs together so games are with games and so on. This is a free version program upgradeable for a few bucks but I think you will find the free version meets all your needs. All in all if you decide you do not like the program uninstall it and go back to using Windows quick launch. I have put this program on all five computers in our household and everyone likes it.
I use FLB on XP, love the functionality
gerrygadget
Pros
Easy to use, pretty easy to configure, doesn't seem to slow the system down at all
Cons
Fine-tuning control of appearance is a little difficult and limited IMO, but plenty good enough for what I need.
Summary
I would definitely recommend this to anyone that wants something faster and more compact than the start menu and doesn't already have something like a dock bar that they're stuck on already. XP's launch bar is way too simple, like many of it's other tools, so this is a perfect addition.
Speed up the launching of your applications.Free Launch Bar is a replacement for the standard Quick Launch bar. All functions presented in Quick Launch also are in Free Launch Bar. However, the Free Launch Bar is fully compatible with Quick Launch because it uses the same folder for shortcuts. However, there is one huge difference. Free Launch Bar allows you to combine your shortcuts into groups. This feature looks similar to pop-up menus. This improves the management of your shortcuts and saves working space on your desktop. By using Free Launch Bar, you speed up the launching of your applications like never before. Version 2.0 adds Windows Vista support and 64-bit support.