Application Launchers

[First published on my old Mac blog on 7/19/2007]

The dock is one place to put applications that you use frequently, but what happens when it gets too crowded? Or maybe you are one of those people who has never learned to like the dock? I have some applications in my dock, but I usually use an ingenius little program called Namely to launch my applications. I type CTRL + I and the tiny Namely window appears at the top of my screen. (You can set a different keyboard shortcut if you prefer.) I then start typing letters in the application's name. Usually within one or two letters I have it. Since I type fast, this is an efficient way to launch applications, much quicker than clicking on applications in my dock. Namely is freeware, although the developer, Amar Sagoo, appreciates donations.

But what if you prefer to use your mouse or trackpad (aka touchpad, that is, the thing laptops have instead of a mouse)? Or maybe you cannot remember what applications you have, let alone their names. Himmelbar might be just what you need. This application adds a little cloud-shaped item to the right side of your menu bar. It then will automatically detect your applications and make them available in a menu. It is a simple and beautiful piece of work. It is also free, although the developer, Softbend, accepts donations.

Finally, you might try XMenu, a freeware application that my son prefers to Himmelbar.

Want to know what these applications look like? Click on the above links to see the product pages. By the way, you can change the color of Namely by using the preferences. Indeed, as I have said earlier, always check the preferences of each new application you get in order to make it work the way you want it to work.