Download/HomepageDeskWipe is a nifty, albeit somewhat buggy,
program that allows you to minimize your running applications by
merely placing the cursor over a predesignated edge or corner of
your screen, leaving only the desktop showing. While the
developer promotes this handy utility for the purpose of getting
quick access to your desktop icons, there are many other less
expensive (i.e. free) programs that do this just as easily from
the system tray, such as DeskMenu in the Microsoft Powertoys
collection. No, the real reason for having this application is to
save your job because this program can minimize in a flash
Solitaire (or Minesweeper or Hearts or whatever game you waste
time with) when your boss walks into your office unannounced --
no double clicking, no pull-down menus, no searching for that
little tray icon as your heart is pumping.
Installation is a snap -- it doesn't exist. Simply unzip the file
and then move the application into whatever folder you want. Of
course, this means that you'll need to create your own shortcuts
for placement in the start menu, but that really isn't grounds
for complaint as I see it -- I usually have to move around those
automatically-installed shortcuts anyway. There are several
options for locating the "hot spot" on your screen so
it can be wherever is most comfortable for you to use. (I like
the bottom right corner myself, since I generally rest my cursor
near the icon tray when not in use and using an entire edge lends
itself to accidental minimization rather frequently). There's no
help file, nor much information on the developer's website, but
that really isn't a problem because the program is completely
self-explanatory; the read-me file that also unzips from the
downloaded file has all the set up and registration information
you need.
Now for the bugs -- the program, for whatever reason, doesn't
minimize everything. For example, it doesn't minimize Super
NoteTab. (In all fairness to the developer, this bug is noted in
the Read-Me file and, as far as I've been able to tell, exists
will all similar products). Additionally, it
"minimizes" many hidden and add-on/plug-in programs,
thus cluttering up the taskbar a bit more than one might like.
Finally, if you like this program, you'll be registering it
mighty quick because the reminder dialogue box pops up frequently
and demands your attention.
(
if not for the
extra $5.00 for mail-in registration)Return to SharewareJunkies.com
