Download/HomepagePros: Allows you to access the desktop and other items the way it should
have been done the first time around, very user friendly and configurable, low price.
Cons: Needs to make adding your own additions easier.
One of the most shortsighted things about Windows 95 is the fact that Microsoft tended to
forget that when you have a desktop full of shortcuts to programs you use alot its nice to
actually be able to access them. I tend to have multiple applications open at a time which
was the purpose of Windows in the first place, and while its great to be able to click
between apps on the taskbar, you have no way of getting at the icons on your desktop.
Until now that is, MaDdoG Software has produced a great utility that resides in your
system tray and with a single click lets you access not only your desktop but a number of
other important items as well including My Computer, Control Panel, Favorites, Recent
Folders and Recent Items.
Expanding on the idea that Microsoft's own tech department started with Tweak *an
unsupported program that has little utilities that should be standard but aren't*
PaneKiller takes the pain out of accessing items, folders, programs, it will even replace
your Start Button if you want it to. This powerful utility makes a power users life 100
times better.
The installation is a snap, the performance is quick and very user friendly and has tons
of options that let you configure the program to fit your needs.
When it comes to configuring PaneKiller that too is a breeze, the author has not only a
user's manual in html format *you can read it with your Internet browser* but a quicklist
of how to configure the menu itself so you don't have to go searching through the contents
just to find what you want. It also uses the familar Properties menu with tabs to change
attributes with a simple check mark. The one drawback I found to adding specific items to
the main menu list was that it required a bit more navitgating than I would like to see. I
personally hate to dig deep into menus to get at a program or folder I use frequently. One
such program is Explorer, one folder is my Testfile folder to which I download all my
files I wish to test out. The only way to add these to my menu was to add shortcuts to the
Program Items list, with all the options and tabs in the properties section it would be
nice to be able to be able to add to the main menu using a browse button instead. Perhaps
a thought for the next version.
Speaking of versions, this program is well worth the $10 shareware price and is not pushy
with a lot of nag signs but it does have a tab for reminding you and gives you the options
for registering. It also has a great support site with tips and tricks as well as direct
email for questions, comments and concerns.
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