Launchy is a free open source application launcher for Windows. It indexes shortcuts in the start menu to allow quicker access to programs without opening the start menu itself.

Program Usage

Launchy automatically loads itself on boot and waits for the user to call it by pressing Alt + Space or a custom user hotkey. The user then starts typing the name of the program or file they wish to launch. Launchy automatically searches its list of programs for the closest match as the user types. When it finds the desired program, the user hits enter and it is automatically launched.

Launchy also has the option to add folders and file formats to its catalog for indexing. This makes it useful for launching almost anything on a computer, including internet, music, videos, and games. Launchy also can run Google, Wikipedia, MSN, and Yahoo searches, bringing the results up in the default browser. It also launches bookmarks as required. Launchy also supports plug-ins, adding to its versatility.

Platform

Launchy was originally written in C# (ver. 0.5) but the next release (0.6) was in C++. The latest release (2.0) has been completely re-written in Qt. This has cause incompatibility between this version and older skins and plugins. With the new version being written in Qt it may be a step closer to the rumored Linux release.

Plugins

The following plugins are included with the 2.0 release

Controly Plugin (controly.dll)

Index Control Panel Applications: This plugin finds the control panel applications in your system and lists them in Launchy.

Weby Plugin (weby.dll)

Perform Web Searches: Launchy now supports the following search keywords: google, msn, yahoo, live, weather, amazon, wikipedia, dictionary, thesaurus, imdb, netflix, and msdn websearch. Type in any of these keywords, hit tab, type in your search query, and hit enter!

Add custom web searches: Please see the Runny Plugin

Launch Webpages: Type in the url such as ‘www.launchy.net' or ‘http://www.launchy.net/' and hit enter

Foxy Plugin (foxy.dll)

Bookmarks: The Foxy plugin will automatically load your FireFox bookmarks into the database. Just search for them as you would applications.

Quick searches: Launchy loads Firefox quick searches and will index the keyword into the database. Use it like you would a web search.

Calcy Plugin (calcy.dll)

Calculate: Type in some math.. Launchy will figure out what you want to do. Warning: This calculator is limited to +,/,-,* and parenthesis.

Awards

2007

SourceForge.Net Community Choice Awards, Honorable Mention: Best New Project

PC World 15 Best Downloads of the Year: Powertools

CNet Download.Com Top Ten Downloads of the Year