Windows task-switcher (Alt+Tab or Win+Tab) sucks. It’s as simple as that. The much hyped Flip-3D (first introduced in Windows Vista) may look cool but is practically worthless. It definitely doesn’t make switching do another window any easier. I don’t know anyone who actually finds Flip-3D productive. The task-switcher found in Mac Operating Systems – called Expose, is a much better option. It displays all open windows as thumbnails on the screen. I had written about a free application (XNeat Windows Manager) to get Expose like task-switcher in Windows. However, recently I came across a better alternative called Switcher.
Switcher features 3 main modes –
Tile – This mode is similar to Expose and shrinks the windows until you can see all the Windows.
Grid – This is my favourite mode. Its similar to Tile and shrinks the windows to make them fit inside the screen. However instead of scattering them all over the place arranges them in a neat grid. In fact even Apple decided to implement a similar feature in its upcoming operating system Snow Leopard.
Dock – In this mode the maximum screenspace is dedicated to the active window and the other windows are displayed as think strips that occupy the top edge of the screen.
Take a look at the video to get an idea about each effect.
Video by DownloadSquad
What I love about Switcher is that it numbers each window and you can select any window by simple pressing the appropriate number. You can also select any window by typing in its title. Switcher includes a handy search funtion that will automatically highlight the appropriate window. Switcher comes with a predefined set of hotkeys which can be customised according to your comfort. You can also change the styling of windows when displayed in overlay mode. As an added bonus switcher works even with multi-monitor setups.
Switcher is a fantastic application. What impressed me about switcher is its usability. Its head and shoulders above other similar freeware alternatives and even puts premium software like Top Desk to shame. The only drawback of Switcher is that it requires Aero. Hence it will only work with Windows Vista and Seven computers that have Aero enabled. In case you are using an Aero enabled computer running Windows Vista or Seven give this software a try. Its a boon to all multi-taskers.
Download Switcher (397 KB)
Platforms Supported : Windows Vista and Seven with Aero Enabled
License : Freeware
Version Reviewed : 2.0
nice! been searching for something like this for a long time now 🙂 btw, what do ppl get from developing these freewares anyways? is there a revenue model?
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I am glad that you find this useful.
Freewares can have business model. For eg. they are an effective way to attract attention towards your website and encourage users to try out your other products which can be sharewares.
Also another popular model is the freemium model i.e. to charge for advanced features.
However, a lot of people enjoy coding and love coming up with software that helps others and sharing them . They arent looking for commercial benefits. Switcher doesn’t have a business model. Its made by a Microsoft employee. I dont think he is looking to profit from this. He just created this as he saw a scope to improve something and wants others to benefit from his creation.
If by a MS employee, they should seriously consider incorporating this into the core of win 7 🙂
Yes, they should. But its too identical to Expose. Especially now that Apple has integrated grid view in Snow Leopard, if MS goes ahead and implements this then expect the mac boys crying foul.
Anyway, the Windows 7 feature list is frozen and we are about 3 weeks away from RTM build.
LOL…true that…btw, why haven;t you not updated the prices of win7 and the pre orders that start today…..its pretty expensive at 119 for a upgrade and 199 for outright purchase.
LOL…true that…btw, why haven;t you not updated the prices of win7 and the pre orders that start today…..its pretty expensive at 119 for a upgrade and 199 for outright purchase.
PS: comment form still says “failed to add comment” once in a while
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I disabled the ajax comments plugin. Hopefully that will sort out the problems.
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[…] has been getting a lot of attention for its new Tab Candy feature. Tab Candy is essentially Expose (the task-switcher included in Mac) for tabs. Pressing Ctrl+Space will make Firefox zoom out and […]
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What makes it even better is that it can bring in focus not only just one window, but also all the related windows at the same time. It can also directly jump to the desktop.
You sir are a god among men. I am late to the party- but the customization level (and sheer useability) is off the chart! Thank you so much for making it possible for me to have the only real mac functionality I covet on my pc.
Hugs.