If you are running Windows or Linux, there is a faster and easier way to launch programs. Launchy is a simple program that opens instantly with a keystroke (alt+space by default). When it appears, type the first couple letters of the program you wish to run, and it will present a list for you to choose from. Hit enter and the program is launched. Below is a screenshot:

Launchy learns as you use it. For example, in the screenshot above it knows that if I type “w” I most likely want Microsoft Word. So instead of searching through the start menu, I press alt+space to open launchy, then w and enter. Almost instantly, word starts to open. After some use, you will be able to open your most used programs extremely quickly. Launchy isn’t intrusive either, if you click on something else, it disappears.

Launchy features several plugins that expand its use. It can be used as a calculator, launch websites and bookmarks, find directions with google maps, and search for files on your computer. After trying it you’ll wonder why this feature wasn’t built into the operating system itself.