Krento

Even though larger screen resolutions allow more and more elements to fit on your desktop, it always seem to clog up every now and then. There are countless alternatives to launching applications through shortcuts, with multiple desktops or various enhancements. In this regard, Krento aims to provide a stylized method of keeping your desktop clean while still being able to launch applications of interest with a single mouse button.

The concept behind the design is certainly not new in terms of desktop enhancements, but it can be fully customized to replace it. Designed in the form of a circle, it allows you to populate it with nearly every item you need to launch while your computer is running.

Visual design is eye candy, with a decent library of skins to choose from, such as Windows XP or Vista style, Opera, the famous Aero, or even a StarCraft layout for gaming enthusiasts. However, the skin is applicable only as a general rule, without the possibility to set a different one for each circle you create.

Having this said, with the possibility to create as many circles as you see fit, you most likely end up using your desktop only for displaying a pretty wallpaper. The application only stays on top of other windows for as long as it is used so it doesn't become annoying. You can set up a custom key combination to bring it up or even use a mouse button for more comfort.

Creating a circle from scratch can take some time, depending on the amount of items you want to include. You are not limited to a specific number of blocks, but adding one too many might make it difficult to find items of need. Luckily, the wheel rotates for enhanced navigation and you can even add links to other circles to cleverly categorize content, for example a circle for games and one for your work items.

It's difficult to enumerate elements that can be added in blocks, because the application even includes shortcuts for your computer's power options or links to websites. Each block can be equipped with a description, as well as an icon which can be JPG, PNG or GIF. You can carefully adjust size of the circle and blocks to better suit your taste.

To sum it up, Krento fully lives up to expectations and poses a serious threat to your desktop. Not to take this literally, but with careful configurations it can completely replace it, providing a practical and visually appealing environment in which you can include links to multiple circles, take advantage of various customization options, all without worrying just one bit about system requirements.