VistaSwitcher

One of the most commonly performed operations in Windows is switching between opened applications. Thanks to the Alt-Tab key combination, it only takes a second to bring another window into the foreground. Aiming to enhance the task switching solutions Windows Vista brings, VistaSwitcher replaces the default Alt-Tab dialog with something that is functionally superior.

VistaSwitcher runs in the system tray and its window is only visible when ALT-Tab is pressed, but you can also reveal it using the tray menu.

Its screen is split into two separate sections, one hosting the list of the running tasks, and the other displaying a preview of the Windows desktop and the selected task. The advantage of a larger preview area is that it makes it easier for you to identify the correct window, even if we are talking about multiple instances of the same application.

The Preferences window provides various configuration possibilities. VistaSwitcher can be set to replace not just the ALT-Tab key combination, but also the right-click + mouse wheel.

There are additional settings for multi-monitor systems. For instance, you can instruct VistaSwitcher to only show tasks from the active monitor. Moreover, it's possible to set the screen on which the task switcher will be displayed.

One other feature worth noting is the exclusion list, which comprises processes that will be ignored when pressing ALT-Tab.

VistaSwitcher makes it easier for you to locate windows and switch focus, even on multi-monitor systems. Moreover, it comes with basic task management capabilities for terminating a process.

Please keep in mind that the application is dedicated to Windows Vista only, but it is also compatible with XP and 7. However, it is advisable that Windows XP users download TaskSwitchXP, while users of Windows 7 and later iterations can try out Alt-Tab Terminator, both created by the same developer.