You think that your searches for certain files on your computer are fast. I say think again. Windows OS cannot index the files on your computer so every time a search is launched it will take each file stored on your computer and stop until the one corresponding to your query is encountered.

Indexing the files is a much faster system and the results of your search will be displayed instantly. It is just like the prefetch technology used by Windows XP (prefetch folder helps increase the loading of programs).

There are lots of softwares that are boasting with their capabilities of indexing the files on your computer and perform fast searches when you need them. However, there are very few that actually work. Launch Pivot comes at a $15.00 price and really improves your searches. The best feature of the application is indexing using idle priority. This means that your computer will never be slowed down by its process and allow other programs to run within normal parameters.

The interface is minimalist and easy to use, so the developer did not give a second thought about adding a help file. In fact, the software does not need one as the intuitive icons tell you everything about how it works.

The interface is skinnable and one of the eight themes available can be selected from the options menu. To be frank, I could only use two of them (Blue and Silver) as all the other six (Aqua, Olive, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow) really hurt my eyes and did not provide the necessary visual comfort. The Settings tab in Options menu allows the user to set the indexing interval (anywhere from 1 to 96 hours, depending on your activity on the computer).

The display of the search results can also be fixed and the options offered by the application are: large icons, small icons and none. Selecting the last of the options will significantly increase the search. The number of results displayed on the page is controlled by the user and the 10 results of the default setting can be increased to a total of 50.

Web tab of the Options allows the user to perform searches outside the computer and the Web is the only place provided by Launch Pivot. A series of websites to be searched are already available but the user can add some of his/her own. The searches on the web can be performed by simply typing a keyboard shortcut. The default web browser is instantly opened at the desired page.

As I said before, the interface is not too nifty, but it is functional and intuitive enough for every type of user to get along. The search bar is the first option available. The downside of this option is that the search button is placed in front of the search bar. Traditionally, this button is located at the end of the search bar (at least right handed users prefer it this way).

If the search is not displaying the desired results, then you should check the search tips included (this is the only help you are going to get). You will be provided with useful information about searching inside some folders or among a certain type of files. A very interesting option is that you can search for image files of a certain size (type .bmp 32x32 and the results should display all the 32x32 bitmap format images you have stored on your computer).

The next buttons available are designed for the user to specify the application what type of file is the one in the search bar. You can look for executables, files (includes documents, music, movies, images, etc.), tasks (searches for active tasks), all (includes every type of file) and Web (searches the web for the entered query).

From the list of results, the user can choose one to be scheduled to startup. The programming can be once, hourly, daily, weekly or monthly at a user specified time.


The Good

Launch Pivot provides a very fast search of the items you are looking for. The intuitive interface allows even beginners to successfully use the software.

The buttons at the bottom of the application window enable users to show desktop, lock computer, stand by monitor, stand by computer, turn off and restart computer (the last three options work with holding down the CTRL key and left click).

The Web searches support keyboard shortcuts adding and the user can add as many websites as desired.

The Bad

The dollars in the price are one too many. $15 is a bit extreme, but given the efficiency of the application, the price is understandable.

The Truth

Very easy to use and the results of your searches are as accurate as the query provided.

Here are some snapshots of the application in action: