ksTaskbar

Sure enough it takes a few seconds to find, and launch programs, or video games from corresponding desktop icons, but not if it’s crowded, or even filled with more shortcuts that can fit on your screen. As an alternative, you can use ksTaskbar in order to keep your desktop clean, and quickly launch any kind of file.

One of the main advantages is that you don’t even have to go through a setup process to make it work, giving you the possibility to store, and use it directly from a thumb drive on other computers as well. What’s more, the target PC doesn’t get affected in terms of stability, and this is because registries are not modified to ensure functionality.

By default, the new launcher is placed right on top of the taskbar, automatically hiding when the cursor isn’t over it. In case you want to keep it active at all times, there’s a dedicated option which can be toggled at the press of a button. Moreover, the panel can be moved to any edge of your screen.

The application allows you to store any kind of file inside the dedicated space. View type can be changed in order to show large or small icons, a list, or a report, which contains related file details in different columns. Adding new items is easily done by dragging them over the main window.

Apart from the quick launch section, there’s also a writer pad you can use. This enables you to write down any important notes, or reminders. Unfortunately, text can’t benefit from any kind of customization options, and neither can you load, or save text to file, not even plain text.

In case you want to have the launcher ready when you reach the desktop, the application’s shortcut needs to be manually placed in the system Startup folder. Last but not least, either of the two sections can be disabled by dragging the delimiter all the way to the other end.

In conclusion, ksTaskbar is a neat taskbar extension, especially if you leave it above. It can be used to quickly launch any kind of file, and even provides the option to add text, in order to set up reminders, or take notes. Although it feels a little rough around the edges, it’s intuitive, and practical overall, and can prove useful on the long run.