Alt-Tab Terminator

Switching the focus from one running application to another is one of the most common actions of a computer user. In Windows, it is easily done with the ALT-Tab combination, which reveals a simple dialog showing a preview of all the windows. Aiming to offer users more control, Alt-Tab Terminator replaces the default Alt-Tab dialog with an enhanced preview window that comes with task management capabilities.

The Alt-Tab window is only visible when you press the aforementioned key combination, but you can bring it to focus using the tray menu of Alt-Tab Terminator. By default, its size is set to medium, but you can also make it larger, smaller, or toggle the full-screen mode on.

Despite its name, you should know that Alt-Tab Terminator can also be configured to replace the Win-Tab key combination, which switches between tasks on different desktops in Windows.

All the opened windows are placed in a task list, which allows quick navigation using the keyboard's dedicated keys.

Unlike the default Windows ALT-Tab dialog, which only shows a preview of the window, Alt-Tab Terminator displays a preview of the entire desktop and the name of the application. In compact mode, the latter is not revealed, and Alt-Tab Terminator shows icons only in a vertical task list that makes it easier for you to find the window you are looking for.

The application also features basic task management options, enabling you to close a window, terminate its process forcefully, or run it in focus. Moreover, you can close opened windows without switching focus by using the F4 key.

Alt-Tab Terminator provides an interesting alternative to the Alt-Tab dialog of Windows, merging two functions - window switching and task management - into a single application. Indeed, it offers more control over opened windows but only basic task management functions are available. The application only works with Windows 7 and later versions but if you are still using Windows Vista, you can try VistaSwitcher, while XP users can download TaskSwitchXP. Both are the precursors of Alt-Tab Terminator.