Maverick Launcher 3.8

Maverick Launcher is one of the best tools for managing shortcuts that I've tested. It takes up just a few pixels on top of your desktop, providing an incredible number of features. The application uses an auto-hide dialog called a launch window in order to allow you to access anything anytime.

When installing the program, it automatically scans all the applications on your computer and adds them as shortcuts. It also adds useful shortcuts to system folders like Network Connections, My Computer, Printers, Start Menu, and so on. There are three types of links displayed on Maverick Launcher's window. The top links are icons (24x24px) with text. The middle area is used by shortcuts that look like buttons, while on the bottom area smaller rectangular buttons are displayed. The buttons on the lower part of the main window display a file explorer when they are clicked. They work pretty much like a drop-down menu.

A built in file manager makes accessing any item from your computer very easy. Other utilities are also built in. I mostly like the Font Map, the Obliterate utility, the Disk Profiler, and the ZIP archiver. I used the Obliterate utility to completely erase certain files from My Computer. It worked like a charm.

Pluses: Maverick Launcher is very easy to use and configure. It offers an impressive number of options and features, but they are easy to understand. However, it's also true that sometimes I had to use the help system. Everything is very nicely explained, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting to know the application's features.

Drawbacks / flaws: After playing around with the menus a bit, I received an error about kernel32.dll, but the program continued to work properly.

In conclusion: Maverick Launcher turned out to be a great application. Once the minor glitches are fixed, this software will be an editor's pick.

version reviewed: 3.5