Comparison of desktop application launchers
This is a comparison of application launcher software in desktop environments.
Windows
|
Creator |
Latest stable version |
Release date |
OS |
Free according to the FSF |
Software license |
Open source |
Plugin Support |
| Appetizer |
Laurent Cozic |
1.4 |
February 13, 2010;
2 years ago (2010-02-13) |
Microsoft Windows |
Yes |
GPL |
Yes |
Yes |
| ASuite |
SalvadorSoftware |
1.5.1.2 |
May 24, 2008;
3 years ago (2008-05-24) |
Microsoft Windows |
Yes |
GPL |
Yes |
No |
| CAL |
Sentax Solutions |
0.0.279 |
January 5, 2009;
3 years ago (2009-01-05) |
Microsoft Windows |
No |
Proprietary |
No |
No |
| Launchy |
Josh Karlin |
2.5.0 |
April 4, 2010;
22 months ago (2010-04-04) |
Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X |
Yes |
GPL |
Yes |
Yes |
| LiberKey |
Essential SARL |
5.5.0717 |
July 17, 2011;
6 months ago (2011-07-17) |
Microsoft Windows |
Yes[note 1] |
GPL |
Yes |
No |
| PortableApps.com Platform |
Rare Ideas, LLC |
Next PR 3 |
August 8, 2011;
6 months ago (2011-08-08) |
Microsoft Windows |
Yes |
GPL |
Yes[note 2] |
No |
| SliderDock |
Dimitri ROOZENDAAL |
1.21 |
October 11, 2010;
15 months ago (2010-10-11) |
Microsoft Windows |
Yes |
Creative Commons |
No |
No |
| SyMenu |
Gianluca Negrelli |
1.14 |
December 1, 2011;
2 months ago (2011-12-01) |
Microsoft Windows |
No |
Proprietary |
No |
No |
Linux
Mac OS X
Although arguable, some consider desktop search tools to be application launchers as well, given their ability to quickly find and launch indexed applications. Such desktop search tools able to launch applications as well include Spotlight or Google Desktop. For a broader list see Desktop Search tools.
See also
References
External links