Looking for a launcher

[Josh]

OK Folks, I have a new tool I am trying to locate.

As an avid keyboard user, I love the ability to launch things via hotkeys, find documents I want by typing, and being able to customize different shorts to perform key functions. Autohotkey can do this, however I prefer something with a configurable GUI that doesn't require code to make work.

I have looked at various tools like Launchy and executor and FARR. I currently use FARR but need something with indexing due to the large number of files I search in some folders. Executor is nice but it lacks the ability use some form of regexp or other matching (for shortcuts like my mstsc alias that has pre-programmed servers in it for remote desktop connections). Launchy seems to be showing its signs of abandonment and I would prefer something that shows the promise of being updated if needed.

What recommendations does everyone have? I have checked out most of the tools listed on alternativeto.net. I really want something that is keyboard focused, supports some form of filtering per shortcut, and can do filesystem browsing.

I look forward to the responses!

[kilele]

You might want to combine FARR with some specific software for indexed searching like Locate32

[40hz]

You might want to combine FARR with some specific software for indexed searching like Locate32

+1! That or Everything. It supports regex. But it only works with local NTSF formatted drives. It doesn't do FAT32 or remote disks. (Correction: see next post.)

[4wd]

That or Everything. It supports regex. But it only works with local NTSF formatted drives. It doesn't do FAT32 or remote disks.

Guess again

New features in the beta:
Search Syntax
ETP/FTP Server
HTTP Server
Folder Indexing for indexing network shares and FAT32 volumes
Search History
Everything Service for running Everything with a normal user account
EFU File Lists for indexing USB drives, network shares, DVDRoms etc..

Get it here.

I have it remotely index my WHS machine once a day, (during it's 3 hour backup window), I can then search the index even if the machine is powered down.

[40hz]

That or Everything. It supports regex. But it only works with local NTSF formatted drives. It doesn't do FAT32 or remote disks.

Guess again

@4wd - Thx!  I stand corrected. Been a while - and I'm mostly Linux these days so I don't stay as current with my Windows software as I used to.

[Tinman57]

  You really should try Bayden Software's free SlickRun.  I experimented with a ton of hotkey type apps until I came across this, and haven't looked back since.

SlickRun is a free floating command line utility for Windows. SlickRun gives you almost instant access to any program or website. SlickRun allows you to create command aliases (known as MagicWords), so C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe becomes MAIL.
Enter a web URL into SlickRun and it will launch your browser and navigate to the specified address. Run multiple programs in a few keystrokes, jot a note, look up a definition... SlickRun is the most natural way to interact with your computer. 

http://www.bayden.com/SlickRun/

[40hz]

@Tinman - regarding SlickRun -  it does look like it lives up to the name. But is it still being actively developed? It's 32-bit AFAICT and the last update was released on June 28, 2009.

UPDATE: Oh wait...this guy has it running under Windows 8 so maybe it doesn’t matter....

[mouser]

Try to convince the author of Find and Run Robot to add optional support for indexing -- that would give you the best of both worlds.

[rgdot]

Try to convince the author of Find and Run Robot to add optional support for indexing -- that would give you the best of both worlds.

[Josh]

Try to convince the author of Find and Run Robot to add optional support for indexing -- that would give you the best of both worlds.

Mouser, you missed one of my key requirements...

...and I would prefer something that shows the promise of being updated if needed.

[Tinman57]

@Tinman - regarding SlickRun -  it does look like it lives up to the name. But is it still being actively developed? It's 32-bit AFAICT and the last update was released on June 28, 2009.

UPDATE: Oh wait...this guy has it running under Windows 8 so maybe it doesn’t matter....

  It's still actively supported.  The beta version (4.1.4.0 BETA) was released 18 Apr 2011, but I'm using version 4.1.3.0 and don't have any problems with it.  Even the version prior I didn't have any problems with, just some updates they did to the newer version.

[mouser]

I will be adding indexing option to FARR.

[Josh]

I will be adding indexing option to FARR.

Paint me "tickled pink"! Any ideas on a timeline

On a side note, the everything plugin from FARR is awesome and has the source code available

[mouser]

Any ideas on a timeline

I would have thought that would be obvious. As soon as you switch away from FARR to another tool.

[Josh]

Any ideas on a timeline

I would have thought that would be obvious. As soon as you switch away from FARR to another tool.

And there I was trying to be nice. Oh well, I guess nice guys finish last. Back to troll mode >-)

[mouser]

I was just kidding! 

[Josh]

I was just kidding! 

And the games begin!

[highend01]

I will be adding indexing option to FARR.

This would be a tremendous step forward to "the perfect" launcher.

Hope to see it soon

[superboyac]

I will be adding indexing option to FARR.