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Today’s Software
- Windows Taskbar Thumbnail Customizer: configure Aero thumbnails to your liking.
- Vispa: tweak Windows Vista and 7 in an easy-to-use wizard.
- AltDrag: resize, move, and switch through windows just by holding the Alt key
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About Windows Software of the Day
Windows has hundreds of thousands of programs. Because of this great volume and lack of a central store, software discovery (aka finding new and useful programs) is extremely difficult. With our Windows Software of the Day initiative, dotTech aims to change that. Everyday we post three programs, allowing our readers to discover new software, daily. Enjoy! [Subscribe to our Windows section to never miss an article: RSS Feed | E-mail]
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Software for April 18, 2012
Windows Taskbar Thumbnail Customizer
Aero thumbnails are neat, but often not very useful. I often find myself having to look closely at them sometimes just to see which one is which. Rather than make me look closer at them, Windows Taskbar Thumbnail Customizer can make them bigger and easier to see.
After making your changes, just hit Apply Settings. If you’re running 64-bit Windows 7, it may not properly restart Windows Explorer; if the taskbar doesn’t reappear within a few seconds, just hit Ctrl+Shift+Esc, go to File > Run, and run explorer. After Explorer starts up, just hover over a taskbar item to see the new, giant (or mini) Aero thumbnails.
Price: Free!
Version discovered: v1.0.0.0
Supported OS: Windows 7
Download size: 32KB
VirusTotal malware scan results: 0/42
Windows Taskbar Thumbnail Customizer homepage
Vispa
There are many, many Windows tweakers. However, not many of them are as easy to use as Vispa. It’s essentially a step-by-step guide that lets you do things like tweak Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Search, Windows Explorer, and more.
After you select changes, Vispa will automatically create a restore point and apply the settings. Note that in Windows 7 not every setting will work; however, the majority of what I tried did.
Price: Free!
Version discovered: v0.6.2
Supported OS: Windows Vista/Server 2008, sort of in Windows 7
Download size: 89KB
VirusTotal malware scan results: 0/43
AltDrag
AltDrag is a handy window organizing tool that lets you resize and move windows simply by holding Alt and dragging the mouse around. You can resize, move, close, minimize, lower, keep windows on top, and center windows, depending on how you set it up, and you can always use the scroll wheel as a quick and efficient way to switch through windows.
AltDrag actually replaces the need for many small utilities. It can resize windows that are not generally resizable, it can keep windows on top, quickly switch windows, and more, making it a great replacement for the various utilities that have been designed for these purposes.
AltDrag is a great little program that is full of customization, and is great for anyone who is constantly resizing and moving windows around — no more hunting for the tiny resize area!
Price: Free!
Version discovered: v1.0 beta
Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
Download size: 138KB
VirusTotal malware scan results: 0/43
dotTechies: We have tested all the software listed above. However, Windows Software of the Day articles are not intended as “reviews” but rather as “heads-up” to help you discover new programs. Always use your best judgement when downloading programs, such as trying trial/free versions before purchasing shareware programs, if applicable.
