StartBar8

1.0.3.0

Software information

License:

Shareware (Free to try)


Updated:

30 Jan 2014


Publisher:

Totalidea Software

Website:

http://startbar8.com

Software Screenshots

Size: 15.6 MB


Downloads: 4090


Platform: Windows (All Versions)

Review by Frederick Barton (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 27 Jan 2014

The new design of Windows 8 does not satisfy all users, but there are many third party applications out there, which can make the operating system more comfortable. A good example is StartBar8. It offers a faster way of accessing files, programs, recently used items, administrative tools and much more. Additionally, the application allows you to customize the appearance and behavior of its menus without any effort.

StartBar8 was developed for Windows 8, as the name clearly points out. It can be installed in less than a minute and you don't have to meet any special requirements. Also, the application does not use too much disk space, RAM or processing power.

If you touch the left edge of the screen with the mouse cursor, while the application is running, a modern quick launch bar will slide in on the screen. Clicking its icons will take you to the Start screen or back to the desktop, launch the Run dialog and the command prompt, shut down the computer or set it to sleep mode. The first icon will display a large menu, in which you can scroll up and down with the mouse wheel or by dragging a scroll bar.

While scrolling through the menu's pages, you will find a series of Metro-style icons, for Windows Explorer, the control panel, and other system components, recent documents, network locations, local files and folders and more. Also, you may click a few icons, located on the lower edge of the menu, to shut down, restart or lock the computer, open the Run dialog, task manager or device manager.

In the application's general settings menu you can find a few useful customization options. StartBar8 allows you to choose a default opening page for the aforementioned menu, increase or decrease its scrolling speed, change its opacity level and apply different colors. Besides selecting different colors for individual Metro icons, you can also choose a predefined color scheme for the entire menu.

Pros

The application makes it much easier to run programs, open files or access administrative tools. The launch bar and menu have a modern design and they are neatly animated. Also, StartBar8 places various customization options at your disposal.

Cons

The launch bar may get in your way if you have to work with the mouse cursor near the left edge of the screen. StartBar8 makes Windows 8 more comfortable, by providing you with instant access to any file, program or administrative tool.

StartBar8
1.0.3.0

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StartBar8 Awards


StartBar8 Editor’s Review Rating

StartBar8 has been reviewed by Frederick Barton on 27 Jan 2014. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated StartBar8 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential

5

out of 5