No Freeware of the Moment- StartEase 2 for your netbook
Today’s freeware pick is not really just for netbooks but it’s a utility that works with Windows XP and that’s the OS of choice for many netbooks. StartEase 2 is the updated version of a PC Magazine utility that adds a ton of functionality to the plain jane Windows XP start menu. There are far too many features to list them all here but basically StartEase 2 is a program launcher and menu program that is totally configurable so you can build the system you want. You can bookmark any program on the system in the utility and organize all of those programs any way you wish. It’s free and it’s easy to use so if you use Windows XP on your netbook and you want a better start menu then give it a try.
UPDATE: We are receiving reports that this utility is asking those who install it to pay for it. There is no mention anywhere on the site that this utility has any cost associated and since PC Magazine is not in the software business we trustingly assumed this was freeware. Links have been removed to the utility and we are leaving this post up so anyone who may have seen this earlier will understand that the program IS NOT FREE.
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Link is the same one as the Axiotron story. So, not Startease 2 at all. Just FYI. :)
No it’s not, just try it. (Thanks for pointing that out).
Freeware? I’m being prompted to pay for this. Anybody else?
Free? I get a PCMag screen that wants $$.
That is very disturbing as PC Mag says nothing about a cost associated with this utility anywhere on the site. I am going to remove the links and modify this post to remove it. Sorry about that and shame on you, PC Mag.
Wait… I would have expected the “Freeware of the Moment” tips to be something that has been tested and proven in practice to be useful. Wouldn’t the pricing issue have come up in that test?
PC Magazine has sold utilities for years. This is not new.
I didn’t have a working system with XP on it to test it. It was recommended by two people, neither mentioned any cost for it.
Yeah, PCMag charges for a lot of its software.
You say “It’s easy to use” yet admit you have never tested it? WTF?
OK, so the description “Freeware of the Moment” isn’t accurate, but you could have left the link up. It sounds as if it might be worth investigating.
@ James and Kevin – I hope this doesn’t dampen your enthusiasm for making freeware of the moment recommendations in the future. I for one have appreciated the tips in the past and understand the old adage “caveat emptor” even with regard to supposedly “free” stuff. I don’t expect you to test and vet every aspect of your recommendations, nor do I expect to be wet-nursed through any potential problems.
blll, it was recommended to me as a good utility that was easy to use.
James and Kevin: I don’t want you to hesitate when making personal recommendations, but I do want full disclosure. I visit this blog for your opinions, not the opinions of two anonymous tipsters. You two have earned our trust and respect over the years. Please take that into consideration before making future recommendations.
stephen, we always make it clear when we are recommending a product based on our own usage experience. I apologize if this was your impression from this post as it was not the intent.
Instead, for those looking for a realy free and so light launchbar, you can try ExeGo 3.6. You can have 30 spaces with 40 exe, repertories or files to launch from here, and a compact bar with your favorites (near Log Off, Shut Down and Restart).
A double click on the upper windows bar and you get the small bar or the whole app.
http://scalpsoft.free.fr/download/exego3/screenshot.php