Sometimes we get so used to doing things a certain way–finding a program in the Start menu, or opening our Web browser and entering a Web address–that it doesn’t even occur to us that there might be a quicker, easier way to do things. SlickRun is a tiny little utility that can launch programs, open Web sites, record notes, and much more, all from one unobtrusive little bar that you can position anywhere on your screen.
When not in use, SlickRun displays current memory usage and the date and time. Clicking on it turns it into a text box, and typing HELP here brings up an online Help file that explains SlickRun’s features.
The program makes use of what it refers to as MagicWords, which are keywords that can be programmed to perform any number of actions. There are a variety of preset MagicWords, which can launch programs, open particular Web sites, and carry out other tasks, and users can easily create new ones. You can also create sets of actions; the “morning” MagicWord, for example, can open your e-mail, your favorite news site, and anything else you like to check first thing in the morning. SlickRun also has a Jot feature that lets you drag and drop text from any program for easy saving.
SlickRun does a lot of different things, and users should plan to spend some time reviewing the instructions and experimenting with its features. But at its heart, the program is extremely easy to use and can be a tremendous time-saver. We recommend it.