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Pretty Run 8.2.0.6

A fast and configurable search tool/ launcher

Rating:
Operating Systems:
Windows 7 (32 bit), Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP
License:
Freeware
Developer:
Pretty Software
Software Cost:
Free
Category
System & Desktop Tools
Date Updated:
27 January 2015
Downloads To Date:
1063
Languages:
English
Download Size:
2.41 MB

Pretty Run is a simple but effective search tool and program launcher.

The program lives in your system tray, and on launch displays a small "search" box. Type in your key word, and it scans various areas of your system for matches: your desktop, bookmarks (IE, Chrome, Firefox), Start menu (if you have one), Control Panel, specific folders, MP3 files (including tags), your clipboard, and more - even Dropbox. Any matches are shown, and you can open them with a click.

While this sounds similar to many other search tools, Pretty Run is rather more configurable. It doesn't have to check all of these areas, for example, or scan every folder on your drive. You could set up the program to check only your desktop, bookmarks and C:\WorkFiles folder, if you like, keeping searches very fast.

The program also supports internet search engines. If you don't find what you need on your system, clicking the Google, Bing, IMDB, YouTube and other icons will open a page of results from that site, and you can add other search engines as required.

There's an option to search specified databases, with your own custom SQL queries.

A "magic words" system helps you create aliases for commonly-used programs, for example using "np" to launch Notepad.

And the features continue, everywhere you look. You can create "run groups", to launch several programs with one click. Search filters hide items you don't need, for more relevant results. And there's a right-click option to run any item as an administrator, when necessary.

Please note, the Pretty Run setup program will by default install various toolbars on your PC. If that's not what you want, pay close attention, read every screen, and be sure to click "Skip", "Decline" and so on, as appropriate.

Version 8.2.0.6 (Full Version History):
- Added engine to search GDrive.
- Added engine to search OneDrive.

Verdict:

Windows Search has improved a great deal since Pretty Run first appeared, but extras like its ability to search bookmarks, databases and your clipboard mean the program could still be very useful. Worth a look, particularly for advanced users who need lots of configuration options.

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