Useful Non-testing Tools: Part II
How do you like the 1st set of testing tools? Any good? Or do they suck? Post your comments; let me know what you think.
If you liked the first set, here’s more:
Slick Run (Quick Command line Prompt)
http://bayden.com/SlickRun/
Slick Run is an always on-top, floating command line tool that allows to you designate “MagicWords” that will launch applications and websites for you. As you can see, it also tells you the date and time when you’re not using it. One magicword I made was “vs” to start Visual Studio. 
Just type in “vs” push enter, and it launches Visual Studio. For me, typing “sql” launches SQL Management Studio. You can also define MagicWords that allow you to pass in parameters. For instance, “weather” takes a zip code as a parameter, launching weather.com with the local forecast of that zip code.
Overall, I think Slickrun is a great way to quickly open applications and websites while reducing icon clutter on your desktop. For the power user, it really speeds things up. And the learning curve isn’t bad because you can use it as much or as little as you want. The Windows GUI and program icons are still available when you don’t remember a command.
It’s not for everyone: my colleague Randy use to be a big UNIX programmer, and now he does .NET stuff almost exclusively. About Slickrun, he said that it reminds him of his UNIX days, and he doesn’t want to go back to having to remember commands. He said there’s a reason why they created operating systems with nice GUI’s. Point taken, Randy.
Clip X (clipboard extender utility)
http://clipx.org/
ClipX is a utility that extents the functionality of the keyboard. It creates a sort of copy & paste stack. The latest copied things end up on the top. By pressing Ctrl+Shift+v (I defined this combination.), I bring up a list of the last couple of things copied. I can select that from that list using the arrow keys or by typing that number, and it will paste that item. It even allows copied images on the list. The great thing is that you don’t have to use it all the time. Your regular cut, copy, and paste still works the same; this is just extra. Try out this tool. I think you will like it. It’s highly configurable and great to use.
Occasionally on some contexts, it will have trouble copying to the list, but regular copy and paste still works. Overall, it’s a great and useful tool.
Come back soon for more tools.
Marisa Roman
Daniel Brown
Josh Carroll
