Fingertips Application Launcher - Reduce Mouse Usage

Boosting Productivity with Fingertips: A Streamlined Application Launcher

A key aspect of maximizing computer efficiency involves reducing the physical strain of constantly switching between your keyboard and mouse. Numerous keyboard shortcuts have been previously discussed, but Fingertips represents a Windows application capable of fundamentally altering your approach to launching programs productively. Its benefits became apparent only after I began using it.

Unlike conventional application launchers, Fingertips doesn't rely on a traditional graphical user interface (GUI). There are no slide-out panels or menus, and it doesn’t replace the standard Windows Start button. Instead, this software introduces a novel approach to keyboard hotkeys, achieving its functionality with remarkable simplicity. Simply type the name of the desired application and press the Enter key.

Ample Desktop Space and the Need for Speed

Windows provides users with considerable screen real estate – the desktop, Start menu, Quick Launch toolbar, and more. However, many users, myself included, find these options insufficient. A faster, more direct method is needed to access programs without minimizing windows and searching for icons. This is precisely where Fingertips excels.

Upon initial launch, Fingertips automatically populates its database with all applications present in your Windows Start menu. Consequently, the Start menu itself becomes largely redundant. It also incorporates your Internet Explorer Favorites for convenient access.

Configuring Hotkeys for Instant Access

Within the settings (Hotkeys tab), it is highly recommended to assign a hotkey combination to activate the Fingertips command window. Failing to do so introduces unnecessary steps before reaching the desired functionality.

As illustrated, the command window is activated by the Ctrl+` hotkey combination.

Launching Applications with Fingertips: A Practical Example

To illustrate, let's consider launching Control Center 3, software bundled with certain Brother scanners and printers. The process involves just three steps:

• Press Ctrl+` to activate Fingertips.
• Begin typing the application's name.
• Press Enter.

Fingertips proactively suggests matches even before you complete typing the full name, requiring only a few initial characters.

This entire process takes mere seconds, resulting in immediate application launch.

This method is significantly more efficient than minimizing all windows to access the desktop or navigating through extensive Start menu lists.

Expanding Functionality with Custom Entries

The true power of Fingertips lies in its ability to add custom entries. I initially adopted this software to simplify launching my portable Dropbox applications, and it performs admirably.

To add a new entry, navigate to the Setup section and locate the Commands tab. Click "New". Define an abbreviation – your text-based "hotkey" – to trigger the application or action. Fingertips isn't limited to applications; it can also launch websites and execute actions within Outlook and Windows itself. Further details are available here.

I created a custom hotkey for MakeUseOf, eliminating the need to open a browser, wait for it to load, and manually enter the URL.

A Simple Solution with Significant Impact

Despite its compact size and straightforward design, Fingertips can dramatically improve your workflow by streamlining the launch of frequently used applications and other actions.

Exploring Alternatives

If Fingertips doesn't fully meet your needs, consider exploring other application launchers we've reviewed. For those who prefer mouse-based interactions, MouseExtender is worth investigating.