Windows Vista Start Menu Search: Tips & Tricks

Evaluating the Vista Start Menu: With and Without Start++

Initial assessments indicate a modest level of Vista Start Menu Health without the addition of Start++. Coolness is rated at 0.5, while usefulness scores 0.8, and the show-off factor registers at 3.9.

However, integrating Brandon Paddock's Start++ Start menu enhancement dramatically alters these metrics. Coolness jumps to 14.2, usefulness reaches an exceptional 999.9, and the show-off factor soars to 24.9.

Understanding Start++ Functionality

Start++ is a compact application designed to augment the functionality of the Windows Vista Start menu. It allows users to define aliases – shortcuts comprised of words or characters – that trigger specific commands or searches.

A key feature is the ability to configure these commands to execute with elevated administrator privileges. Furthermore, commands can be saved as "Startlets" for convenient sharing with others.

Practical Applications of Start++

Here are several examples demonstrating the utility of Start++:

Quickly initiate Google searches by typing "g" followed by your desired keyword.
Access dictionary definitions using the command "d" and the term you wish to define.
Perform Wikipedia searches with the "w" command and your search query.
Search the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) by entering "imdb" followed by the movie or actor you're looking for.
Establish custom search commands to query any website.

The application also introduces a Windows equivalent to the "sudo" command found in Linux environments.

Prefix any command with "sudo" to execute it with administrative rights.
Streamline music playback by creating commands like "Play Nickelback" to directly open and play music in Media Player.
Start++ is fully functional not only within the Start menu but also directly from the command prompt.
Users can create aliases for frequently used applications, such as assigning "i" to Internet Explorer and "f" to Firefox.

The versatility of Start++ allows for the creation of aliases tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Obtaining and Staying Updated

You can download Start++ directly from Brandon Paddock's website. To remain informed about the latest improvements and features, it is recommended to subscribe to the Start++ updates feed, also available on Brandon Paddock’s site, as new versions are frequently released.