VistaSwitcher : Replace the default Windows Alt-Tab dialog on Windows Vista with a new screen that makes task management and focus switching easier
One of the most commonly performed operations in Windows is switching between opened applications. Thanks to the Alt-Tab key combination, it only takes a second to bring another window into the foreground. Aiming to enhance the task switching solutions Windows Vista brings, VistaSwitcher replaces the default Alt-Tab dialog with something that is functionally superior.
Larger preview area for all the running tasks
VistaSwitcher runs in the system tray and its window is only visible when ALT-Tab is pressed, but you can also reveal it using the tray menu.Its screen is split into two separate sections, one hosting the list of the running tasks, and the other displaying a preview of the Windows desktop and the selected task. The advantage of a larger preview area is that it makes it easier for you to identify the correct window, even if we are talking about multiple instances of the same application.
Works with multi-monitor workstations and allows you to set exclusions
The Preferences window provides various configuration possibilities. VistaSwitcher can be set to replace not just the ALT-Tab key combination, but also the right-click + mouse wheel.There are additional settings for multi-monitor systems. For instance, you can instruct VistaSwitcher to only show tasks from the active monitor. Moreover, it's possible to set the screen on which the task switcher will be displayed.One other feature worth noting is the exclusion list, which comprises processes that will be ignored when pressing ALT-Tab.
A task switching solution for Vista
VistaSwitcher makes it easier for you to locate windows and switch focus, even on multi-monitor systems. Moreover, it comes with basic task management capabilities for terminating a process.Please keep in mind that the application is dedicated to Windows Vista only, but it is also compatible with XP and 7. However, it is advisable that Windows XP users download TaskSwitchXP, while users of Windows 7 and later iterations can try out Alt-Tab Terminator, both created by the same developer.
Windows 7 64 bit / Windows 7 / Windows Vista 64 bit / Windows Vista / Windows XP 64 bit / Windows XP
VistaSwitcher runs on
Windows XP
and is available under the
Freeware
license
— the installer is 516 KB.
We’ve catalogued it under
System.
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