|
Introduction
|
| It seems today that more people than ever are taking advantage of the multitasking features of today PC's, but with the PC's ability to handle more and more programs running simultaneously, managing all of those open programs can be confusing. Enter the application minimizer. Each of the minimizer programs listed here allow you to send programs to the system tray instead of the task bar, making it easier to manage all your running programs. |
|
Discussion
|
|
 TrayIt! impressed me with its combination of simplicity and effectiveness. First, it requires no installation; just double click the program file and it's up and running. Second, it can minimize open windows to the tray either temporarily or permanently with just one click. Third, it handles "difficult" windows such as skins, with ease. Fourth, it works with all versions of Windows (95 through Vista). Fifth, it's a tiny 35KB! Finally, it's free. It is quite a little gem. |
|
 A good alternative is PowerMenu. It works slightly different because it gives the option to minimize to system tray on a context menu rather than by using the Ctrl key. It also has additional options to keep the window always on top and also set priority and transparency. Like Trayit!, it doesn't need to be installed, making it extrememly portable. Note that PowerMenu hasn't been updated for some time and has some features that only work for Windows NT and later.
|
|
 Of the programs reviewed here, 4T Tray Free is the only one that allows you to minimize programs to the system tray multiple ways: Either by using keyboard shortcuts or by clicking on additional buttons on the applications title bar. This feature alone will make it an attractive option for some people. It is highly configurable, easy to use and very intuitive.
|
|
|
Related Products and Links
|
|
|
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Joe Bennett. Registered site visitors can contact Joe by clicking here.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Subscribe to our 
Go straight to the Quick Selection Guide
4.6.5 
Unrestricted Freeware 
Windows 95 - Vista
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Is there an application that allows you to assign tray icons to invisible processes?
Good question. I'm not aware of anything like that available, but I will check around.
You can always try Minimizer-XP
Its free, easy and takes up little memory
http://www.softpedia.com/screenshots/Minimizer-XP_1.png
the above link shows the program settings
all you have to do after downloading the file (exe) scanned see results below
http://www.virustotal.com/analisis/04aa694b243c394601df60038cc667d3
i would recommend this product all you have to do is click a little button at the top to the left of minimize and then to restore click it in the tray.
Download here http://www.download.com/Minimizer-XP/3000-2086_4-10401384.html
Dexpot is a goot tray minimizer too... It has ontop and transp. and its also multi-desktop program... good tool
I have been using 4T Tray Min for about a year now. It works perfectly except it gets errors on x64 machines I have as it is not technically a 64-bit application. I believe it is the only that allows you hide it from the system tray as well.
the errors...it just comes up and displays an error and you can say OK or CLOSE, etc, and it runs normally...it doesnt lock up or close the app, your fine using it on x64 systems though...
A portable alternative without any whistles and bells but with a very small footprint is RBTray.
You might prefer a slightly modified version that fixes a bug with the latest official version
(Review @ freewaregenius.com)
TrayEverything is also a nice alternative. And it is portable.
The Wonderful Icon: http://www.thewonderfulicon.com - It's also a nice choice, I have used it for years now. It uses very little memory also.
I notice that the developer's website of TrayIt! is still there. check it out here http://www.teamcti.com/trayit/trayit.htm
One of the advantages of TrayIt! is that it can pre-set an application to minimize upon running.
XNeat Windows Manager can minimize an application only after its window is opened, but it has more other functions such as make a window on top, etc. Very helpful when you're running a small application such as calculator or notepad and you want it to stay on while other windows are opened. Website:- http://www.xneat.com/windows-manager/index.htm
I use TrayIt! to pre-set a window to minimize, and use XNeat to send a window to tray or keep it on top after it is opened. Both work very well for me.
Thanks for the information on TrayIt!. I've updated the review.
XNeat Windows Manager is a much better candidate. On top of minimizing to tray, it has more functions.
Right click at a window title, I've a convenient choice of the following:
1. Send to tray
2. Make on top
3. Hide Windows
4. Set transparency
http://bestfreeware.blog.com/3216322/
Hi
I tried that a while back but found it incredibly confusing and it didn't even seem to work.
It works for me. OS requirement: Windows XP or Vista 32 bits.
XP (or Vista) users who keep a reasonably clean desktop but don't enjoy squinting at system tray or taskbar clutter might like miniMIZE. This little programme simply lines up minimized windows on the desktop as thumbnails (with adjustable transparency), which you can then move around as you please. Resource light, but XP (and Vista it seems) only:
http://aquaria.za.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=133
Perhaps also worth mentioning that miniMIZE's configuration options allow exclusions.
Post new comment