One of the reasons I started this blog was to tell you about the handy computer programs that I find or use on a regular basis. One such program is SlickRun (freeware from Bayden Systems). From the company's web site:

SlickRun is a free floating command line utility for Windows. SlickRun gives you almost instant access to any program or website. SlickRun allows you to create command aliases (known as MagicWords), so C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe becomes MAIL.

Enter a web URL into SlickRun and it will launch your browser and navigate to the specified address. Run multiple programs in a few keystrokes, jot a note, look up a definition... SlickRun is the most natural way to interact with your computer.

Once you setup SlickRun you just type your MagicWord into the box that you leave anywhere on your screen and viola, the program, folder or web site you want is loaded without having to go and find it in the start menu.

According to the program, I have used it 2028 times in the last six months to launch programs/folders/web pages.

I use SlickRun to quickly do the following:

• Launch Outlook
• Open Google Maps
• Open FireFox
• Lock my computer - very handy
• Open Itunes
• Open My Docs
• Open folders I have for work
• Launch Remote Desktops for work