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.
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. 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. |
Product Specifications:
TrayIt!
Website: http://www.teamcti.com/
Download page: http://www.teamcti.com/trayit/trayit.htm
Author: Igor Nys
Version: 2.11.11 (Stable), 4.6.5.1 (Release Candidate)
Version date: 7/26/2007
Download File size: 35 kb
License: Freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 95-Vista
64 Bit version available: No, but this program will run with reduced functionality in a 64 bit environment
Portable version available: Program is portable
Additional Software Required: None
Non-English version available: Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Russian and Spanish
Other relevant information: None
PowerMenu
Website: http://www.veridicus.com/tummy/programming/powermenu/
Download page: http://www.veridicus.com/tummy/programming/powermenu/
Author: Thong Nguyen
Version: 1.5.1
Version date: 11/23/2002
Download file size: 109 kb
License: Freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 95-Vista
64 Bit version available: No
Portable version available: Yes - Available here
Additional Software Required: None
Non-English version available: None
Other relevant information: None
4T Tray Minimizer Free
Website: http://www.4t-niagara.com/
Download page: http://www.4t-niagara.com/tray.html
Author: 4T Niagra Software
Current version: 4.40
Version date: 3/24/2007
Download File size: 801 kb
License: Free for Personal Use
Operating systems supported: Windows 95-Vista
Additional software required: None
64 Bit version available: No
Portable version available: No
Additional Software Required: None
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None