Utilities

Omniquad's Active Interface is a user-friendly desktop manager that adjusts Windows according to how you use your computer and software programs. The program is ideal for the busy legal professional who needs help tweaking the Windows environment. The program will help you set up shortcuts for applications and documents, automate common tasks, speed up access to applications and documents, and adjust your personal preferences.

After I loaded the program, Active Interface scanned my computer and automatically recognized the most commonly used applications and documents. First, it created desktop shortcuts. It then offered the option to place the shortcuts on the toolbar, desktop or the Start Menu. Obsolete shortcuts could automatically be deleted upon startup or when they weren't accessed for a specified period of time.

The Active Corners feature offers fast access to the most commonly used features of your system, everything from applications and documents to e-mail addresses and Web sites. Move the cursor to a corner and press a control key to launch a feature. I found the Active Corners to be a little tricky, and they didn't always activate. Also, it was difficult to remember which corner and control key activated certain features.

Active Interface also offers an op-tions page. Here, Theme Mania produces ever changing snazzy desktop themes, a Start Menu Cleaner deletes shortcuts, and you can set the program to save and restore clipboard text.

There is a slight learning curve with Active Interface, which took me about an hour to overcome.

The program definitely improved my productivity and saved time. Plus, I learned more about Windows, which gave me a boost of computer know-how confidence. Overall, a good deal.

Windows 95, 98, NT

$19.95

Reviewed by Melynda Hill-Teter, contract litigation paralegal, Mesa, Ariz.

Jun/Jul '99 Issue

PROS
Educational; will increase productivity.

CONS
Slight learning curve.

VERDICT
A fun program.

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Updated 09/19/01
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