launches

Launching programs, running commands, and opening documents are a piece of cake thanks to this free launcher's easy to navigate user interface.

Our first impression of Advanced Run's intuitive interface was a good one. The design is very no-nonsense. All you have to do is either type the name of the program, folder, or file you want to launch, or you can select it from the extensive drop-down list. A browse option also is included. The program employs command shortcuts and templates for quickly launching frequently used programs and files. Once we entered our command and clicked the … Read more

Small and swift, Find and Run Robot makes searching files and launching programs go faster than a Black Friday deal. Also known as FARR, the program is great for those who love options. If you're the indecisive type, though, you may want to stay clear.

Running in your system tray, FARR is innocuous and uses little RAM. Hit the Pause/Break key to bring up the launching window; as you type, FARR narrows down your choices. In that sense, FARR functions like many other launchers. Search results are numbered and automatically sorted using built-in scoring systems unique to the … Read more

Find and Run Robot keeps your hands right where you want them, if you're a keyboard addict. This launcher seems to have been designed for people who want to keep their digits pounding the plastic, so every step of the program has been keyed for those with quick fingers.

Hit the Pause/Break key to bring up the launching window, and as you type FARR narrows down your choices. Search results are numbered and automatically sorted using built-in scoring systems unique to the program. If you want returned result number 9, for example, simply type ALT-9 and hit enter--there'… Read more

Small and swift, Find and Run Robot makes searching files and launching programs go faster than a Black Friday deal. Also known as FARR, the program is great for those who love options. If you're the indecisive type, you may want to stay clear.

Running in your system tray, FARR is innocuous and uses little RAM. Hit the Pause/Break key to bring up the launching window; as you type, FARR narrows down your choices. In that sense, FARR functions like many other launchers. Search results are numbered and automatically sorted using built-in scoring systems unique to the program. … Read more

Google has released SketchUp 7 (download), the latest free version of its 3D modeling software, along with its premium counterpart, SketchUp 7 Pro.

Like previous iterations of the software, SketchUp 7 will enable you to model just about anything you'd like as long as you start with a predesigned template. The new version, released Monday, offers simple templates that help you gauge size through feet or meters, but it also includes architectural design, Google Earth, and a product design template to aid you in your modeling endeavors.

Once you choose a template, you're brought to a relatively simple … Read more

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--The BlackBerry Storm got its chance to be a child star Wednesday as Research In Motion threw it a coming-out party at the legendary Avalon Hollywood club.

There was the full runway action, as paparazzi photographed celebrities going down the red carpet on their way into the club. As I arrived, a couple of cast members from the new 90210 show were making their way down the carpet. (Perhaps my favorite line of the evening was one of the show's cast members saying she hadn't actually seen the original show, but had "seen pictures" of the show's stars).

I hung out near the red carpet as long as I could, but was urged to move it along so John Mayer could get his turn in front of the cameras. (Mayer and Apple fans alike will note he has made more than his share of appearances onstage with Steve Jobs but now stumps for RIM).

Since I know, I'd get comments along the lines of "Pix or it didn't happen," I've included a number of shots I took with my own BlackBerry (a Curve, alas). The pictures that were taken with the Storm's 3.2 megapixel camera look a lot better than the ones I took with my Curve, but well, there you have it.

In the VIP section, while the celebrities largely drank and took in the Foo Fighters, there were a few geeks that also managed to score a coveted white wrist band (often friends of friends of friends of the VIPs). They could easily be spotted tapping away on one of the many demo Storm devices at the event. … Read more

You can say a video game has really made it to the next level of commercial appeal when it gets treated to a midnight launch event. Only a handful of games rise to that level, including Halo 3, Grand Theft Auto IV, and (more for being a cult favorite) Super Smash Brothers.

Somewhat surprisingly, Bethesda's Fallout 3 is the next game to get the midnight launch treatment--the game industry equivalent of a red carpet premiere. The game is buzz-heavy, to be sure, but lacks the clear mass-market appeal of Halo or GTA, and is the kind of talky, drawn-out, plot-driven role-playing game that usually appeals mostly to serious gamers, not the adrenaline-fueled, trigger-happy masses.

Best Buy stores will be opening at midnight on October 27 in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Chicago. The New York event is being held at the same midtown Best Buy that hosted last year's Halo 3 launch, which featured, massive TV coverage and a visit from a full squadron of costumed characters from the game.

Having spent the last week playing Fallout 3, we can safely say it's one of the year's best gaming experiences. Built around the same game engine as Bethesda's 2006 hit Oblivion, Fallout 3 keeps the same wide-open world and morally gray decision-making, but trades the swords and sorcery for guns and high-tech gadgets in a post-nuke Washington, D.C.

Still, the new game isn't as accessible as Oblivion, which had miles of lush forests to explore and cities full of friendly (and not-so-friendly) people to talk to. The storyline in Fallout 3 takes a few hours to really kick in, there are fewer people around, and the terrain is much sparser and more dangerous (expect to be reloading your game a lot). The drab palette and post-apocalyptic environment make for an experience that isn't exactly uplifting.

But don't let that scare you off. Investing some time into the game eventually opens it up (we're about 20 hours in so far), and there are few moments in gaming as satisfying as firing a shoulder-mounted nuke at a 20-foot mutant giant, right after using your chemically enhanced charisma to charm a much-needed MacGuffin out of a wasteland trader.

Check out the latest Fallout chat on the latest episode of the Digital City Podcast, and then peruse this list of some of the Best Buy Fallout 3 midnight launch locations: … Read more

Samsung has long sold laptops in Europe and Asia, but for years its reach in the U.S. mobile computing market has been limited to the Q1 UMPC, a niche product. That's all set to change after Tuesday, though, when the company announced that it would begin selling laptops in the United States.

Given the tight margins and fierce competition of the American laptop market, it's always a pleasant surprise--for consumers and reviewers, at least--whenever a new player enters the fray. And Samsung looks to be off to a solid, if conservative, start by launching seven laptops in … Read more

The 404 is proud to present our official podcast from the Tiburon Launch party. The event was held at the elegant 450 Club complete with hors d'oeuvres (vodka spritzer, anyone?), desserts, and of course, an open bar. After sitting down with a host of people and later sifting through a mountain of cuss words, deviant behavior, and otherwise inappropriate material, it's easy to see that people had a blast. The new CNET.com looks fantastic and we all worked hard to see it come to life, so a big thanks to everyone that came out, especially Jim Loughran … Read more