Actual Window Manager

Actual Window Manager: A Power User's Window Management Toolkit

Actual Window Manager presents itself as a comprehensive solution for users looking to gain more control and efficiency in their Windows desktop environment. At its core, it's a sophisticated window management utility that significantly enhances the default capabilities of the operating system. The software is particularly appealing to individuals who work with multiple monitors or frequently juggle numerous applications simultaneously.

One of the most immediately noticeable features is the addition of extra buttons to the standard window title bars. These buttons, including actions like 'Minimize to Tray', 'Stay on Top', and 'Move to Monitor', provide quick and easy access to frequently used window operations. This might seem like a minor addition, but the cumulative time saved by not having to right-click the taskbar or navigate through menus is substantial over a workday.

For users with multi-monitor setups, Actual Window Manager is a game-changer. The software provides granular control over how windows behave across displays. You can effortlessly move windows between monitors with a single click or keystroke, span windows across multiple screens, and configure applications to open on specific monitors with predefined sizes and positions. This level of flexibility is far superior to the basic multi-monitor support offered by default Windows.

The automation features within Actual Window Manager are another key strength. The rule-based system allows you to define how specific applications behave when launched. For example, you could set a rule for your email client to always open minimized to the tray on your secondary monitor, while ensuring your primary work application always opens maximized on your main display. This proactive approach to window management can dramatically streamline your workflow and reduce the need for repetitive manual adjustments.

Customization is a significant focus of Actual Window Manager. Nearly every feature can be accessed and controlled via customizable keyboard shortcuts. This caters to power users who prefer a keyboard-centric workflow and want to manage their windows with speed and precision. The ability to tailor these shortcuts to your own preferences further enhances the user experience.

Beyond the core window management features, Actual Window Manager also includes helpful utilities like program launchers, which allow you to launch applications with specific window settings already applied. This can be useful for creating customized workspaces for different tasks.

While the software is primarily focused on window management, it does include some tangential features like file searching and renaming, and extensions for Windows Explorer. While these aren't the primary selling points, their inclusion contributes to the overall utility of the package, consolidating several helpful tools into one application.

The interface of Actual Window Manager is functional, though it might appear a bit dated compared to more modern software designs. However, the focus is clearly on providing powerful features and extensive configuration options, which it delivers effectively through its settings menus.

In terms of performance, Actual Window Manager generally runs smoothly without noticeably impacting system resources. Its integration with the Windows environment is stable and reliable.

Overall, Actual Window Manager is a robust and highly configurable window management utility that is particularly beneficial for users with multi-monitor setups or those who desire a greater level of control over their desktop environment. Its comprehensive feature set, combined with powerful automation and customization options, makes it a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and optimizing workflow. While the interface could benefit from a modern refresh, the core functionality is strong and delivers on its promises.