Rss Directory > Computer > Software > Vista Start Menu
News about new versions of Vista Start Menu
 
  Thu, 08 Dec 2005 15:52:36 +0100
  Mon, 16 Jan 2006 19:53:20 +0100

Hi,

Dear users, I am glad to present you the new version of the program
Vista Start Menu 1.4. I will not deny that the previous versions had a
lot of bugs. The thing is that it is really difficult to take into
account the existing variety of systems and their variants, but thanks
to your help, we have managed to  fix most bugs and the current
version runs perfectly. We have also added a lot of useful features.

http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe
1,34 MB

Besides the free version, we also offer the extended version with
additional features.
For example, the feature of highlighting recently installed programs
will help you quickly find a new program. Moreover, highlighting is
much smarter than that implemented in the system and gets lighter
each day after the installation. Thus, a new program will not differ
from other programs in 10 days.
The quick uninstall feature will allow you to uninstall programs with
a right click on any icon on the quick launch bar, on the desktop or
in the menu.

We are planning to add a lot of useful features that will be available
only in the commercial version.
At the same time, buy the program just once and get lifelong free
updates. You can buy the interface of
the future already today using this link. –
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/registration.html?new

I will be glad to here any suggestions or comments from you.
 
Changes:
[+] Dragging the window by its title bar and saving its position
[+] Supporting a large number of icons for which there is no place on
the screen
[+] Opening the menu using a hotkey
[+] Controlling integration with the standard menu
[+] The menu gets opened when the program is started once again. Thus,
you can place its icon on the
quick launch bar and open the menu by clicking it. 

[-] Integration with the color scheme and theme is improved.
[-] Sorting alphabetically when the program is started for the first
time
[-] The system font size is taken into account
[-] Fixed some small bugs

  Tue, 01 Aug 2006 21:24:30 +0200
Dear user of Vista Start Menu, I would like to suggest that you take a look at the new alpha version of the program. As you know, I have been working on it for half a year and I have completely revised its interface.

Usually, I do not like to show programs that are not completely finished. But there are two things that require your participation :)

1. You would probably like to make some comments when the program is still under development.
2. The Apple company promise to release a new version of their "Leopard" system in August. Since this software is kept secret, I do not know details about how the Start menu will be organized in the new system.
It sometimes happens that people think in the same way so there is a small possibility that my ideas may coincide with those of Apple developers. That is why I am announcing my product a bit earlier for you to see that my software was developed independently and does not copy other people's ideas.
http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1838

Here you can view the screenshots of the program-
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistStartMenuSEalfa1.jpg
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistStartMenuSEalfa2.jpg

Here is the list of main differences from the Start menu in Windows XP, Vista:

  • Magnifying the menu: It is useful both for people with poor eyesight and for those who work with the monitor that has high resolution. This feature is implemented, but it is unavailable in the alpha version;
  • Resizing the window of the Start menu: Right, I'm also tired of this small window that does not have enough space for anything. Microsoft made the interface even worse in Windows Vista and now you see the list of programs in a small window;
  • The power management buttons are located on one panel: Just see how you switch off your PC now and everything will be clear;
  • Keyboard support: As you know, advanced users work with the keyboard faster than with the mouse. There are several ways to speed up the work in the program;
  • The unique technology of accessing programs is used: The list of programs is divided into groups of 9. To access one of your programs, you press the letter of its group and then the number of the program in the group. Thus, to start a program, you just press "Start", "Letter", "Number", "Enter". For example: Win-D-4-Enter;
  • Searching for a program or a document by its name in the list: You just type the name and you get the list of programs that contain the typed text. This feature is planned, but it is not implemented in the alpha version;
  • Supporting tabs in the list: You can switch between them using either your mouse or the keyboard (~);
  • Starting a search on the Internet or on the computer right from the Start menu:
  • Skin support: Skins are supported, but unfortunately, I have not worked on the design yet so the interface does not look as nice as I would like it to look. I hope for your understanding in this. :)
  • The same as in the previous version, Vista Start Menu remembers the positions of programs and supports special adapted display (when you can start programs from the main menu while submenus contain additional files).

These are the main advantages of the program, but there is more to it. I hope you will notice them while working with the program.

Here you can download the alpha version of the program:
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenuSetupSE_Alfa.exe
~500KB

Please note: in this version was turned off ability to run programs, this only interface demo.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this version is not for everyday work, but only for demonstrating the interface, even though it is quite stable and will not do anything wrong to your PC.

I will be glad to hear any feedback from you, even if it will be just a couple of lines telling me whether I'm on the right way. :)

01 august 2006
Dennis Nazarenko

  Sun, 01 Oct 2006 15:49:21 +0200

Hi,

Dear user of Vista Start Menu, I would like to suggest that you take a look at the new beta version of the program.

Screenshot -
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaSE.png
~100 KB

Download
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenuSetupSE_Beta.exe
1.6 MB

I will be glad to hear any feedback from you, even if it will be just a couple of lines telling me whether I'm on the right way. :)

If you are not registered user I recommend you buy it now, while prices is low.

P.S. I'm going on a ISDEF conference on the 2nd of October, but I will be glad to reply to all your messages when I come back(after 8 October).


--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko
http://www.ordinarysoft.com

  Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:07:19 +0100

Dear users,

The release candidate of the new version of Vista Start Menu 2.0 is available now. In other words, it is a fully functional version and it will become the final release if you do not detect any bugs in it. Also, this version has no features available in the PRO version so far. They are not implemented yet, but I will implement them as soon as possible.

http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe
835 KB

I will be glad to hear your comments and suggestions.

--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko
http://www.ordinarysoft.com

 

  Sun, 26 Nov 2006 20:07:10 +0100

Dear users,

I am glad to inform you that the new version of Vista Start Menu 2.02 has been released! It is quite different from previous versions 1.X

I would like to thank all users who bought previous versions 1.XX. I know they were not convenient, but your support allowed me to develop the new version of the program that is much better! Thank you! 

Screenshot-
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaSE.png
100 KB

Now the site of the program is being updated so I suggest that you try the free version and learn about its advantages over the standard menu

http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe
Download (953 KB)

Attention! Registered users, please update to 2.02 version, I fix
several bugs and add integration in Windows 2000, Vista

The same as before, the program has a free version and a commercial version. The commercial version allows you to:
1.      Start programs with one click
2.      Customize the content of menus and tabs
3.      Use the "Quick Uninstall" feature

Also, now the users of the commercial version of Tidy Start Menu can quickly export categories into Vista Start Menu (free and commercial).

If you purchased Vista Start Menu before, you should have already received a message with the new registration information. If you have not received it, contact us. 

Note that there are changes in the licensing policy. After we update information on our site, the price of the program will change and updates will be free only for minor version 2.XX.
Users that are already registered will continue to get all updates free of charge.

If you like the program, do not hesitate to tell your friends and colleagues about it. The more people use Vista Start Menu, the more intensively it will be developed. 

Thank you!


--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko
http://www.ordinarysoft.com

  Sat, 30 Dec 2006 18:13:47 +0100

Hi,

OrdinarySoft is happy to give you a unique free gift, please visit this link –
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/gift.php?from=OrdinarySoft

You will find Vista Start Menu PRO 2.1 if you follow this link. The program replaces the Start menu in the systems Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and is completely different from the menu in the Windows Vista system. Only the names coincide.

This new version of the program has the following modifications:

1. The performance rate has considerably increased due to splitting into threads

2. The program has a new icon

3. Sorting is now available (leave in places, sort by name, sort by name and type). To access these features, you should right-click the folder you want to sort.

4. Now you can specify the main program in each folder manually and use the entire power of the «single-click launch» feature. Click the Customize button in the settings, select the «Single-click launch» section and enable the option.  If the program fails to detect the main program in some folder, just open the folder. Then right-click the program frequently launched in this folder and select «Main in folder»

5. Update check feature. Now you can learn about the releases of new
version by just clicking the logo of Vista Start Menu.

Enjoy!

  Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:09:44 +0100

Dear users of Vista Start Menu!

I am glad to inform you that the new version of the program is released.
There are no major innovations in the new version, but I have paid attention to small things. Now Vista Start Menu is not just a demonstration of an idea, but a full-featured program with every detail taken into account.


I would like to thank all users who sent their feedback and comments about the program - it is your messages that helped me find out the weak side of the program.
 Special thanks to Michael Plant for help in improving the program and to Steve Bass who was the first to tell the world about the program. Without you, guys, the program would not be so cool %)

To get the new version, click the "Check for Updates" button in the program or use this links -
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe


Improvements in the new version:
+ Now it is possible to launch all items in the main menu.
+ The program automatically detects the menu type (Classic or XP) and imports the list of these programs; it also adds the help shortcut to the main list.
+ The program automatically detects the size of items in the Main Menu and makes them smaller if necessary.
+ A convenient method of moving shortcuts and files has been added: Copy the necessary shortcut using the right mouse button, then right-click the target location and select "Paste to this place".
+ The menu for selecting languages and other options is now available not only in the tray (next to the clock), but also in the main window. To access it, you should click the button with an arrow on it located under the label "Get PRO version" or "Contact support".
+ It is possible to hide the tray icon (next to the clock). You can access this option using the menu mentioned above.
+ Now you can edit the username and the picture - to do it, right click the username.
+ Key combinations for zooming have been changed (Ctrl+'+' – zoom in, Ctrl + '-' – zoom out, Ctrl+'*' – default zoom)
+ If the command line is empty, a click on the "Run" button will open the standard system window for running programs. Though in most cases it is enough to type the command right in the command line.
+ Now it is possible to rename files.
+ Opening file properties using a "appliction key" on the keyboard.
 

Fixed bugs:
- Opening the PC search assistant has been fixed.
- The bug of integration with Tidy Start Menu PRO has been fixed, now users of Tidy Start Menu PRO do not have to create a new category for integration.
- The window went beyond the borders of the screen when zoomed in and also when the taskbar autohide feature was enabled.
- When new disks and flash cards were connected, they did not appear in the list.
- Starting items from the main menu using the keyboard.
- Disabling the "one-click launch" feature for a folder (available in the PRO version).

And other minor fixes and improvements.

  Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:02:52 +0200

Dear Users Vista Start Menu,

I am happy to announce the release of the new and updated version of Vista Start Menu.
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe
1.06 MB

Vista Start Menu now supports 64-bit versions of Windows, and enhances oprtation on multi-monitor systems and rotated monitors.

With this new version of  Vista Start Menu, you can place your Start menu anywhere on the screen. For example, placing your Start menu onto a TV screen will enable you to access your Start menu items directly from a coach.

This new version fixes several issues reported by our valued customers.

Registered users are eligible for a discount when they order additional licenses to cover their other PCs.

--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko

  Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:01:09 +0200

Hi,

On August 25th, the new 2.4 version of Vista Start Menu has been
released. In this version, we have fixed several bugs and improved
some features.

To download the new version and get a list of updates, please, click
the logo in the program or right-click the icon in the tray and choose
"Check Updates" 

Also, we have updated the design of our website.

I also would like to invite you to participate in beta-testing of the
new 2.5 version of the program. In this version there has been added
an option to search programs and documents by name. Simply enter the
name of the program and get the list. For launching it is enough to
mouse-click or use the up/down arrows on the keyboard to choose what
you need and press Enter key for launching.

Download 2.5 BETA version -
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_2_5_beta_freeware_en.exe

At this moment you can search in the following folders:
Start Menu
My Documents
Favorites
Windows
Windows\system32

We have strived to make the search sufficiently reliable and
convenient.  Therefore, if you experience even a slightest
inconvenience, or if you have any suggestions, please, contact us. It
is important to us to know your opinion.

Our colleagues, the developers of the program www.backup-expert.com offer
all Vista Start Menu users a special discount -
https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=1705842&couponCode=vsm1
Therefore if you do not yet have an automated utility for creating
backups, make use of this opportunity.
Myself, I use this program for backup storage of documents and
programs.  For reliable storage I recommend you to install an
additional hard disk to do the backup, and once a month also do a DVD
record.  

I am looking forward to receiving your letters!


--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko
http://www.ordinarysoft.com

  Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:18:04 +0100

Hi,

Dear Vista Start Menu users, I'm glad to announce the release of
version 2.6. The new version features Instant Search by the name of
the program entered in the command line.

To download the new version, please, click the link below:
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe

The new Instant Search works under any modern Windows operating
system. Moreover, if you are Windows Vista user, besides searching by
name, our program finds files indexed by built-in Vista system index
and thus gives you even more features than standard Start menu does.

I will be glad to hear your suggestions for this version.

Also I fixed the bug of incorrect call of Start menu under Windows Vista.

At the moment we finish working over adding skins to the menu.

Click the link below to order PRO version now -
https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=1656058

--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko

  Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:36:31 +0100

Hi,

New 2.65 version available. Please click Vista Start Menu logo or update button to download update.

Improvements in 2.65 version:
[+] Added Google Desktop engine support.
[+] Added sign of installation files.
[+] Improved language auto-detect.
[+] Improved CPU usage during file indexing.


Fixed bugs:
[-] Removed "My Documents" folder from list of indexing folders. Don't
worry if you use Vista Search engine it still available. Under XP you
may setup WDS 3.01 from Microsoft or Google Desktop.
[-] Fixed bug with two search windows.

  Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:40:28 +0100

Hi,

New 2.7 version available. Please click Vista Start Menu logo or update button to download update.

Improvements in 2.7 version:
[+] We change scroll control to normal scrollbar.
[+] Added "association's". This feature will help you suggest necessary program by typing name. All suggestions started from "Try" word.


Fixed bugs:
[-] Bug of integration the Google Desktop under Windows Vista.
[-] Now VSM rebuild search index for start menu immediately after you made changes in start menu.


 

 

  Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:02:03 +0200

German letter -
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/de/VistaStartMenu2_82.html

French letter -
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/fr/VistaStartMenu2_82.html

Dear Vista Start Menu users, I am glad to present new version 2.82 on
which our team have been working for the last 4 months.

Download the free version –
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe

Download the commercial version –
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_Pro_en.exe

Registered users can use this link to recollect their code –
https://secure.plimus.com/find_shopper_order.jsp

We have introduced a lot of various modifications and improvements,
but the most important one is support for skins. Now three skins are
included in the installation file of the program. One of them reminds
the skin from the previous versions of Vista Start Menu. The other two
are used to make the menu look the way your operating system looks.
That is why these skins use the same colors and the same themes that
your system uses. We plan to enlarge the number of skins in the next
versions.      

Due to a lot of complaints about power buttons, they have been hidden
and are now shown only with the help of the "Power Controll" button.
I apologize to all users who will find it inconvenient. In the next
version we will make it possible to configure it more flexibly and to
add the power buttons to the main menu.

Now even those who use the free version will be able to edit the
contents of the main menu using the "+" and "-" buttons located above
it. Besides, above the menu there is a button that allows you to
quickly access all standard locations on the computer. For example,
you need the Windows help, but you rarely use it and there is no point
in adding it to the main menu and then removing it from it. Just use
the "Run" button and get quick access to all standard commands or
folders.      

We have added a convenient timer to the power panel. It will allow you
to delay switching the computer off or restarting it.

In this version, we have made first moves towards supporting the
unique "mirror reflection" feature in the program. Thus, working with
the program will become much more comfortable for users who like to
place the Start button at the top or on the right. We will improve
this feature even further in the next version.   

I hope that you will like the new version. Thank you very much for
your comments and bug reports that have helped us make this program
better. Thank you for your messages of appreciation, it is a real
pleasure for us to read them!

--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko
http://www.ordinarysoft.com

  Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:00:58 +0200

Hello,

Schreiben in Deutsch
http://www.VistaStartMenu.com/de/VistaStartMenu2_92.html

Lettre Francaise sur
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/fr/VistaStartMenu2_92.html

I'm excited to announce that Vista Start Menu version 2.92 has been
released!

http://www.vistastartmenu.com/VistaStartMenu_Setup_freeware_en.exe

In the new version, the Power Management buttons are customizable by
simply right-clicking on the lower panel and selecting the power
buttons which you want to appear in the context menu. You can also
disable all buttons and access the Power Management panel by
double-clicking on the lower panel.

To streamline your configuration of the program, I decided to omit the
option to place the power buttons at the top, and the
Start/Search/Internet buttons have been relocated to the main menu.
This provides more space for the lower panel and now enables you to
place the power buttons closer to the Start button.

You can also use Keyboard Shortcuts in the new version. To view the
"hints" for this feature, just press the "Start" key on your keyboard.
You can even customize these shortcuts in the Wizard under "Options" -
"Wizard" - "Shortcuts".

All in all, I aimed to make it possible for you to easily access any
area on your computer in just one or two clicks while keeping the
program as customizable as it was before.

Through future versions 3.xx, I will continue to provide further
refinements while preserving the ease of use and powerful features
built into the original program.

Please note that you will need to provide additional payment in order
to maintain your subscription to updates for versions 3.xx. However,
currently registered users will be offered a discount, and those who
purchased the program within three months prior to the release of
version 3.x will receive free updates for this version.

Thank you for your continued support and for using Vista Start Menu!

--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko

  Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:25:37 +0200

Hi,

Schreiben in Deutsch
http://www.VistaStartMenu.com/de/VistaStartMenu3_0.html

Lettre Francaise sur
http://www.VistaStartMenu.com/fr/VistaStartMenu3_0.html


I'm delighted to present to you Vista Start Menu 3.0!

Before describing the new features, I'd first like to provide a very
brief outline of the software's development:
Version 1:
http://www.VistaStartMenu.com/images/bigscreen1_0.gif
Released in 2005 based on an interface sketch.
http://www.VistaStartMenu.com/images/Prototype2x.gif
Version 2:
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/press/bigscreen.png
Redesigned interface.
http://www.VistaStartMenu.com/images/VSM3.png

In version 3.0:
1. It is now possible to drag and drop items from the main menu and
search results.
2. Items in the main menu and search results now include a context menu.
3. The ability to customize the search engines being used has been added.
4. You can now add a delimiter to the main menu.
5. Various minor bugs have been fixed.

Thanks very much to all of you who purchased the previous versions of
the program. It is because of your support that Vista Start Menu
continues to be further developed. And to give you a sneak preview, we
plan the following improvements:

1. The ability to drag and drop tabs on the fly.
2. Virtual categories for easier program searches.
3. Options to choose different interfaces (e.g., a slim menu as in Windows Classic).
4. and a lot of other improvements.

Get it now -
https://www.plimus.com/jsp/buynow.jsp?contractId=1656058

Once again, thank you very much for supporting the development of
Vista Start Menu!


--
Best regards, Dennis Nazarenko
http://www.ordinarysoft.com