startup

This free program scans start-up applications to differentiate the necessary programs from any potential spyware threats. We found its user interface awkward to read and its results mostly inconclusive.

Startup Inspector for Windows features cartoonish icons, and the overuse of colors makes it hard on the eyes. The interface can be resized to full screen, and you can resize the information columns, but we still had problems with the Comments section getting cut off. A tree menu gives you the option of displaying all of your start-up programs or drilling down to only reveal specific Registry folders. The few command … Read more

This program lets you manage all of your start-up programs, ranging from applications to toolbars. While it performed as promised, we just couldn't get past its cluttered user interface.

Startup Guru uses tabs in an attempt to organize various start-up categories. But the stacked tabs, check boxes, and command buttons are all squeezed into a tiny window. Luckily, we were able to remove the tips window and free up a little space. The window can be maximized, but despite the window size, the layout is still squeezed into a tiny corner. Still, we were able to disable specific start-up … Read more

One of the greatest stumbling blocks that a start-up Web service company has to get over is customers' fear that the company will die and take their data with it. Manufacturers of traditional software can go belly-up without it immediately affecting a product's utility. And if General Motors went out of business tomorrow (I know, shocking), its cars would still be drivable. But Web services are different. When your cloud app goes under for the last time, it sinks customers, too.

In the best of the bad cases, when a Web service goes offline, the company in question is … Read more

Credit: next09

I just came back from the next09 conference in Hamburg, one of Europe's leading digital/creative/marketing forums that stands out in the conference circuit because of its unique German-international focus (bilingual program, 80 percent international attendees, many international speakers). This year's theme was "Share Economy," and the 1,300 attendees comprised of European VCs and angel investors, Web 2.0 entrepreneurs, media, creative agencies, and executives from German corporations (from BMW to Deutsche Bank to Deutsche Telekom).

In talking to many German attendees, my impression was that the German creative community shows no … Read more

ActiveStartup Deluxe is an innovative way for users to manage Windows' startup menu. With a basic set of functions, the program aims to make this process easier, but its lack of direction may sink its good intentions.

This program has a simple interface that offers users a great deal of control. An expandable file tree on the left-hand side outlines what is being run by the startup menu, where it is stored, and other important information. The right side is dominated by the file list, giving a deeper view into the programs operating. A simple string of buttons along the … Read more

Your PC's performance tends to slow down thanks to programs that insist on running during start-up. Arrange Startup gives you control over those programs so that you can pick and choose the programs you want to run, so you can speed up your performance.

The user interface is bright and colorful, but also very easy to navigate. Action options are housed on the left side of the interface. From there, you can opt to open folders, launch software, delete programs from start-up, and add and undo programs. Our start-up program immediately appeared as soon as we launched the program. … Read more

What's something we often use for security in the real world but not online? PIN codes. We use them at stores, banks, and ATMs, so why not use them online? For one, a QWERTY keyboard lets you create a much stronger, and often easier-to-remember password than you could with numerical digits. But PINs are still a password and can be just as good with the right precautions.

Some companies are using PIN codes to add an extra layer of security on top of what sites already offers. Here are four companies at the FinovateStartup conference doing just that.

Aradiom's SolidPass … Read more

SAN FRANCISCO--At the FinovateStartup conference, one thing is clear: a lackluster economy can be the best time for financial start-ups to get new users.

Apps that help people track and manage funds outside of their bank or investment service's site are in high demand, and many of the services presenting at the conference are trying to get those financial companies on board.

Why? Because those companies are still the gate keepers of trust. People are more willing to hand over their account credentials and detailed personal information to larger institutions over some hot, new Silicon Valley start-up. That, and … Read more

Startup Delayer helps users avoid a slow system start by giving them control over programs that automatically load when Windows boots up.

This program provides a simple interface to work with. The screen is dominated by the list of programs your computer opens when starting Windows. Above this list is a short row of icons that allow you to add and remove programs and organize the time they are opened.

Adding a program is as simple as locating it in the file tree and then assigning it a specific time to open after Windows has begun. From there it is … Read more