The more software we install on our system, the more likely our desktops get cluttered with program shortcuts, enabling us to quickly launch an application.

The Start Menu offers quick access to our installed applications, but often you need to search through deep sub-menus to find the desired application.

Apple's Mac OS X has a facility called 'Spotlight' that enables you to quickly locate files on your computer. Enter the name and the results are instantaneous. However, you can use this tool to find and launch installed applications.

RunIt is a tool that enables you to define keywords and then assign them to applications installed on your system.

For instance, you could assign the word 'Word' to Microsoft Word and simply enter 'word' and the application would launch. It's a small tool with a limited function-set, but definitely useful.