http://www.conceptworld.com/RecentX/default.asp
Reviewed August 2008

What’s It Do?

RecentX provides a rapid way to access recent documents, folders, files, programs, Web sites, and bookmarks/favorites.


Does it do what it promises?

Reviewer 1. By and large, yes. RecentX claims to offer a one-click, super-fast way to access a user's frequently-used files, folders, programs, and Web sites, even files and folders buried deep within Windows Explorer's folder structure and programs scattered all over the computer. With few exceptions, it lives up to its claim.

Reviewer 2. Yes, it appears to do exactly what it says it will do. It keeps track of files, folders, programs and Web sites that you have recently accessed. Using a minimal interface, Recent X then allows a number of file operations with the resulting list. Using a tiny docked toolbar that is movable and has adjustable transparency as well as “Auto-hide”, one can select the type of item desired and pop up the list.

Reviewer 3: Yes. Recent X is a unique program that remembers all recent documents, folders, applications, and Web sites automatically without the need for any initial configuration or scanning. It allows instant access to these items as well as the ability to bypass the start menu altogether in launching favorite applications, and it does so in a single interface accessible from a small sidebar that sits in the corner of the screen. I found the program’s Web site to be refreshingly professional, if a bit cluttered, with no exaggerated claims or hyperbole; however, I would like to see the Web site make available additional documentation as to EULA and a change log.

Reviewer 4: Yes. RecentX is based on the simple assumption that the files which one is most likely to use or care about are the ones that have most recently been accessed. It provides a no-maintenance, simple interface to find and use recently opened files, folders, Web sites, and programs.

Reviewer 5: Yes. I have had RecentX in continuous use since I installed it several months ago. RecentX provides four main categories: Files, Folders, Programs and Web sites. These can be reached with a hot key, or by clicking on the appropriate icon in a desktop sidebar. I work with a large number of clients, each one with his or her own set of folders. RecentX has made access to them and to the files inside those folders much simpler and faster than any of the previous methods I used previously. Without RecentX I have to access folders through a desktop full of shortcuts and “drill down” through sets of sub-folders to reach the one I actually needed to use. RecentX usually allows me to get quickly to the file or folder I need at that moment. As a result, I have been able to unclutter my desktop.

Was it easy to install?

Reviewer 1. Yes, it was very simple to install. At first, I was somewhat bothered by the fact that RecentX installed on my desktop four separate but joined icons, called a "Sidebar." It is through the Sidebar that one uses RecentX. Unfortunately, the Sidebar seemed to get in the way of whatever I was trying to see on the screen. Thanks to the program's Help file, however, I learned about an Auto Hide feature that makes the icons disappear almost completely: they can still be accessed but no longer get in the way. That solved the problem.

Reviewer 2: Yes, it was very quick. I downloaded, installed and registered it in under five minutes.

Reviewer 3: Yes, it is a 2.46MB download, small enough for even someone with a slower connection to easily download. The program installs quickly and easily, using the standard Installation Wizard. It seems to integrate seamlessly with Windows. Registration was also simple; although, it did not prompt me to register as many programs do but required me to click on an icon on the GUI to do so. Additionally, the program uninstalls cleanly and thoroughly leaving only a remarkably few empty Registry entries, the mark of a well- written program and something that anyone who has nightmares trying to remove a program will appreciate.

Reviewer 4: Installation was quick and easy. When RecentX first runs, it automatically analyzes one’s system and displays the lists of most recently opened items.

Reviewer 5. Yes, it is a standard Windows install, and took less than a minute. It will also install two programs in the start-up menu. I was warned of this by Win Patrol, but I would rather the program prompt for permission as to the items to be added to the start-up process. On initial start-up, the program does a quick review of most recently-accessed documents, folders, programs and Web sites. The EULA permits use on a single computer or workstation. Registration after the trial period is a simple copy-and-paste operation.


Good points

Reviewer 1. RecentX makes it very easy to access frequently-used computer files, folders, programs, and Web sites. To find a recently-used file, for example, I don't have to remember and locate the folder in which the file is stored, then open the folder, and then open the file. Instead, I simply click on the Files section of the RecentX Sidebar that sits unobtrusively on the desktop. RecentX presents a list of all files made or accessed within a length of time that I specify, from one week to six months. Opening a recently-used program is just as simple. Instead of having to open Windows Explorer and drill down in its often cumbersome listing of programs, I just click on the Program section of the RecentX Sidebar. RecentX presents a list of all programs used within the specified timeframe. I simply click on the listed program to open it. If I don't immediately see the item I'm looking for, I can search by typing all or part of its name. For search terms I use frequently, I can set up Favorite Keywords in a panel on the right side of the interface. For example, to search for Microsoft Word or Adobe .pdf documents, I created a keyword that would find all documents with a .doc or .pdf extension. To do a search for such documents, I simply click on the keyword rather than having to type the search terms each time.

RecentX also makes it easy to copy files to another folder. I simply right-click on the file I wish to copy, select "Copy," and then click on the Folder icon to find the target folder and right-click on "Paste Here." This operation and several others are exceptionally well illustrated in demos on the RecentX Web site.

One more strength of the program is its tech support. When I had questions that neither the Help file nor the excellent demos answered, I went to the Company's Web site and sent a query. Their site says that normally they respond within one day. I sent several messages, and each one received a prompt and helpful response.

Reviewer 2: Since Recent X not only tracks items, it allows the user to actually DO things with the results, the possibilities are considerable. The Web site states that “once you start using Recent X, you may never need to open Windows Explorer again.” Even if we do not realize it, we actually work with the same files, folders, programs and Web sites about 90% of the time. This is evident from the repeats in the lists that the program brings up of the last accessed items over the past two weeks. (The time span is selectable in the “settings” page from one to eight weeks of “history”) In order for Recent X to work well, it needs to start with Windows. But even the first time running on this tablet, it was able to populate the lists just from available data stored in Windows.

The main window for Recent X is quite simple. When it is opened by clicking on one of the tabs in the docked toolbar, it presents a list of the items selected in columns in order of last accessed. The column headers are; “Name”, “Address”, “Type”, “Last Modified” and “Last Accessed”. This is consistent for all of the four tracked types of items. Just like in Excel, double clicking the separator bar in the title area expands the column to fit whatever is required to display the longest entry. Sometimes this jams the other columns up so as to disappear but they can be “grabbed” and dragged back. Sorting can be in ascending or descending order, either alphabetically or by date. Clicking the “Type” title sorts by type as expected, grouping all the same file types together.

The real strength of RecentX is in file operations. Double clicking a file in the file name field opens the file with its associated program. With the right-click menu one can “open”, “open with”, “explore here” (opens Windows Explorer and drills down to the item in question and highlights it), cut-copy-paste, “copy path”, launch a “command prompt”, delete, rename or see the file properties. One can also search the current tab contents by key word, pulling up only the items that contain this key word. Clearing the key word field causes the display to revert to the full list as before the search.

On the right side is a frame that allows building favorite key word searches and saving them for later use to avoid repeatedly retyping key words. The Key Word search feature makes RecentX a powerful file handler allowing the user to find and open or perform a file activity with fewer keystrokes than when using Windows Explorer.

Reviewer 3: Recent X seems to be a solidly built program free of any noticeable or mentionable glitches. The GUI (Graphic User Interface) is functional and laid out for relatively easy and intuitive use. While there are many features in this program, what is not unlike a diary of one’s recent computer activities, what may be its single best feature for any user is the fact that it does not scan the hard disk for every file as does a traditional desktop search program; instead, it simply and automatically compiles the files, folders, web sites, and applications most often or most recently use. This avoids searching through thousands of files and folders and saves a great deal of time and repetitive clicking. In addition, the program offers copy and paste and drag and drop functions to further populate the index. I also appreciated the right-click feature that allowed me to work on the indexed files in a variety of ways such as rename. Another very nice feature is the very small GUI that docks almost unobtrusively in the corner of the screen and which can be adjusted for transparency. I was also impressed with the flexibility of Recent X in that it allows grouping of files belonging to different folders, can be configured to hide items the user does not want listed, and allows direct access of files on remote computers. Recent X works with both IE and Firefox browsers, is Vista ready, and offers excellent video tutorials on its web site. It also has a blog—though a bit hard to find--full of tips at http://www.conceptworld.com/blog/?cat=7 . Support is an email ticket type of procedure. This program may simply be redundant or unnecessary for the user who already has a good file management system in place or does not have a large number of regularly accessed files on their computer. If, on the other hand, the user who has hundreds of regularly accessed files or has files scattered all over his computer with little or no organization, then Recent X will be a more than well spent $29.95. As a quick and easy method to make an unorganized file system easily and quickly accessible, I would recommend this program. There is a 30-day trial available.

Reviewer 4: RecentX provides a new, different, and useful way of viewing and retrieving files, folders, programs and Web sites. Four icons are displayed on the top right corner of the screen to complement the typical three buttons to minimize, maximize, and close the window. These four icons represent the files, folders, programs, and Web site viewing options in the RecentX program. The icons are always on top by default and can summon the corresponding view of RecentX when pressed. To find a recently opened item, one goes to the appropriate list and enters the keyword to search and the list is automatically shortened to match what is entered. Double-clicking on the item opens it; or, selecting the item and pressing enter will open it as in Windows Explorer.

There are some nice extras accessible from the right-click menu such as the ability to copy the directory path for a file via a single click. A file’s properties can be displayed without opening Windows Explorer.

This is a very well thought out and executed program.

Reviewer 5: Normally, I do not like to have programs install their own Toolbar on my desktop. They almost always get in the way of other programs that I use, and I find that I am usually moving them around, or banishing them entirely. Apart from the standard Windows toolbar that sits at the bottom of my screen, RecentX is the only other toolbar (actually, called a “sidebar”) that does not continually annoy me and get in the way. First, it is very small, and can be docked anywhere long any of the sides of the screen. It is also “transparent” so that anything below it can be seen, and it is available any time that I need to often access it.

In addition to its speed and ease of navigation, RecentX provides a number of file management tools. In any one of the RecentX categories an item can be selected and right-clicked for a context menu with the usual Explorer items such as Open, Cut, Copy, Rename, Properties, etc. Two additional but very interesting options are “Copy Paths” and “Command Prompt Here”.

Useful tricks are provided in the “Interesting Tips” and “Keyboard Shortcuts” of the Help Menu. There are also several short Demo videos that can be viewed on the Web site. Although the program is actually very easy to use, it does involve a change in normal navigation habits, and looking at these videos will help get started.

Program upgrades are handled simply and effectively. A window informs when a new upgrade is available and a link informs what is new. All data is kept intact during removal of the old version and installation of the new.

Although support was not really required, I found that the support responded courteously and quickly – within one day - to a couple of questions I had. In one instance, they took some time to try to reduplicate a problem that I reported, but were unable to do so due to my own computer problems After my computer was repaired, I experienced no further problems with RecentX.

Weak points

Reviewer 1: Although RecentX works with Firefox and Internet Explorer, it does not work with the Opera browser. Sites I went to with that browser did not appear in RecentX's listing of visited Web sites.

RecentX also does not list sites I go to using a page of links I've created as my Firefox browser's home page. That page contains links to hundreds of sites to which I want quick access. Although the sites I reach via these links appear in Firefox's history listing, they do not appear in RecentX's listing of visited Web sites. Admittedly, if I switched to RecentX, I might have no more need for this page of links, but adding all these sites to RecentX by typing each URL into my browser and going to each site individually would be a rather time-consuming and tedious process.

Although RecentX prides itself on the speed with which a user can access files, I found that for some of my needs, RecentX is not as fast as other methods. For example, I have files with .html extensions that I nonetheless always want to open with my text editor. Using a program called ActiveWords, I can type a short keyword that opens the file in the program I want. Using RecentX, I have to locate the file, right-click on the file, select Open With, and find and select the desired program.

RecentX's listing of my files gets needlessly cluttered with mysterious filenames, such as gsg1.html, gsg2.html, gsg3.html, gsg4.html, Normal.dot, SgContacts.html, SgCalendar.html, and SgTasks.html. The gsg files are somehow related to my use of the text editor UltraEdit, and they appear each time I open a new .txt file. Normal.dot is apparently related to my use of Microsoft Word files. The Sg files appear whenever I add a memo to the Palm Desktop. I can understand why SgMemo.html appears, but not these others. I tried to use RecentX's filter to prevent the gsg files from showing up on the list of files, but they keep appearing.

Reviewer 2: I actually did not find anything I would consider a weak point. It just did what I expected it to do after watching the tutorials and reading the “tips’ files.

Reviewer 3: There are really no glaring weaknesses in this program. My only serious criticism is that it does seem to be a bit resource hungry, using approximately 20% CPU and 9MB RAM memory. Interestingly, allowing the program to run as a startup (which it does by default unless it is disabled in preferences) the CPU levels off a bit. I would like to see the listing areas (rows) in the GUI made a bit wider (or ideally, adjustable) as they are very narrow and difficult to read. I would also encourage the developers to offer support for the Opera browser that is becoming more and more popular. I would also like to see the GUI close automatically once a file is launched rather than having to manually close it. One security concern I have is that clearing the browser cache does not remove the browsing history from within Recent X and I could find no way to do this easily without digging into the Recent X files on my computer and manually deleting it. This may not be an issue for many but for those who are security conscious it could be an issue. In fact, I would suggest that there needs to be a way to remove indexed items individually to better customize what is desired to be readily available. As mentioned above, support is offered through an email ticket procedure and while both of my support requests were handled within 48 hours, there is no turnaround time listed, something which I would expect to see with a company that pledges its concern for its customers.

Reviewer 4: My main concern about this program is the potential for intrusion on privacy of the users of the computers this program is installed on. When it starts for the first time, it brings up the most recently used files, folders, and Web sites accessed on that computer. While this is a powerful tool for the convenience of the user who accessed the information, it could be a violation of the privacy for another user viewing the same information.

Reviewer 5: Following reinstallation of Windows on my computer and a major rebuild of my computer’s file structure, I did not have any of the recently-used Files and Folders that RecentX could look for and find as it did when I had first installed the program. Consequently, it was unable to get quickly to those items, and typing in the keyword box left the item lists empty. Although it is possible to add folders in batches to its data-base, the sub-folders in any branch of the tree do not get included. Thus I need to go through the folders, and add them set-by-set (or branch-by-branch), in order to recreate a useful “recently-accessed” set of folders.

Other Comments

Reviewer 1. Although RecentX will list files, folders, programs, and Web sites that are used at least once every six months, I would prefer a longer time period, perhaps a year. There are a number of files and folders that many people access once a year e.g., holiday card lists and tax information, among others. It would be helpful to have these easily accessible through RecentX.

Reviewer 2: RecentX bases its operation on the fact that we typically work with the same files over and over most of the time. If a file has not been opened in a while, , Recent X may not show it depending on the number of weeks it is set to track.

Reviewer 3: Recent X is one of the more innovative programs I have seen in a long time and based on this developer’s other programs I have used, I have no doubt that it will continue to be developed and improved. My only reservation about the program is its overall usefulness for the majority of PC users. I am not sure I see how using this program is easier or faster than simply placing shortcuts on one’s desktop for often-used files, or placing regularly launched applications in the Quick Launch toolbar. Furthermore, the search feature built into Windows is relatively fast, uses no additional resources, and can accomplish the same thing as Recent X. Again, however, without a file management system in place, Recent X may be just what one is looking for. I would encourage at least a download of the trial version to determine if its convenience makes it worth the price and commitment of computer resources.

Reviewer 4: This is one of those rare programs where the authors have taken a useful, common sense concept and developed a well-written program around it. It does what is intended and is not diluted with excessive distracting features. It takes a bit of effort to break old habits in how files, documents, folders, and Web sites are opened, but once the user changes his mind set, he will find himself working faster and better.

Reviewer 5: I tried this program out a year or so ago, but was too occupied with “getting work done” to really give it a fair test, and I stopped using it. Working with it again for the purpose of this review made me realize that my first out-of-hand dismissal was a mistake. Now, I make sure to have it on all my computers. I find that the $19.95 price is well worth it for the convenience it provides me in navigating the complex file and folder structures that I seem too build. And if you need to use it on more than one computer, there are even volume discount prices.


Will you continue to use it?

Reviewer 1. No. I like the program very much, but over the years I have found other ways to achieve quick access, and some of my methods work better for me. If I did not already have these other methods and programs in place, I would happily continue to use RecentX.

Reviewer 2: Very much so. After getting used to it on my desktop and seeing how well it worked, I immediately installed it on my TabletPC that I use in the field for work every day. It is much easier to find recent files and folders this way than searching with Windows Explorer.

Reviewer 3: No, I have a well organized file management system on my computer that I designed for quick access to my files and folders without the need for a separate program or additional computer resources.

Reviewer 4: Yes.

Reviewer 5: Yes. RecentX has become one of my "essential utilties" set of programs.

OPERATING SYSTEMS USED IN THIS REVIEW
Windows XP Pro, XP Home

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