Shock Aero 3D Alternatives
Shock Aero 3D is described as 'Have you seen the cool and nice effects of Windows Aero in Windows Vista? One of those effects is a view of your open windows in a three-dimensional stack on your desktop, and using hot keys, you can flip through the open windows to quickly locate and select the window you want'. There are more than 10 alternatives to Shock Aero 3D for Windows, Mac and Linux. The best alternative is Compiz, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Shock Aero 3D are Witch (Paid), VistaSwitcher (Free), Hyperswitch (Free) and SwitchBlade (Paid).
- Compiz is a compositing manager adding fancy effects to your windows, from drop shadows to awesome desktop effects like the Desktop Cube or the Expo view.
- Witch lets you access all of your windows by pressing a shortcut and choosing from a clearly arranged list of window titles.
- VistaSwitcher is an elegant and powerful task management utility for Windows OS.
Discontinued
The program is no longer updated. Last version, 1.1.5, released in May 2012, can be still downloaded from the official website.
- HyperSwitch provides a compelling alternative to HyperDock for keyboard junkies. What's New Version 0.2.365-dev: Fix an issue that could delay activations after long idle periods.
- Find and activate windows without leaving the keyboard. Faster than alt-tab.
- SmartTab, the better Alt-Tab (a Windows Alt-Tab Dialog replacement). Features: All windows with small icons & full title at a glance.
Discontinued
Work only on XP, last update was in 2006. See http://smarttab.org/download.php
- Activate wanted windows and apps with Tabber Window Switcher which is a Command+Tab alternative to switch windows. See contents of windows Real-Time when switching windows. Switch Apps and Windows with a shortcut or set a custom shortcut to switch windows or to switch apps.
- TopDesk radically reduces the time you spend switching between tasks by giving you the ability to quickly find the window you want from a thumbnail view.
- WinFlip emulates Windows Vistas "Flip 3D" effect for Windows XP. Using the hotkey of your choice, you can find the window youre looking for in a fast, clean 3D interface.
- If you are not familiar with the Alt-Tab task switcher in Windows, its a keyboard short-cut (hot-key) to enable fast switching between applications/windows. This feature has been in Windows since Windows 3.0 and is largely unchanged since Windows 95!
Discontinued
The official website is no longer available. Last version, 4.0.4, released in September 2009, can be still downloaded from the mirrors provided.