The taskbar in Windows is one of the most important parts not only because it remains the boot area of the most important programs and because you can iconize open windows, but also because there is the notification area on the right side, that area of icons near the clock that indicates the active programs. Speaking of this part, called in jargon System Tray ( system tray ) or notification area, in modern versions Windows 7 and Windows 10, it is divided into two parts, one with hidden icons the other with the icons displayed and the 'clock. Leaving hidden the icons of applications that are rarely used or that represent the activity of processes that you do not want to know anything about is convenient to keep order in the application bar and not to fill it with too many buttons. The objective of this article is to find a way to view any type of information on the notification area next to the clock and take advantage of this space to have an eye on what is happening on the computer. Let's see 10 small applications that, if installed on the system, allow you to add controls in the system area and enhance the Windows taskbar
READ ALSO: Minimize windows and programs on the notification area, near the clock (Windows)
1) TrayStatus adds several new indicators in the system tray to keep track of the keys pressed. This tool is free and available for all versions of Windows, even if it requires the .NET Framework.
In particular, it indicates with indicators when special keys are pressed on the computer keyboard :
- Caps Lock
- Num Lock
- Scroll Lock
- Alt
- Ctrl
- Shift
- Windows
There is also an option to show the hard disk activity even if in Windows 8 it does not work properly so, if it gives problems, it can be disabled. Those who use keyboard combinations a lot can find TrayStatus a truly valuable tool.
2) DriveGLEAM is an old application which, like TrayStatus, does not require installation and is portable. The small tool works and is compatible with every version of Windows, including Windows 10. While TrayStatus has predefined options, with DriveCleam it is possible to monitor system resources and their use. From the taskbar, in the notification area, you can then check :
- Disk activity, both internal and external; (the icon turns green for reading and red for writing)
- CPU usage;
- RAM usage;
- VRAM Video memory usage:
- Network use.
You can also configure polling intervals and change the icons on the taskbar. DriveGLEAM can start late with Windows.
3) SysTrayMeter is a simplified version of DriveGLEAM which only serves to control the use of RAM and CPU in a single icon on the taskbar . The higher number is CPU usage, in percent, while the lower number is free RAM, in megabytes. These are the two most important data when checking the power of a computer so keeping an eye on it in real time is very useful for knowing when it is convenient to close something.
4) The taskbar in general and the system tray in particular can be used in various ways, to have visual indicators or mini-widgets and also to contain expandable menus. With the Shortcuts to tray program you can have a start menu of your favorite files and programs on the right side of the screen, next to the clock.
5) Microbin is a tool already reported in the guide to better manage the recycle bin in Windows, which adds the recycle bin icon in the system tray, or notification area, at the bottom right.
6) PopTray allows you to receive the notification on the system tray next to the clock for new received and unread emails . Poptray requires manual configuration of the parameters of the POP3 server and is not a mail client, but works correctly to receive mail.
READ ALSO: Receive alerts on your computer for new incoming Email messages.
7) Servicetray is used to check the startup and status of specific Windows services from the notification area.
8) ClipX is a valuable Windows tool for viewing copied text and copy, cut and paste notes in Windows.
9) Calcutray to have a mini-calculator always available on the desktop and usable from the right corner of the screen, near the clock, in the system tray.
Out of classification, we must also report the Growl tool which, if properly configured, allows you to set any type of control on the system, warnings and notifications for web services on the notification bar of the Windows desktop .
