PromptPal

Sometimes, an old fashioned command prompt is everything that an advanced user needs. Certain commands are better executed this way, but if you are sick of the old and tired command prompt which is included in Windows, you can try PromptPal. It offers the same functionality and a similar looks, but it incorporates a series of functions which are not available in the traditional DOS-like interface of the standard command prompt.

The application can be used on various Windows platforms, from Win 2000 to Win 7. It does not require additional services, such as a later version of .NET Framework or Java script. You will find a few configuration options during the setup process, but they are basic and most of them involve clicking a few check boxes.

At a first glance, you will notice that PromptPal combines the looks and feel of the old DOS interface with the slightly newer possibilities of a Windows text editor. To make it clearer, you can type and execute commands, just like on the standard command prompt, but you can also select, copy, cut or paste text. A toolbar and a few top menus are available and you can use their options to find text, insert a path for a file or folder and much more.

Apart from these features, which you can find on a Windows Notepad as well, PromptPal comes with its own interesting and useful functions. It makes it possible to work on multiple tabs, which are created instantly, with toolbar options. Besides standard tabs, you may create administrator tabs, which look and work the same way, but they grant you administrator rights. Another useful feature is that it gives you the possibility of enabling a dual pane view mode. While this mode is active, the output of your commands will be displayed on a separate pane.

Command completion is another advantage of PromptPal. When you type a command, a list will pop up, with a series of suggestions. If one of the commands matches the word that you are typing, you can just double click it and it will be inserted automatically. PromptPal includes a library of over 140 commands, so you will definitely find what you are looking for. Furthermore, the application provides syntax help. When you type a command, another list will pop up, displaying suggested parameters.