Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SyMenu VS Open Shell

Compare SyMenu VS Open Shell and see what are their differences

SyMenu logo SyMenu

SyMenu is a portable menu launcher and Start Menu replacement to organize your applications quickly...

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...
  • SyMenu Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-26
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07

SyMenu features and specs

  • Portability
    SyMenu can be run from any USB stick, which allows users to carry their personalized software environment wherever they go.
  • Customization
    The platform offers a high degree of customization, enabling users to create and manage their own portable software suite.
  • Wide Range of Applications
    SyMenu supports a vast library of portable applications, from office tools to multimedia software, making it highly versatile.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface is designed to be intuitive, facilitating easy navigation and management of applications.
  • Regular Updates
    The software receives regular updates which include new features and improvements, ensuring ongoing development and support.
  • Open Platform
    SyMenu allows users to add not only the applications from its suite but also their own custom apps or any other portable software.

Possible disadvantages of SyMenu

  • Initial Learning Curve
    New users may find the initial setup and customization process to be somewhat complex and time-consuming.
  • Limited to Windows
    SyMenu is currently available only for Windows, which restricts its usability for those who predominantly use macOS or Linux.
  • Dependency on Portable Apps
    The software relies on the availability of portable versions of applications, which may not always have the full feature set of their installed counterparts.
  • Interface Customization Limitations
    While customizable, the visual appeal and design options of the interface could be seen as somewhat limited compared to other launchers.
  • Potential for Software Conflicts
    Running multiple portable applications simultaneously can sometimes lead to software conflicts or system instability.
  • Manual Updates for Custom Apps
    For non-listed or custom applications, users have to manually manage updates, which can be cumbersome.

Open Shell features and specs

  • Customization
    Open Shell provides extensive customization options, allowing users to modify the Start menu to fit their preferences, from design to functionality.
  • Familiar Interface
    It offers a classic start menu which is familiar to users of older Windows versions, making it easier for them to navigate.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, it allows for community contributions, making it more transparent and potentially more secure.
  • No Cost
    Open Shell is free to use, providing a cost-effective solution for users who want a different Start menu experience without paying for software.
  • Regular Updates
    The project is fairly well-maintained, receiving updates that add new features and fix potential issues, improving user experience over time.

Possible disadvantages of Open Shell

  • Compatibility Issues
    There could be compatibility problems with certain Windows updates or third-party applications, requiring troubleshooting and fixes.
  • Learning Curve
    While it offers many customization options, new users might find the settings and customization process overwhelming and confusing initially.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, it relies heavily on community support rather than professional customer service, which can be a drawback for users needing prompt assistance.
  • Resource Usage
    Though generally lightweight, Open Shell can consume additional system resources, which might be impactful on less powerful machines.

SyMenu videos

SyMenu 2018 Installation Guide and a Quick Look Inside

More videos:

  • Review - Draagbare apps met SyMenu
  • Review - ordinozor symenu 2 de 3 #00182

Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SyMenu and Open Shell)
Note Taking
54 54%
46% 46
LMS
53 53%
47% 47
Bookmarks
65 65%
35% 35
OS & Utilities
30 30%
70% 70

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SyMenu and Open Shell, you can also consider the following products

PortableApps.com - PortableApps.com is a website offering many free, commonly used Windows applications that have been...

Fences - Keep your desktop organized with Fences. This is a simple software program that allows you to sort the tabs on your desktop and create files that are easily recognizable to you.

The Portable Freeware Collection - One of the largest collections of free, portable software on the web.

Classic Shell - Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.

PStart - PStart is a simple tray tool to start user defined applications.

Start Menu X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.