Search in Style
withWox
1
INSTALL WOX
O p e n y o u r b r o w s e r o f c h o i c e a n d g o t o http://www.wox.one. Although
you can’t download Wox directly from the main site, you can
take some time to explore its features before installing. When
y o u’r e r e a d y, c l ic k “D o w nl o a d ” to b e r e dir e c te d to th e Wox p r oje c t
GitHub page. Scroll down and find the EXE file—“Wox -1.3.578,”
for instance. Choose to run the installer. Once the install is
complete, Wox automatically creates a desktop shortcut, and the
search bar appears in the center of your screen.2
SEARCH FOR FILES AND PROGRAMS
By default, the Wox search bar readily indexes and
displays any files, folders, and programs stored on your
system. To get started, in the search bar, enter the name of a
file or folder you’ve previously created—for instance, “Fluffy
Kitten”—and Wox reveals the file. Press Enter to automatically
open the target file. This also works for applications: Simply type
the name of your chosen progr am, such as “Paint,” and press the
Return key. If your search displays multiple results [Image A],
you can navigate these using the arrow keys. Use Enter or click
once to launch.3
ENABLE WEB SEARCHES
Wox supports a number of plugins, which you can
use to add extra features. The Web Searches plugin
displays Google results for any terms you enter into the Wox
search bar. To get started, open Wox, and type the following:LOVERS OF A CERTAIN FRUITY BRAND of computers often cite the built-in “Spotlight” feature
as one of their favorites. The deceptively simple search bar enables them to navigate every
file, folder, and program on their system. The free and open-source utility Wox is an answer to
the prayers of Windows users everywhere. On first launch, Wox displays its handy search bar,
which you can use to display locations and applications effortlessly. You can also expand Wox’s
features via downloadable plugins, which include Google searches, translation, and a powerful
calculator, to name just a few.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to hit the ground running with Wox. The easy setup process
means you’ll be running your first search within minutes. You’ll then discover how to list Google
search results and other features. Wox is configured to support programmable “hotkeys.” This
enables you to launch your favorite files, websites, and programs with a few quick key presses.
The only real criticism of Wox is that the default settings are quite intrusive, because it
appears right in the center of your screen. Luckily, the built-in settings support hiding Wox
while not in use, as well as moving the search bar to a more discreet location. –NATE DRAKEYOU’LL NEED THIS
WOX
Find out more at
http://www.wox.one, then
follow a link to
download the app.wpm install Web Searches. Wox asks you to confirm
you want to activate this plugin. Click “Yes” to continue.
Next, close and re-open Wox. (You can do this either via
the desktop shortcut or by holding Alt-Space). From now
on, each time you enter a search term, Wox lists the top
Google search results.
>> The Web Searches plugin also supports “Action
Keywords.” These enable you to enter just a few
letters—for example, “CNN” might take you to http://
edition.cnn.com. To get started, right-click the Wox icon
in the system tray at the bottom of your screen. Choose
“Settings.” Once the Settings window launches, click
the “Plugins” tab. Scroll down to “Web Searches” on
the left-hand side. Click to highlight this, then select the
“Add” button on the bottom-right. Enter a name for your
URL shortcut, such as “CNN.” Under “URL,” enter the
target web address, then enter your chosen keyword
under “Action Keyword.” Click “Add” again to save your
settings. Links open in your system’s default browser.4
ENABLE SYSTEM COMMANDS
Although Wox can run commands in the same
way as CMD.EXE, this is usually overkill for most
users. Fortunately, Wox has a built-in plugin called
S y s te m C o m m a n d s t h a t i s s u i t a b l e f o r m o s t a p p l i c a t i o n s.
To get started, open the Wox search bar, and type:
wpm install System Commands. Wox again asks you if
you are sure you want to install this plugin. Click “Yes.”
Close and relaunch Wox, then head to the “Plugins”
tab as outlined in the previous step. Click to highlightBA62 MAXIMUMPC JUN 2019 maximumpc.com
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