LangOver

The free tool LangOver is meant for the multilingual user who wants a very easy means to switch keyboard layouts from one language to another, who wants an easy means to translate words, and who is fed up with having to retype things when he forgets to change the keyboard layout. With a simple key press, LangOver will switch from one keyboard layout to another. On top of that, it can convert text between languages, look up words on Google, and translate them with Google’s help, and it can convert text from lower to uppercase.

LangOver is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The installation file for the Windows edition is less than 1MB in size (the download will complete in a blink). Through the installation process you are guided by a standard setup wizard. Please note that you will be asked to install the Babylon toolbar, change your homepage to Babylon, and switch your default search to Babylon. You can decline if you’re not a fan of toolbars and if you don't want your homepage and default search to be changed.

When you first run LangOver, you will be presented with a prompt that presents the handy keys you can use to access the application’s functionality. The prompt will quickly fade and you will see a LangOver icon in the system tray. Double click the icon and you will be presented with the application’s interface. At the top, the interface presents the keys associated with the application’s functions. Underneath there are text boxes that you can use to perform a Google search and to translate text (via Google Translate). And beneath them there are buttons for the Settings, Manual, Help file, and a link so you can donate if you like the application.

While LangOver is running, you can use the hotkeys it supports to access the application’s functionality. This means you can switch the keyboard layout from one format to another, you can change text from lower case to UPPERCASE (I changed the text right there by simply pressing Shift + F10), to convert text from one language to another (based on the languages enabled on your PC) , to perform a search on Google, and to translate text. Take this last bit of functionality, for example. Hit Ctrl + T and the Translate window will show up. Type in the text you want (or paste it), select a language from the dropdown menu, and hit “Translate now!”. Your browser will launch and you will be presented with the translation.

LangOver is freeware, meaning you can keep your money in your pocket and enjoy the functionality provided by this application for free. But if you like what the application can do, you can support its development by making a donation. As mentioned above, a donation link is presented on the application’s interface.

If you need to work with several languages in Windows, and switching between languages turns out to be a pain, then get LangOver. It will allow you to easily switch between languages and all its extra functionality will brighten up your day.