I'm the author of another terminal - ConEmu (open source). This answer describes how to run 2x2 grid on startup. Actually, any configuration of splits (up to 30 panes) can be configured. Also, each split can be run as different users or elevated (Vista and higher). Any console and simple GUI (like mintty/putty) applications may be run in ConEmu tabs.
How to create a split?
1) From create new console dialog. Just press [+]
button on toolbar or WinW. Choose your app, working dir, user name and split configuration.
2) CtrlShiftO and CtrlShiftE split active shell vertically or horizontally. Press WinAltK to see full hotkeys list.
3) Save your configured split-panes into new named task to get it on fast access next time. Open Settings dialog WinAltP and go to "Tasks" page. Add new task (+
button) and press Active tabs
. Your task will be filled with your current split configuration. Don't forget to Save settings
. For example
>cmd -new_console:n powershell -new_console:s1TVn sh --login -i -new_console:s1THn putty -load mysrv -new_console:s2THn
Another free alternatives
ConsoleZ (fork of Console2)