Docks are something you either love or hate. I’m still to make up my mind about them myself but since I’ve had a look at the Mac OS X-style docks available for Linux, it’s only fair to see what’s available for Windows.

1. RocketDock

RocketDock is one of the most popular options for Windows users. It has transparency (or alpha blend) support and works on Windows 2000, XP or Vista. It’s easy to use – you just drag-n-drop your applications you want to add and it’s highly configurable. And yep, it’s free.

2. RK Launcher

Similar to RocketDock, RK Launcher supports PNG and ICO images. It’s been in beta since 2005 and hasn’t had an update since then but it’s still available for download. Most of the serious docks can also mimick the smooth zooming of the Mac OS X dock. Both RocketDock and RK Launcher can do this.

3. Stardock ObjectDock

This one comes as both payware and freeware versions. The main difference between the two versions (other than price) is that the payware version known as “ObjectDock Plus” has extra features such as tabbed docks and the ability to have more than one dock on the screen at once. If you want system tray support, you’ll have to pay for it but first, try RK Launcher or RocketDock as both support System Tray features for free. Still, classy and lots of extras.

4. Aqua Dock

One of the oldest Mac-style docks, Aqua Dock doesn’t seem to have a developer any more and hasn’t seen an update since 2004. It’s also less user friendly than the others in my opinion and doesn’t come with any icons or “docklets” of its own. For that, you have to add some from Y’z Dock, which are also supported here. There are some reports of a virus is downloads for this however, just download it from a reliable source.

5. MobyDock

This one is even older with its last update available in 2003. The original website has gone but it’s still available all over the web. It requires DirectX9, a 16MB graphics card and minimum 64MB of system memory but other than that, there appear to be no operating system limitations. This one is highly customisable with support for looking up your POP email account. It’s also free.

6. Y’z dock

Y’z dock is still offically in beta but hasn’t been updated since 2003 either. It’s quite configurable but doesn’t support drag-n-drop and not all of its features such as bin or clock have been implemented so best to try some of the earlier ones first. This one is free and there appear to be no OS limitations to it.

If you liked this story, please share it on Digg, Reddit or StumbleUpon. Thanks.

Similar Posts:

 

Social Media buttons brought to you by S-ButtonZ (WordPress Plugin)