Windows Docks (i.e. Rocketdock)

[kendall.a]

Ok, this is for all of you Windows users out there who use Windows Docking programs such as ObjectDock or RocketDock or NexusDock.

1. If you use Windows 7, why do you think that you need a docking program?

2. I've only found 1 freeware docking program that supports 64-bit OS's (ObjectDock). Are there others?

3. What is the best freeware docking program? (I am particularly interested if you are using one along with Windows 7.)

[Jojoyee]

Originally Posted by kendall

Ok, this is for all of you Windows users out there who use Windows Docking programs such as ObjectDock or RocketDock or NexusDock.

1. If you use Windows 7, why do you think that you need a docking program?...

A good question Kendall. I used to like Docking programs a lot, but since after Windows 7 introduced the Superbar, which combines the features of Quick Lunch and Window List on the taskbar, I personally seldom use the Docking programs any more.

When I run XP, I use ViGlance to have the features of Superbar, while in Ubuntu, I use DockBarX to achieve almost the same features.

[garth]

I was just trying out RocketDock with Win7 x32 ultimate. I tried the installer and the portable (out of a folder on C drive) and found the portable performed considerably better. The installed version caused massive slowdown on startup, and also conflicted with Wondershare TimeFreeze. The portable did not cause slowdown to the degree the install did but it also was not happy with TimeFreeze on my machine. As for why, it looked cool on my desktop

[George]

I am currently using RocketDock but noticed a few flaws myself:

1. The active indicator does not update when closing an application
2. The recycle bin does not support to automatically adjust to the Windows standard icon for full and empty
3. One day, out of the blue, rocket dock could not find my settings anymore for no obvious reason. Had to configure it all over.

Any comparable alternatives?

[Sope]

I've tried a few different docks in my time but have come to the conclusion that they are more about style than functionality. I tend to prefer a minimalist uncluttered desktop these days.

In Windows 7 (x64) I use the search in the start menu for launching most things.
I currently only have Opera and Sandboxie pinned to the taskbar along with two 7stacks (one for games and one for files that I access very frequently or need reminding to look at)

[mrpink]

Now that Kendall mentioned Windows 7 taskbar i remembered this related article i read some time ago, where i found out about HideDesktopIcons and Dexpot. And, surprise surprise, the guy mentions both 7stacks and StandaloneStack
Signs of early Alzheimer's?

Anyway, recently i tried Nexus and i have to say i really liked it. Very beautiful and customizable with very good quality of icons (unlike RocketDock if i'm right). It has the feature to totally hide the Windows taskbar, and with the right wallpaper the result can be perfect. Unfortunately it doesn't have the option (unless i'm blind) to minimize open windows into the dock which is totally unpractical when you have the taskbar hidden.

Another one that haven't been mentioned here and looks promising and different than the others is CircleDock. Maybe you wanna try this one

[kendall.a]

Any comparable alternatives?

After actually trying out the Cairo Dock in Peppermint (see other threads), I kind of got hooked on the idea of a dock. So, I've started a little bit of research. With a 64-bit OS, I've only found ObjectDock and Nexus Dock. Of the two, I think I'm liking Nexus Dock; based upon my research.

I'm not convinced that I really need it, but I'm going to install it just to try it out and see if I like it.

[mrpink]

Circle Dock, after all, doesn't look so promising The latest build is two years old.
But it seems now that the software is being developed by the Raimeter team. At Cnet you can find a recent version which supports 64bit too. But no webpage for this program

[mrpink]

Originally Posted by mrpink

Anyway, recently i tried Nexus and i have to say i really liked it. Very beautiful and customizable with very good quality of icons (unlike RocketDock if i'm right). It has the feature to totally hide the Windows taskbar, and with the right wallpaper the result can be perfect. Unfortunately it doesn't have the option (unless i'm blind) to minimize open windows into the dock which is totally unpractical when you have the taskbar hidden.

It looks llike i really am blind. Nexus allows you to minimize open windows and also to show system tray icons in it! How on earth did i miss that? I installed it more than once

[kendall.a]

Well, after trying out Nexus Dock for a week or two, it is now uninstalled. Don't get me wrong, it worked fine. I just found that I had little use for it. With Windows 7, I don't see a need for it. I probably would have loved it on XP.

In the mean time, I am trying out 7 stacks (http://alastria.com/software/7stacks/) and I kind of like it. I've only got 2 stacks set up; one for games and one for utilities.

Yes, it works on Win 7 and even 64-bit machines.