I worked in a PC shop slapping together systems for a bit so Im pretty handy at it. I like to tinker, experiment and try new utilities on an as-needed basis (or not as needed when the mood strikes). When I found out my beloved Free AVG was finding virii and not deleting them, I found AVIRA which not only removed the offending files.. but found 2 that AVG wasn’t picking up.
Ive no bias towards any OS. Ive 2 desktops (xp), 2 laptops (XP Tablet and Linux on the dinosaur) and a 1st gen Mac Mini in my possession. I use XP 99% of the time because most of the software I like & most of the work environments I’ve been in use it (not to mention games).
Im not looking for a list of Mac & Linux Alternate freeware. Linux with Wine supposedly runs about 80% of what Im looking for (Adobe Suite is the real big hold out). Linux has come a long way since the last time I tried it some 4-5 years ago.. for an community-based OS, Linux is more solid and secure than Windows. The problem is that so many Linux flavors out there make it hard to make a unified attack to take over the PC world. Ubuntu in particular is VERY close to primetime desktop replacement (before that SUSE and before that Red Hat or maybe Mandrake). In fact.. when its time to swap out machines.. my current XP box will become the Ubuntu server/media box. My gripe with linux is if you have to wrap windows programs to run them, you might as well run it natively in XP and save yourself some headaches.
I am starting to digress.. back on track.
That all said, I love the MAC look. Its sleek, well organized and dare I say sexy. SEXY, I say!
The most appealing thing for me about OS X is the Dock. A start button with a dozen tabs is ok but after win98, its the same crap in a new package every time.. including Vista. After a few progs, utilities and games, that mess in My programs list (and quick launch) its just a cluttered mess. Reorganize it? Sure. But its still dog-ugly.
The dock has everything streamlined and pretty in front of you. So the past day or so I’ve been trying some dock programs for XP.
All you MAC users running Boot camp can also make your XP install look like Mac so you’ll have mac 24/7. 
First up is Stardock ObjectDock Even has a widget or two that comes in handy. Automatically drops the windows taskbar. Plain & simple, gets the job done. Default icons that would be standard in XP (My Computer, Control Panel and the like) are there and ready to go.
Next I found PunkLabs Rocket Dock. Much nicer.. more skin options to start with.
Last I found RK Launcher.
I noticed RK also installs two stacks… “Program files” opens EVERYTHING found in the Programs Folder and “Downloads” leads to um.. nowhere. Easier to toss these & make new stacks It seems. a right click, add docklet add stack, pick a folder, pick an icon and go.You want a dealbreaker? RK launcher hasn’t been updated since 2005. Ow.
Thoughts & comments?
Essentially all 3 programs are the same.
“Docklets” (mini programs, like a clock or Weather icon) are compatible with each one. Support for hi-res PNG icons is standard.
Drag & drop your program icons on to the dock for an instant shortcut. With the STACKS Docklet installed, you can sort your progs any way you want with a bit of effort. The end result? Click games, click preferred game, Play. Sounds like just as many clicks as if you were still stuck with a start button. It looks cool and again.. its organized more visually, which gives it bonus points. Even sadder, this feature doesn’t work on my home PC but functions on my work PC.
RK doesnt look like its being developed anymore. Sorry you’re out of the running.
Rocketdock is nice and has a section of downloadable icons & dockets updated several times a day on its website.. Although free, there is no support (looks like the forum section was removed).
Objectdock is free. There is a $20 ‘Pro’ version, which adds some new features like instant coloring and multiple docks. They have a big forum for support. Load of icons on the WinCustomize section of theyre website. Rumor is 2.0 will have native Stack support with Drag & Drop abilities in the Stack.
Objectdock took up 20 megs of system memory away from my resources, where as Rocketdock (and I admit I didnt have as many icons/docklets running) was at 6. In fact, a quick install of the clock brought it up another 6.
If I had to choose just one, Objectdock wins due to some ease-of use issues and support forums.
Now if only I can get the stacks to work…
UPDATE: Objectdock PLUS does indeed have a native stack function (called Fly-out). Worth $20? Probably not.
