Dock (computing)

The dock is a part of many graphical user interfaces. Where it is used, it is the central point of access to frequently used programs. For a long time only docks on many Unix operating systems available eg in the Common Desktop Environment and on NeXTSTEP, while mass operating systems such as Windows or Mac OS, it is not used. Only by Mac OS X moved the dock there. For Windows, there are docks for subsequent installation and since Windows 7 offers the taskbar itself has the function of a dock.

Unix and Unix like

Next Step

The dock was under NeXTStep as an easy solution to launch frequently used programs quickly. These icons were placed in the dock, which then started the associated application. The dock was always on the right side of the screen. Icons for Workspace Manager and trash were essential parts of the dock.

The dock offered also the opportunity to determine whether the application is currently running or not. Were seen at the lower end of an icon ellipsis, this program was not running yet. Ran the program already, it was brought by clicking on the icon in the foreground.

The maximum number of icons in the dock was dependent on the screen resolution, because the icons in the dock always had a fixed size.

Mac OS X

Since Mac OS X emerged from Next Step, and the dock was taken, but it has some new features on. Unlike under NeXTStep, it serves not only as a way to launch programs, but also acts as a taskbar: It shows additionally icons for all running programs. The size of the dock is no longer limited - it varies depending on the number of symbols contained, so that the dock always fit on the screen. To many icons in the dock this yet realize they are flawless like magnified when the mouse pointer is over it. How NeXTStep are icons for the Finder and Trash solid components. Program icons are basically on the one hand, documents on the other. Unlike under NeXTStep the dock can now be placed on all four sides of screen.

In Mac OS X is a point ( in previous versions, a triangle) in the icon indicates that the program is already running. In addition, some programs display messages in their icon - mail about showing the number of unread emails.

X11 (Linux, BSD, Solaris and many others)

The large modern Unix desktops allow retrofitting with docks. For GNOME there is Docky, Cairo Dock, or the projects Gimmie, Kiba - Dock and Avant Window Navigator ( AWN ). KDE3 users will rely on kxdocker, kooldock and KSmoothDock. For KDE SC 4 exist among other tasks Fancy and Daisy.

Windows

Microsoft Windows is one such directly comparable bar to Vista does not exist, however, makes the combination of the quick start and the window area of ​​the taskbar since Windows 95c similar to a dock.

With the help of additional software but can be all Dockfunktionen as program launcher and window manager retrofit. Spread the ObjectDock Freeware, which is also small applications called Docklets is (similar to a widget ), provides. The paid version of ObjectDock Plus also offers register docks ( docks with tabs) and the ability to place multiple docks on the desktop. There are also other free docks, such as yz Dock, XWindows Dock and RKLauncher. Programs such as RocketDock AquaDock and also show the graphic effects in Mac OS X. Another commercial program is the Nexus dock.

Since Windows 7 is completely provides the taskbar ( now " Superbar " called ) the function of a dock.