I consider myself a bit of a “cross-trainer” when it comes to operating systems — I’ll happily switch between different distros of Linux and Windows, but I’d also like to be able to switch to Mac OS X as well for its Dock feature. As a Windows user, all you have is the basic Quick Launch toolbar — boring!

Thankfully, there is a free program for Windows called RocketDock (v.1.3.5), which is a smoothly animated, alpha-blended application launcher. It provides a nice clean interface to drop shortcuts on for easy access and organization.

Here’s a screenshot from my system:

But unlike other launchers, RocketDock has Taskbar support so your minimized windows can appear as icons on the dock. I’m hoping this feature will be improved in a future version so that if I minimize a movie, it will continue playing from the dock.

This application is fairly customizable. It comes with 30 different styles (or skins). The default is something called “CrystalXP.net”, but I prefer the “VistaBlack” and “Blank” styles. Another option you might want to change (if you want to be more Mac like) is switching the “Screen Position” from the “Top” to the “Bottom”, and moving the “Edge Offset” to 35px. There’s many other settings as well like monitor, layering, icon quality, animated effects, etc.

Don’t be fooled by the term “application launcher” because you can also drag your favorite files or add URLs on it as well.

A few features that I’m hoping to see in future versions are:

• An option to allow minimized movies to keep playing from the dock.
• The ability to drag URLs on to the dock.
• A collapse button to slide the dock out of the way so I can see what’s under it.
• Also, the ability to stack icons into groups.

Despite my wish list, I think this app still deserves a 5/5 rating.

Hopefully, this application will cure some of my Mac envy until I can afford the new MacBook Air.