Featured Freeware: ObjectDock

Are you jealous of that slick Mac interface? Check out ObjectDock, a free utility that replaces the Windows Taskbar with a colorful, animated dock similar to the taskbar in Mac OS X.

ObjectDock displays icons for currently running applications and can hold quick-launch icons for your favorite programs. As you pass the cursor over each icon, ObjectDock magnifies it and displays relevant information, helping you find what you need even when you're running several programs at once. An attractive but optional clock rounds out the toolbar. The tiny utility comes with a dozen attractive skins, and users with slow computers can reduce the animation quality to increase speed.

You can even force it to permanently hide the native Windows Taskbar and create a dock icon for the Start menu, but there's a drawback: no built-in support for the system tray short of upgrading to the paid version. Despite this, ObjectDock is a no-risk, solid choice for an alternative taskbar if you're dissatisfied with the Windows offerings.