Dock bugs, issues, please review and comment

from Stardock Forums
Love this pack, and have the following to note:

1. Dock settings enables moving the dock to the bottom, but of course it is put over/below the bottom taskbar. This is pointless default behaviour. With the taskbar turned off place it right at the bottom replacing it. With the taskbar on, by default have the dock shift up above the taskbar approx 1cm to avoid this clash.

2. With the dock set at the top, other icons on the desktop are hidden behind it. Downloaded files also appear by default to the first open space on the desktop which is at the top of the screen, so hidden behind the dock. This needs to be corrected to that programs can only appear below the dock, and not conflict with it placement wise.

3. I have added the "start menu" item to the dock and dragged the "show desktop" as these are the only functions needed from the taskbar, to just have the dock for everything. However, the start menu is infact not a start menu, it does not take the user to the proper start menu, but to the programs list. All other key items of the start menu such as control panel, network connections, documents are not present.

They need to be for this to be a proper start menu item. Many users will be adding the start menu item in the dock in order to not need the taskbar with it, there's little point in having both and duplicating. So the start menu buttons needs to be a true full start menu button to enable all of the items the actual start menu gives, such as control panel, documents etc.

There also should be an option to show taskbar docklets not only live running programs, but also backround running items that are shown in the taskbar, such as MSN and the likes, so not to enable not duplicating having 2 taskbars, and instead one for everything. This is very easy to do with an option like "Show All taskbar items in the dock" so then backround MSN, Anti virus etc. entries then show here. This should not need a seperate program, these small improvements and corrections are all thats needed.

4. The recycle bin icon remains on the desktop but is duplicated in the dock so. By default remove the desktop icon to avoid duplication, perhaps have an option to adjust this. Can someone also advise how to rectify this with version 1.1, thankyou.

5. Running indicator for running items is not working for most items. It works for Firefox, but not most other programs and items. Also it should be possible to have the indicator replace the taskbar entry to avoid duplicating un-necessarily in this scenario.

6. This pack ignores some default program settings. It adds IE and Outlook to the dock when theyre are not set as default, not on the desktop before, or even used. The set default internet and mail applications should be provided as per what the user actually uses and has set. Many users have to remove IE and Outlook, then add Firefox and Thunderbird for example, which with Firefox particularly is a painful task with icons, and running task icons.

7. The weather docklet seems to be not working for many people with or without codes. The docklet should find users locations by entering a city or postcode just as with the weather.com online service can do, this should too. This basic functionality is to be expected in the docklet as much as it is online, and many users will simply not know they even have to get a code, or how to get it, and there is little guidance even on that even at present. Furthermore, the site does not clearly even give the code required also. However, upon finding out the correct code it still did not work, I have now tried London, New York and more to no avail, others on the forums seem to be having similar problems, and a problem whereby weather.com finds they're locality with no problem, but the docklet does not even with the code.

I hope these points can be taken seriously, they are noted to try and help, and help Object Dock be more user friendly, achieve more users and happy users, and thus more users of the paid for packs also. Support, comments etc. please, thankyou.
6,346 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Bump. Please review and comment, thankyou.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Bump


That's one fast bump.

Patience grasshopper. Link

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
SoundPackager - Customize the Windows sound scheme
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

1 - This position setting is for use when the taskbar is hidden or on another edge (top, left, right) - I am not sure many people would use a non-tabbed dock sitting on top of the taskbar. ObjectDock Plus has tabbed docks which hide behind the taskbar, with just a tab showing which can then be clicked or hovered over to invoke dock.

2 - I believe ObjectDock is more of an "overlay" program, and therefore does not operate at the "Desktop" level, which it would need to do to prohibit icons from being placed in it's area. Especially if you are using the dynamically changed dock size when showing running tasks.

3 - The Start Menu item is actually for invoking "All Programs" - which it does by showing the Program folders in the accounts. It could probably be renamed to avoid confusion. The Start Menu can be toggled on/off by pressing either the "Win-Key" or "Ctrl+Esc" if you need access without the taskbar showing.

ObjectDock Plus allows you to show the notification area (AKA the "System Tray") on the right-side of the taskbar, where your AV, Firewall, Messenger icons, etc. are displayed.

4 - Not sure what you need here. You can use "Tweak UI" to hide the "Recycle Bin" icon on the desktop, without hiding other icons. Note - the current version of ObjectDock is 1.2.

5 - The running indicators work fine in the 1.2 version I run, so perhaps you are experiencing some sort of bug in 1.1.

6 - Not sure on this one, perhaps it is simply the ".ini" file being written to accommodate the majority of users, who probably just use the included programs. I create my own themes, so set the programs manually, which would not present any difference for me other than to navigate to a different executable as my shortcut link.

Just some feedback until, if at all, a Stardock representative drops by.

If you feel it is important enough, you could send an e-mail to the Stardock support team indicating your thoughts. You may also want to consider updating to version 1.2, if the 1.1 you listed is correct.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Thanks for the comments corky.


1. Your either not understanding the main point, or not responding to it. There is no reason for it to cause un necessary problems for both being on the bottom. To avoid un-necessary problems and at least enable this without problems:

With the taskbar turned off, it should fully replace it right at the bottom (connected with point 3).

With the taskbar on, by default have the dock shift up above the taskbar approx 1cm to avoid the clash.

2. This is pretty bad, and connected with point 1. Users are quite forced really to have the dock on the top first of all presently due to point 1. So with the dock on the top, the user is forced to experience icons, and downloaded files hiding behind the dock, sometimes extremely difficult to see or move. This needs to be fixed.

3. First of all yes it should have always been called programs list or similar, as that is what it is. It is not the start menu and misses most of its functionality. Even just as a programs list it duplicates on the start menu programs list, which actually shows 3 columns, is a little more user friendly, deeming it pointless.

It should be full start menu button, so then the user is not forced to have a taskbar with icons, taskbar entries, and largely the same again at the top (forced also point 1).

In the meantime as a temporary measure, is this possible with Brico Pack Crystal XP, because the information description and screen shot suggests so maybe!????

Having system tray entries in the taskbar really should be in the basic package also for these and other reasons noted here. The user is forced to keep the bottom windows taskbar merely just for the start menu, and system tray. Running programs and program icons are all given by the dock and better, so it is a waste of space.

Users should at least be given this option, afterall it is for those whom really love the dock, it has icons and taskbar entries for runnings items and more, so does most of what the bottom windows taskbar does anyway. It therefore and for other reasons, is not an advanced feature.

So some users will want to really benefit from from the dock and have it or the bottom taskbar, instead of an un necessary mish mash, and duplication.

4. With due respect, your not really responding directly to the point. There is no point in installing a dock with a recycle bin icon if it is not replacing the desktop recycle bin, it is un-necessary duplication and cluttering of the desktop.

5. Working ok now fingers crossed, thanks!

6. Again your not responding directly to the problem. When a user installs another browser and/or mail client, they can set it as default, it then replaces the previous defaults, be they IE and Outlook or otherwise, in the start menu, all internet related files, icons and more.

With ObjectDock this is not the case, it flat out ignores the users setting of internet browser and email client programs, and replaces them with 2 they didnt have in theyre start menu due to defaults being reset, probably didnt have on their desktop, didnt use at all, and were not the programs they used for those tasks.

Not only this, but when a user is forced to manually remove and replace with the proper default programs (say Firefox & Thunderbird) the icons are not set right, the user has to download icons and set them (this applies to taskbar items to such as running browser page entries). This needs to be corrected.

I'll give this topic awhile longer to see what others say, and will then mail the objectdock directly. Thanks.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

diddykong,

Points taken.

Thought must also be given to the fact that this is a 'free' program we are talking about, and is clearly published as 'not supported', so the extra coding and testing you are talking about must be balanced with the companies human resources and projects.

On number 4, I suggest that it would be better to have the option to hide the desktop recycle bin, rather than hide it by default. The reason being that new users would probably be confused or alarmed by the suddenly disappearing desktop recycle bin, and may be more comfortable with an option to hide it after setting up their theme.

I disagree with offering the system tray function with the free version, for the simple fact that the Plus version exists, and therefore must have added value for incentive. The price is low, and if people really want the extra features, they can support the software company (just practical business sense). They probably pick up more sales this way, instead of providing all the content and functionality the public wants in the free version and thus allowing the Plus version to die and lose that revenue.

I do agree with the Internet Browser and E-Mail handler issue, and would love to see that one changed, due to many users choosing the alternative programs to MS products. I am not a coder, so I do not know if this is possible with the current ".ini" configuration files, or if something like XML has to be used.

I believe you have some valid points.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Thanks Corky

For sure its a free program I have the utmost respect for that and efforts etc. I actually contribute and volunteer upto 10 hours a week to Firefox related activities, mainly being on a team working on a new SpreadFirefox.com, and soon to be on the panels there. So I have full experience with free projects, people contributing out of their free time. I give feedback to try and help, and probably wouldnt bother spending so much time if it was a different case.

I hope a dev, or some other people comment. Is a full start menu, and system tray possible with Brico pack Crystal XP; http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.117.htm - do you know? Becuase the information and screen shots suggest so.

This issue is very important, theres little point in duplicating un-necessarily, I'm giving credit where its due and saying the dock is great, is a 90% replacement for all of the functionality of the windows bottom bar with program icons, program list, clock, running tasks all covered and better but duplicated with the forcing of having both this and the dock. That extra 10% of the full start menu, and the system tray icons is basic, and not advanced, a fundamentally simple, sensible overall thing considering that and the fact it stops the need for 2 bars doing many of the same things and duplicating.

Its almost like the only benefit of the dock with is the the magnifying of icons as you hover over them. Well ok, but why when I have all those icons on the taskbar on the bottom, with a clock, full start menu which your forcing me to keep anyway?

I love the dock, I want it to be a full basic replacement, and these small fundamental things disable that un-necessarily, taking away a huge part of the benefit, realling mish mashing functionality, duplicating, wasting space and more.

I fully understand the plus pack, all of its features are more advanced compared to this so its different. This is fundamental, simple, enabling of full benefits of the dock, and enabling not duplicating functionality and cluttering.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Full Start menu...... ~k~ style ....

http://www.tsoftcentral.com/tools/index.html

Download PresStart > Add a shortcut on the dock, and link to PS.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

This is fundamental, simple, enabling of full benefits of the dock, and enabling not duplicating functionality and cluttering.

I would say you have a case there.

For anyone wanting to replace the taskbar and start menu portion of explorer, ObjectDock would be a viable alternative if the issues you raise were addressed and implemented.

After some thought, I have to agree with your point of view to incorporate the system tray functions, start menu, recycle bin hide option, and the reading of the default Internet browser and E-Mail handler.

As far as the Brico pack goes, I do not think it loads the actual start menu. I installed it about 4 or so months ago, and was not happy with it hacking the system files, so removed it (at which point I saw the extent of the hack) and therefore proceeded with a clean install of XP.

Note - I did not use the YZ Toolbar? component due to having ObjectDock installed, and given the option to use that during installation. It was basically a pack of Vista icons and a background for ObjectDock and used the installed ObjectDock program to implement the theme parts.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
PS, sorry what and where is that? Thanks.

I'm glad you agree on those points corky, I think there is a clear valid case on those on fair assessment all round, it makes sense. Shall I/we wait for a dev or similar to drop by, review this and comment, or email someone and point them over here!? If so who and where?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sorry, I thought it was pretty clear. Follow the http://www.tsoftcentral.com/tools/index.html , and download PresStart. Copy presstart.exe to any folder. Add a shortcut to the dock for presstart.exe.
Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top
Koasati, I downloaded True Launch bar which is linked in the same box, by accident, got it now and its terriffic, thankyou. Here's a couple of screen shots as an example: http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/Ready4UGoods/crystalxpdockstart.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/Ready4UGoods/crystalxpdockstart2.jpg
So the full start menu is possible the work is done, and its freely available already.

This should now be the start menu entry for object dock, there is absolutely no reason for it not to be, the works done, why have a start button that only scrolls programs when theres code here to have that and the full start menu, the codes there to use and encorporate.

This also means the windows taskbar can be ridded of (an option in dock settings to do so even though forced to rely on windows taskbar for these 2 things), as its one of the only remaining functions for it with the object dock. The only other one being system tray items, which is another simple thing which should be included by default so users can have one or the other, not an un-necessary mish mash, bars at the top and bottom, un-necessary clutter, duplication and conflicts.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If so who and where?

You can e-mail to support@stardock.com

The ideas will be passed on as necessary to the right person.

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

Howdy fellas,


  I have another - and for me quite an important - issue with Object Dock (free version), which in time actually caused me to go back to YzDock:


  Putting shortcuts to FILES onto Object Dock does not do me much good because if it happens that these shortcuts reffer to documents of the same application (eg, Excel), only the first file will be openned. In other words: after hitting the shortcut to "file1.xls" (after which it -obviously- opens), clicking the shortcut to "file2.xls" does not do a thing.


  The only way I found that I am able to open "file2.xls" (without having to close excel, of course), was to right-click it and hit open.


  I cannot imagine why this behavior is happening. I am aware of the "having to double-click applications to open them even though they are not running" problem and know that this is simply because of the nature of explorer.exe and the setting which enables only showing the current running instance of an application. I am very surprised, however, that nobody has yet mentioned this problem of Object Dock. So if you happen to have any ideas or the power to look into this issue, PLEASE do. I like Object Dock for its engine superior ot that of YzDock, but if this cannot be solved, Ill be forced to part with it.


  Thank you for listening stay fresh..

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Diddykong, how is the true launch start object different than this one for OD: https://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SID=1&SkinID=2373&LibID=29

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central