Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

Open Shell VS RocketDock

Compare Open Shell VS RocketDock and see what are their differences

Monitask
Employee Monitoring Software with Screenshots, Internet, Activity and Time Tracking featured
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...

RocketDock logo RocketDock

RocketDock is a Mac OS X dock clone.
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07
  • RocketDock Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

Open Shell features and specs

  • Customization
    Open Shell provides extensive customization options, allowing users to modify the Start menu to fit their preferences, from design to functionality.
  • Familiar Interface
    It offers a classic start menu which is familiar to users of older Windows versions, making it easier for them to navigate.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, it allows for community contributions, making it more transparent and potentially more secure.
  • No Cost
    Open Shell is free to use, providing a cost-effective solution for users who want a different Start menu experience without paying for software.
  • Regular Updates
    The project is fairly well-maintained, receiving updates that add new features and fix potential issues, improving user experience over time.

Possible disadvantages of Open Shell

  • Compatibility Issues
    There could be compatibility problems with certain Windows updates or third-party applications, requiring troubleshooting and fixes.
  • Learning Curve
    While it offers many customization options, new users might find the settings and customization process overwhelming and confusing initially.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, it relies heavily on community support rather than professional customer service, which can be a drawback for users needing prompt assistance.
  • Resource Usage
    Though generally lightweight, Open Shell can consume additional system resources, which might be impactful on less powerful machines.

RocketDock features and specs

  • Customizable Icons
    RocketDock allows users to easily customize icons, providing a personalized look and feel to their dock.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features an intuitive and clean interface that makes it easy for even novice users to navigate and configure their dock.
  • Lightweight
    RocketDock is not resource-intensive, ensuring that it operates smoothly without significantly impacting system performance.
  • Free to Use
    RocketDock is completely free, making it accessible to a wide range of users without any financial barriers.
  • Compatibility
    It is compatible with many Windows operating systems, including older versions like Windows XP and Vista, as well as newer ones.
  • Support for Add-ons
    Users can extend the functionality of RocketDock through various add-ons and plugins, enhancing its capabilities.
  • Minimized Window Support
    RocketDock allows windows to be minimized to the dock, providing a cleaner and more organized desktop environment.

Possible disadvantages of RocketDock

  • Limited Advanced Features
    For power users looking for advanced customization and features, RocketDock may fall short compared to some other dock applications.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users have reported occasional bugs and glitches, which can affect the overall user experience.
  • Development Stopped
    The development of RocketDock has been discontinued, meaning no new features, updates, or official support are available.
  • Compatibility Issues with Newer OS
    As an older application, RocketDock may have compatibility issues with the latest versions of Windows, leading to potential instability.
  • No Built-in Backup
    The application lacks a built-in feature for backing up and restoring custom settings and configurations, which can be inconvenient.

Analysis of Open Shell

Overall verdict

  • Open Shell is considered a good tool for those who desire a more traditional Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions. It is reliable, versatile, and generally well-received by the community for resurrecting the familiar interface from previous Windows iterations.

Why this product is good

  • Open Shell (formerly known as Classic Shell) is appreciated for its ability to bring back the classic Start Menu functionality to Windows, particularly for users who prefer the interface design and usability of older versions of Windows. It provides a customizable menu, various skins, and additional enhancements for the Start Button, File Explorer, and Internet Explorer. The software is lightweight, free, and open source, allowing for a high degree of personalization and adaptability.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer the classic Windows Start Menu.
  • Individuals who are not satisfied with the default Start Menu on newer Windows versions.
  • Users seeking a highly customizable and lightweight menu solution.
  • Technical users who appreciate open-source software and want to tweak their system appearance and functionality.
  • Anyone upgrading from older Windows versions who wants to maintain a consistent user interface experience.

Analysis of RocketDock

Overall verdict

  • RocketDock is generally considered a good tool for users who want an efficient and aesthetically pleasing application launcher for Windows. It's easy to use, lightweight, and versatile, making it a reliable choice for many.

Why this product is good

  • RocketDock is a popular application launcher for Windows that offers a simple and visually appealing way to organize and access your most used programs and files. Its customizable interface allows users to drag and drop icons, choose from many themes, and adjust settings to suit their preferences. With its smooth animations and low impact on system resources, RocketDock provides a seamless user experience. It can also improve your workflow by reducing desktop clutter and providing quick access to resources.

Recommended for

    RocketDock is recommended for Windows users who want to enhance their desktop experience with an intuitive and customizable application launcher. It's particularly useful for those who appreciate visual customization and want quick access to frequently used applications without navigating through multiple menus or desktop clutter.

Open Shell videos

+ Add

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

RocketDock videos

+ Add

RocketDock Review

More videos:

  • Review - Windows Tip: RocketDock Review
  • Review - Review: Software RocketDock

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Shell and RocketDock)

Open Shell

RocketDock

Note Taking
42 42%
Note Taking
58% 58
LMS
52 52%
LMS
48% 48
Productivity
0 0%
Productivity
100% 100
OS & Utilities
100 100%
OS & Utilities
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Open Shell and RocketDock. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Open Shell and RocketDock, you can also consider the following products

Fences - Keep your desktop organized with Fences. This is a simple software program that allows you to sort the tabs on your desktop and create files that are easily recognizable to you.

Classic Shell - Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.

Winstep Nexus - The Winstep Nexus Dock is a FREE* professional dock for Windows. With Nexus, your most frequently used applications are only a mouse click away - and Nexus turns working with your computer into a fun and exciting experience.

Start Menu X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.

Cairo-Dock - Cairo-Dock / GLX-Dock 3. 4 is now available. Cairo-Dock 3. 4 is finally released! One year after the 3.

StartIsBack - StartIsBack returns Windows 10 and Windows 8 a real fully featured start menu and start button, behaving exactly like the ones in Windows 7. It's totally awesome and easy solution for your new Windows woes.

Loading...