Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

RocketDock VS Open Shell

Compare RocketDock VS Open Shell and see what are their differences

RocketDock logo RocketDock

RocketDock is a Mac OS X dock clone.

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...
  • RocketDock Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07

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.

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 videos

RocketDock Review

More videos:

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

Open Shell videos

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to RocketDock and Open Shell)
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
57 57%
43% 43
LMS
45 45%
55% 55
OS & Utilities
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing RocketDock and Open Shell, 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

TaskbarX - TaskbarX gives you control over the position of your taskbar icons.