DockBar

The desktop is the place where you start off when Windows is done loading, and is also the place you use to launch files and applications you need. There are various default customization options, but more variety can be obtained by installing third-party alternatives like DockBar, which aim to expand the ways you access files of interest.

A neat advantage is that you don’t need to install the application for it to properly function, which means you can keep it stored on a USB flash drive to use on other computers as well. The only thing you need to look after is the .NET Framework component you find installed by default in modern Windows iterations, since it’s a vital component for DockBar to run.

You might end up scratching your head the first time you run the application, because one of its specialties is stealth, thus hiding on the left side of your screen. This can be changed from the settings menu, but the only alternative to this is to make it appear from the right, and no options to customize location.

The core function is to have the content of a whole directory enlisted in a colored bar that gently slides when detects mouse movement near it. It’s best for the target folder to contain intuitive icons, because names are not shown, and there’s no option to enable this.

Unfortunately, you can only have one folder selected as the source, and running multiple instances of the application is not possible, thus limiting the overall practicality. What’s more, customization options are pretty poor, with the only one being limited to the location of the sliding panel.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that DockBar leaves more to be desired, and doesn’t bring anything new on the block. The speed at which the bar slides in can create frustration, while you’re only limited to the content of a single folder. Customization options are missing almost entirely, and you’re quickly tempted to look for alternatives.