FOSSPicks
System launcher
KSmoothDock
For something that most users don't think about, there's plenty of choice when it comes to the Linux desktop launch panel. While the overall principle hasn't changed since the early days of Windows, its presentation has changed dramatically. This seems mostly thanks to Apple, who for many years did without a dock completely and then introduced a simplified icon-only launcher in Mac OS X. The same launcher then appeared on its iPhone and iPad, cementing the idea of what kind of tools work best when it comes to managing running apps. There are now several Linux launchers that mimic the style of Apple's dock, but none quite get to the same level of integration and refinement as the one you find in macOS. However, KSmoothDock gets very close.
KDE is rather well equipped to handle new docks, because you can often use more than one panel at a time and work with as many as you need until you find a configuration you like. You can even do this with the panels that come by default. The first options KSmoothDock presents to you are where you'd like your new panel to exist and which functions you'd like it to perform, including launch menu, pager, task manager, launchers, and clock. When it appears, it looks and feels very similar to the equivalent macOS dock, complete with fast and efficient zooming, running icons in the lower panel, and configurable opacity. There are even options to control the small and large icon sizes, background color, and whether there's a panel border – none of which you can do on macOS without a hack. It looks and feels fantastic. If you've been after that macOS look and responsiveness, this is perhaps the best we've come across on the Linux desktop.
Project Website
https://store.kde.org/p/1081169/
Text editor
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.