Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

[Linkmaster]

I've been playing around with different docking systems, and am wondering what other people have done, as well as added input to my own observations and questions.

First, is there any docking system that is made purely for KDE? My first attempted use of the Daisy Dock ended in failure for what I was trying to do. It had poor integration from my personal testing, both on 10.10 and 11.04, but perhaps I was doing it wrong.
Anyways, Daisy didn't work for me like I wished it would, so I installed Docky, and learned to like it. In 10.10 using KDE4.6.2, some of the applications didn't show up on the dock, but it still showed its name, so it worked for me. I liked it for several reasons, one is the auto-hide feature, and I also liked how it would 'bubble' up to enlarge other icons.
Moving on to my next dock, I heard some people talk about Cairo-dock, so I figured that I would give it a try. Its taken a little to get used to, and all the editing boxes look and act like Gnome, which is frustrating because it supposedly has KDE-integration. I'm not sure about that though. I don't have Compiz on my computer, mainly because KWin has yet to fail me. Regardless, Cairo-dock is even more customizable then Docky was, though its awkward to get used to.

Does anyone have input they wish to add for my three docks, as well as any additional docks they have used? If other docks, be sure to include how you got them[I got Daisy through a .tar.gz file, and docky/cairo through the repos.]

[jajaX]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

Hi (sorry for my bad english !)

I use cairo-dock for a long time but somes problems decide me to change for other dock.

I tray Some the others without find nothing.

I finally create other hide panel in front on my screen and add it some icons.

you can see it here.

[kiraitachi]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

I have been using for long time daisy its GREAT with Kubuntu runs smooth and good integration with KDE.

Check at http://kde-look.org/content/show.php...content=102077

[woodsmoke]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

i've tried all of the docks on multiple platforms and distros.

The only one that works all of the time, consistently, everytime is Cairo Dock.

However, given that....one will HAVE to have "3D" video enabled to not have the dreaded "black box" around it.

Cairo-dock will function with or without the black box.

But.... given say....nvidia video cards.... nvidia driver 173 under "extra drivers" will do the deed harmlessly, quickly, and elegantly.

woodsmoke

[arie]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

I have been using for long time daisy its GREAT with Kubuntu runs smooth and good integration with KDE.

Check at http://kde-look.org/content/show.php...content=102077

Nice desktop
What plasma theme is that? And widget at the right side?
I've just installed Kubuntu minutes ago

Sorry for OOT.

[oshunluvr]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

I've tried a few of them. Cairo-dock was the best, but I still had problems with it. Likely, if I'd had more patience with it I could have resolved most of my issues (buggy graphics, transitions not smooth, not working well with my theme, etc.) but I didn't want it enough to warrant my time. Not unlike KDE, Cario has a ton of features and settings so it could take some studying to get right.

I use Enlightenment desktop on some of my computers (via Bodhi Linux) and find the docking features of it to be the best I've even dealt with other than a Mac.

[Linkmaster]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

I have been using for long time daisy its GREAT with Kubuntu runs smooth and good integration with KDE.

Check at http://kde-look.org/content/show.php...content=102077

See, thats a little similar to what I want, I don't particularly like the mac OS X look, but when I tried to play around with it, the dock wouldn't do anything, and it wasn't very custumizable for me
I want it to 'zoom' when something is highlighted, if its possible, because I have docks on the right side of my screen, and its only 576 pixels high I believe, so I need to make them small with a large zoom to fit properly. I have attached an example that I like using Cairo-dock, which is by the way the dock I like the most at the moment. I just wish I could figure out how to change the theme to match my desktop theme, rather then whatever theme its wanting to do. The 'curve' theme also bogs my computer down considerably, so the closest I can use is the '3D-plane' which is nice, but I like the curve more. Any way to get a something similar, continued input is nice, and thank you all for what you've given me so far!

[kiraitachi]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

Linkmaster you should try Daisy as I said, has lots of options to customize, when highlighted the icon grows bigger and jumps when selected, it has also a round dock like
[img width=400 height=400]http://kde-look.org/CONTENT/content-pre2/102077-2.jpg[/img]

It has also lots of options such as how many pixels big you want the icon to be and lots more...and you can place the dock anywere you want since is a PLASMA WIDGET!! its great...honestly tried every dock I could found...and Docky for Ubuntu great (no more with natty) and Daisy for Kubuntu!!! try it out...sure you will enjoy also.

[Linkmaster]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

Alright, I'll bite again. The only way I got used to Cairo-dock[which I forgot my picture, sorry about that] was forcing myself to, so I'll force myself to use Daisy for a few days like I did with Docky, then Cairo. I'll post back with my results!

[kiraitachi]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

Hope you like it as I did waiting for your feedback !!!

[woodsmoke]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

Its just a thought but I think one thing that any casual reader of this thread might take away from it is how often it is that "hardware/software system combinations" really do respond differently to different pieces of software that are "graphics intensive".

In other words, the casual reader that has not tried any of the "docks" and is considering it, might remember first and foremost that whatever one installs with one click can also be UNinstalled with one click and maybe just go through all of the docks until one finds the unique situation of looks/interaction/speed that is optimal for that person's system.

just a thought

woodsmoke

[Linkmaster]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

The dock looks nice, and suits my more simple style, but I'm still having a big difficulty with it: I can't use it if I have a window open. I'll move my mouse to the edge of the screen, and nothing happens, but when I minimize everything, it'll show up. Anyway to work around this?

And @woodsmoke:
That is a great idea, because I know that on my small card, Cairo-dock takes a large strain, while Docky takes a smaller one, and I can't even tell that Daisy dock is around, except when I need it, then it won't show up

[kiraitachi]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

Its just a thought but I think one thing that any casual reader of this thread might take away from it is how often it is that "hardware/software system combinations" really do respond differently to different pieces of software that are "graphics intensive".

In other words, the casual reader that has not tried any of the "docks" and is considering it, might remember first and foremost that whatever one installs with one click can also be UNinstalled with one click and maybe just go through all of the docks until one finds the unique situation of looks/interaction/speed that is optimal for that person's system.

just a thought

woodsmoke

True but me myself did that and trying all out you just bloat Kubuntu with dependencies..and ****..config files...and maybe make it unstable...

Although I always run after I install or Uninstall sudo apt-get autoclean and sudo apt-get autoremove....still I find random old config files of old uninstalled programs..

[kiraitachi]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

The dock looks nice, and suits my more simple style, but I'm still having a big difficulty with it: I can't use it if I have a window open. I'll move my mouse to the edge of the screen, and nothing happens, but when I minimize everything, it'll show up. Anyway to work around this?

And @woodsmoke:
That is a great idea, because I know that on my small card, Cairo-dock takes a large strain, while Docky takes a smaller one, and I can't even tell that Daisy dock is around, except when I need it, then it won't show up

I think there is an option for that where you can specify always stay at top or not or normal layer...play with the config and you will find your way out...THINK that DAYSY is a Plasme Widget..so it has to play with the same rules as Plasma Widgets..and thats a Pro because you have more options to config from the plasma widget add and stuff...

Cheers Kira.

[dequire]

Re: Docks in Kubuntu - ideas and input

I have been using for long time daisy its GREAT with Kubuntu runs smooth and good integration with KDE.

Check at http://kde-look.org/content/show.php...content=102077

According to Daisy's author, the dock will get a total re-write this summer to fix bugs and make it more configurable. This is great news - and if the re-write goes properly, I would love to see this as the default in Kubuntu. Mainly because I like when the Kubuntu dev's improve vanilla KDE when the opportunity arises, as with the excellent Muon package manager, and the (hopeful) integration with Ubuntu One.

Though for most users Daisy is pretty good right now

The link to the dock is in the quote above.