Hi, and thanks for downloading Dock Manager. Below you will find a list of features and FAQ
about Dock Manager. I know it reads like a novel but please read it, you may actually learn something. =)
What is it?
Dock Manager is a small application that picks up where the Appearance control panel leaves off.
It allows you to completely customize every visual aspect of the Application Switcher dock bar.
It's also handy for setting otherwise unavailable scroll options and the keyboard switching key combination.
And now features the ability to manage your Sherlock plugins. I know there are similar applications
out there, but I feel that mine is the best at what it does.
For people using an international verison of the Mac OS
Dock Manger 1.6.1 is currently incompatable with non-english versions of the Mac OS. I am currently
working on localized versions of Dock Manager.
What are the system requirements?
Mac OS 8.5.x
AppleScript extension
Application Switcher extension
Sherlock
Why does Dock Manager move the Sherlock plugins around?
Okay, here is the deal. Dock Manager simply makes a folder called "All Plugins" in the "Internet Search Sites"
folder located in the System Folder. This is a basis for Dock Manager to work from in creating new search sets.
If you have any aliases floating around your "Internet Search Sites" folder it would be a good idea to delete them and start over using Dock Manager's own plugin management. If you like Dock Manager's features but don't want the Sherlock plugin management there is a version of Dock Manager on my web site without that feature. The URL is http://www.public.iastate.edu/~cosy/dock_manager_lite.sit. If you have futher questions please feel free to write me at cosy@iastate.edu.
How do I edit a Sherlock set?
I'm glad you asked. To add a plugin to a set simply highlight the plugin and drag it into the selected set's list (then let go, of course). To remove a plugin from a set you simply select a plugin from the selected set's list and drag it over the trash can and let go. Don't worry this will only remove the plugin from the selected set, so the next time you want to add it to a set it will still be there.
Where do I need to keep it?
Although Dock Manager looks like a control panel, you may place it wherever
your heart desires. However, I would recommend the Control Panels folder.
"It is the logical location for the computer program captain"
How much does it cost?
Nothing!! But you may send me an email if you would like to express your love of Dock Manager.
Or if you're in a giving mood you could always send me a few bucks. (write me for address.)
When I change some aspects of the dock bar why do arrows appear on it?
Because the dock is too close to the edge of the screen. Simply drag the dock from the edge of the screen.
If the dock doesn't have a title bar to drag, while holding command, drag the dock
away from the edge of the screen.
Why don't the application names show up when I select that option?
There are two things you may do: 1. change the dock's anchor point. To do this simply switch the
"grow from" option on the options tab; 2. move the cursor to the edge of a button (a different cursor
should appear) then drag the edge of the button to the right.
How do I "easily" go back to the original settings before I used Dock Manager?
Load the MacOS 8.5 default settings or simply press control and click within the Dock Manager
window. A contextual menu will appear, then select "Default Settings" at the bottom of the menu.
Note: This will also reset the keyboard switching key combination and the scroll arrows to the original settings.
How do I "uninstall" Dock Manager?
1) Do what I explained in the paragraph above.
2) Run the Dock Manager Uninstaller. Simple enough.
Why does the Appearance control panel launch when I "apply" the scrolling settings?
Because the Appearance control panel handles the way the scroll arrows and scroll thumbs
are displayed not the Application Switcher. I'm working on a "prettier" way of doing this.
Neat little features you may miss.
Dock Manager does support contextual menus and balloon help.
How to get ahold of me for ?'s, comments, or bug reports.
You may email me at: cosy@iastate.edu.
Please write me if you think something should be changed or added to make Dock Manager
better. I am always happy to listen to people's suggestions, after all, this program is made for you.
The newest version of Dock Manager will always be on my web site at: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~cosy/everyday.html
Known Issues
When recalling saved prefs, some radio buttons do not show up in the pressed position.
This is a bug in REALBasic, I've been in contact with them, and they are fixing the problem.
I swear the prefs work! =) If you would like, send me your email address and I'll put you on
a list to send you the updated version.
On tap for future versions of Dock Manager
-fix radio button bug.
-add plugin icons to listboxes.
-add extra info about plugins to editor window
-rework the interface
Special Thanks to...
Will Cosgrove
Corey Peterson
Dave (keyboard switching bug)
Version History.
1.6.1 Fixed the keyboard switching bug that made it so only the tab key cycled through applications after
Dock Manager was lauched. Fixed the bug that would prevent the keyboard switching features to show up as active.
Fixed a bug that would make both radio buttons in the scrolling tab show up after loading saved settings, under some conditions.
1.6 Launch should be much faster. Made a preferences window to enable the faster launch or to reset the dock to
the previously saved location. Re-wrote all of the plugin managing code, it is much faster. No longer switches
to the Finder when delete set is activated. The mail me button now works in the about window. Remade the edit sets functionallity, it is much, much nicer. Various other "tweaks."
1.5 Added the managing of Sherlock search sets. Added the ability to set "almost any" key combination
for keyboard cycling. Created an options menu to activate tabs, also added keyboard shortcuts to
cycle tabs. Numerous other improvements, too many to mention them all.
1.2.1 Added error checking to make sure AppleScript is installed.
1.2 Added a progress indicator when loading saved settings. Added the ability to double-click or
drag icons onto Dock Manager to load saved sets. Various minor improvements.
1.1 Added the ability to save and load settings of your choice.
1.0 Initial Release of Dock Manager
Legal Stuff.
None. This program is distributed "as is" and I am not
responsible for anything it may do to you or your computer.
