From Windows to OS X

The Dock

Windows: Taskbar

OS X: Dock

The closest object in Windows that can compare to the Dock in OS X would be the Windows Taskbar. By default, the Dock is located at the bottom of the Desktop and contains shortcuts to your often used applications. The dock also displays applications that are currently running as well as applications that are minimized. The Trash icon is also located on the Dock.

To add an application icon to the Dock, you simply drag the application icon from the Applications folder onto the Dock. A quick access icon that represents the application is then displayed. To remove an application icon you just drag the icon off and it disappears into a puff of smoke. Keep in mind that the Dock icon is only a representation of the actual application, nothing is moved or removed from your Mac.

The position of the Dock can be changed to either side of the Desktop and can also be resized and made to hide automatically when not in use. The settings to change the Dock are located in System Preferences or from the Apple Menu icon.