Flexible dock for Windows
Screenshots
Winstep Nexus is a free dock made for the Windows operating system. A dock is a program that gives you a toolbar based user interface that allows you to access your most critical application easily. The Nexus is customizable to imitate the iOS-style home screen. Also, using the special effects, you can make your computer as different as you want it to be.
Utility and customization combined
The Windows start tab isn’t as customizable as some people want it to be. Also, in some ways, it can be restricting and inefficient. Another issue with it is that it moves at a snail pace at times. Therefore, companies have created docks that can replace the standard menu.
iOS systems come with an integrated dock, and that is how you navigate on Mac. Winstep took the same concept and made it available on Windows while improving it. One thing about it is that it is not available for Linux operating systems.
What is Winstep Nexus Dock?
The WND is designed to be an efficient dock. It can act as a replacement for the standard toolbar and start. This ideal is achieved by the multiple sub docks available. It can be divided as you wish, however it does come with some important distinctions already.
It takes all your open programs and places them into its interface. Also, regularly used applications and essentials like the internet, Bluetooth, and battery life exist within the tab. It is a toolbar replacement. The software also adds some nifty widgets that track your CPU and Ram.
There are various features that make it a viable option for a tab. It comes with things like auto-hide and auto-collapse keeping the traditional aspects. Another thing that it does is works with multiple monitor computer systems enabling you to use it to connect all you are working on in a single place.
It also functions on the basis of internal commands. These controls are based on keyboard shorts that you can use to turn off your computer or put it into hibernate and more. Essentially, it adds a greater degree of control over your computer.
Is Winstep Nexus safe and what are its limitations?
WND is safe. It does not come with any unwanted installation programs. Also, there are no problems with viruses existing within the system to endanger your computer. The company, Winstep, has rigorously tested it with thousands of users.
Overall, the dock is stable. Although it does have a sizable file when compared to others like Rocketjump, it is well optimized. It does put some demands on your CPU when running especially with a lot of customizations. Windows 10 and earlier Microsoft systems are capable of handling the software.
One problem with it is that it has not modernized its interface well. Many of the looks are quite old and unappealing. Of course, it also depends on the users' tastes, but many of the interface designs are from when it first came out.
What features does Nexus have?
WND has plenty of extra features to play around with when using it. It has focused heavily on customization through these options. First off, it has over 19 different skins to use to change up the look.
Individual widgets like the time, battery life, and so on can be exchanged for the various re-skins provided by the app. Apps can also be attached to specific keyed shortcuts, enabling them to be launched or brought to the front of the current process.
The app runs on a drag and drop basis where you can move and rearrange the apps easily. Also, Nexus is the only dock to have the ability to be controlled through the use of a smart remote control. Anyone who uses a home theater will be pleased with this option.
The free version supports only one clock while the pro version has multiple. Even so, this integrated clock can run specific programs when you desire. Another aspect of the clock is the notifications that can be customized to play specific music tracks. Lastly, it can provide reminders for events.
The application also provides support for various files. PNG, ICO, and TIF can be used for the toolbar image customization. You are free to modify the images available in any way you want to. Finally, it also is able to handle all UWP apps unlike Object dock.
There are many more specializations that could be mentioned, but these are the most important ones. To list a few more, you can use special effects for the widgets, live icon reflections, and so on.
What are the alternatives to Winstep Nexus?
The Free version does lack many of the features provided in the Nexus Ultimate Edition. Specifically, with a subscription, you can have shelves, tabs, grid stacks, unlimited clock options, a specialized filter, and more. If you are interested in the most customization possible, you should check out the Ultimate.
RocketDock is quite antiquated, having not been updated since 2008. In comparison to Nexus’s newer models and excellent support for newer versions of Windows, RD falls short when compared. However, RocketDock is simple to use without a lot of customization available, and if you don’t want something feature heavy, it would be a good choice.
Object Dock falls short of Winstep when comparing the number of features available even in the free version. While it does take up a good deal of CPU, it still takes up less than Nexus’s demands. It is not as basic as Rocket Dock, but not as an option focused as Nexus, a middle ground of sorts.
Highly customizable dock
In conclusion, Winstep Nexus Dock has its strengths and its weaknesses. While it has many options available for you to engage with, the amount of CPU it takes up, weakens its position. If you are looking for a more efficient way of engaging with your computer and have a fast PC, this software is one to check out.
The most recent update improved stability, made some changes to fit better with the newest windows updates, and fixed some issues with the weather widget.
