Top Best Linux Docks for 2020

Linux docks are customizable panels that allow for swift access to applications, system monitoring, and management of workspaces. In contrast to Windows or macOS, Linux provides an extensive range of dock options to significantly boost your productivity. This guide delves into the leading dock applications for Linux in 2020, detailing installation methods, configuration settings, performance features, and practical usage tips for various desktop environments.

Grasping the Structure of Linux Docks

Many Linux docks function as independent applications that communicate with your window manager via X11 or Wayland protocols. These docks typically utilize between 20-50MB of RAM and harness compositing effects for animations and transparency. Their primary functions include monitoring open applications, offering quick launchers for commonly used programs, and displaying system information widgets.

Popular docks communicate with desktop environments through D-Bus messaging, which allows them to receive notifications about changes in window states, application launches, and system events. This capability enables features like window previews, notification badges, and real-time icon updates.

Cairo-Dock: The Multifunctional Titan

Cairo-Dock is a standout option among dock solutions for Linux, built on OpenGL and Cairo graphics libraries. It boasts a wide array of customization possibilities and plugin support that compete with proprietary alternatives.

Installation and Initial Configuration

Setting up Cairo-Dock can vary depending on the Linux distribution but generally follows standard package management steps:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install cairo-dock cairo-dock-plug-ins

# Fedora
sudo dnf install cairo-dock cairo-dock-plugins

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S cairo-dock cairo-dock-plug-ins

After installation, launch Cairo-Dock to access its configuration interface:

cairo-dock --configure

Customisation and Settings

The real power of Cairo-Dock lies in its modular plugin architecture. Essential plugins include:

• Taskbar plugin for managing windows
• System Monitor for displaying CPU, RAM, and network stats
• Weather plugin for forecasts based on location
• Quick Browser for navigating the filesystem
• Messaging Menu for email and chat notifications

Tuning performance can be achieved by adjusting OpenGL settings and animation parameters. For systems with less graphic power, you can disable 3D effects:

# Edit ~/.config/cairo-dock/current_theme/cairo-dock.conf
[OpenGL]
use_n_power_of_two_textures = false
always_horizontal = true
max_authorized_width = 1024

Practical Application

Development teams often set up Cairo-Dock with project-specific shortcuts and monitoring widgets. A typical configuration for developers includes terminals, IDEs, browser profiles, and system monitors arranged logically.

Plank: Sleek and Efficient

Plank offers a simple, lightweight dock experience reminiscent of macOS. Originally designed for elementary OS, it prioritizes ease of use and performance over extensive customization options.

Installation Steps

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install plank

# Fedora
sudo dnf install plank

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S plank

Configuration Options

You can manage Plank’s settings via a preferences interface that you access by right-clicking on the dock. The configuration files are found in ~/.config/plank/dock1/ and can be edited directly:

# ~/.config/plank/dock1/settings
[PlankDockPreferences]
Alignment=3
HideMode=0
IconSize=48
Position=0
Theme=Gtk+

Themes can be placed in ~/.local/share/plank/themes/, following a specific structure with SVG icons and CSS styling.

Docky: The Middle Ground

Docky strikes a balance between the complexity of Cairo-Dock and the simplicity of Plank, providing fundamental dock features with reasonable customization options and dependable performance across various desktop environments.

Setup and Configuration

# Installation
sudo apt install docky  # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo dnf install docky  # Fedora

Docky supports multiple docks and helper applications referred to as “docklets.” Some popular docklets include:

• Clock docklet with support for different time zones
• Weather display
• Widgets for system monitoring
• Trash management tools

Performance Analysis and Benchmarking

Dock Application	Memory Usage (MB)	CPU Usage (%)	Startup Time (seconds)	Plugin Support
Cairo-Dock	45-65	2-5	3-5	Extensive
Plank	15-25	1-2	1-2	Limited
Docky	25-35	1-3	2-3	Moderate
Latte Dock	35-50	2-4	2-4	KDE-focused

Latte Dock: Seamless KDE Integration

Latte Dock seamlessly integrates with KDE Plasma environments, featuring advanced functionalities like window previews, application grouping, and dynamic transparency effects.

Installation and Integration with KDE

# KDE Neon/Kubuntu
sudo apt install latte-dock

# Fedora KDE
sudo dnf install latte-dock

# Source Build
git clone https://github.com/KDE/latte-dock.git
cd latte-dock
mkdir build && cd build
cmake .. -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX=/usr
make && sudo make install

Advanced Configuration Options

Latte Dock allows for multiple layouts and in-depth positioning choices. Configuration can be done via GUI settings and manual file edits:

# Example layout settings
[General]
version=2
launchers=file:///usr/share/applications/org.kde.konsole.desktop,applications:firefox.desktop

[Appearance]
animationSpeed=3
backgroundOnlyOnMaximized=false
glowOption=0

Troubleshooting Installation and Common Problems

Several frequent issues can arise with Linux dock installations and settings:

Graphics Driver Compatibility

Docks that leverage OpenGL might face challenges with specific proprietary graphics drivers. To verify OpenGL support, use:

glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"
glxgears  # To check basic OpenGL functionalities

For systems struggling with graphics support, you can disable hardware acceleration:

# Set environment variable
export CAIRO_GL_COMPOSITOR=0
cairo-dock

Conflicts with Desktop Environments

Some desktop environments come with built-in panels that may conflict with external docks. Common resolutions include:

• Turning off default panels in the desktop environment settings
• Adjusting dock positions to prevent overlap
• Setting auto-hide features for conflicting elements

Ensuring Autostart Configuration

It’s essential to ensure that docks start automatically with your desktop sessions:

# Create autostart entry
mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
cat > ~/.config/autostart/cairo-dock.desktop << EOF
[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Exec=cairo-dock
Hidden=false
Display=false
X-GME-Autostart-enabled=true
Name=Cairo-Dock
EOF

Best Practices for Effective Implementation

To achieve successful dock deployment, a few crucial factors need consideration for optimal performance and user engagement.

Managing Resources

Keep an eye on dock resource consumption, especially on systems with limited resources:

# Check dock processes
ps aux | grep -E "(cairo-dock|plank|docky|latte)"
top -p $(pgrep cairo-dock)

Enhance performance by disabling unneeded plugins and scaling down animation complexities for older systems.

Configurations and Migration Backup

Keeping backup copies of your configurations ensures quick recovery in case of issues:

# Backup Cairo-Dock configuration
tar -czf cairo-dock-backup.tar.gz ~/.config/cairo-dock/

# Backup Plank settings
tar -czf plank-backup.tar.gz ~/.config/plank/

Adapting for Multi-Monitor Setups

Set up docks appropriately for environments with multiple monitors, as most docks support separate positioning and size adjustments:

# Identify monitor configurations
xrandr --query
# Set dock position based on the main monitor

Alternative Docking Solutions

Besides popular dock applications, there are specialised options catering to unique needs:

• AWN (Avant Window Navigator): A classic dock with distinctive visual effects
• DockbarX: A taskbar-style dock featuring advanced grouping functions
• Tint2: A minimalist system panel with dock functionalities
• Polybar: A highly flexible status bar tailored for tiling window managers

Development teams can leverage specialized dock setups with specific launchers, tool integrations, and custom monitoring widgets.

server administrators managing GUI systems may benefit from lightweight docks like Plank for rapid access to monitoring tools and terminal applications without straining system resources.

For comprehensive documentation and community support, visit the official project pages: Cairo-Dock GitHub, Plank Launchpad, and Latte Dock KDE.

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