The Apple Dock is comparable to the Windows task bar. It holds icons for each open application or document, where the task bar stores minimized windows. The right side of the Dock holds the trash can and shortcuts to most commonly used applications, much like Windows’ quick launch icons.

Positioning
Some users prefer a vertical Dock, while others like a horizontal Dock at the bottom of the screen. To customize the Dock’s position, control-click (hold down the control key while clicking) the Dock’s vertical line. This displays the menu from which you may select different Dock settings, including position and show/hide.

Show/Hide the Dock
If you like to use your full monitor space while working, you may wish to enable the Dock’s show/hide feature. This allows the Dock to “hide” behind your open applications. To “show” the Dock, position your cursor over the edge of the Dock. The Dock pops up only when the cursor stops moving. This is to avoid accidental display if you get the cursor too close to the hidden Dock with no intention of using it. When your cursor touches the Dock and is still for a second, the Dock will appear.

An alternative to using the mouse to display the Dock is using the keyboard shortcut Option + Command + D.

Working with Docked Items
Adding more applications and documents expands the Dock until it reaches the screen’s edge. The Dock automatically resizes the icons to fit the available space. Position your cursor over an item in the Dock to enlarge it and/or view its name. Click the item to open it.

To remove an item from the dock, click and drag it onto the desktop or into the trash can. Note: Don’t drag anything into the trash can that you will need later.