Color me impressed. ObjectDock Plus 2 combines the best of OS X's and Windows launch features into one interface. The free version, ObjectDock, allows only one dock and is missing several features such as tabbed docks, and the aforementioned docked folders, but is still well worth the download. However, it may prove so addictive that you'll want to buy ObjectDock Plus.

Sins of a Solar Empire may have an awkward title, it may not be the most famous game ever, and it may not have sold billions, but it is -- without question -- one of the best multiplayer real-time strategy games ever made.

Impulse is a solid alternative that provides many of the same functions. Although the game selection and social networking features aren’t as good as Steam’s, Impulse has an advantage – it can be shut off completely, and you can still play the games you purchased. Impulse also has a good selection of obscure indie titles that tend to be less demanding on system resources.