As a matter of fact, it is the dock. Ive always had my setting for the backround the same. it began to occur after I tried to download something from the internet. I dont have a virus protector, and from what I have read on this forum, that shouldnt be the problem anyway. Any suggestions on how to stop thye dock from pausing. It will usually stay stuck unless I click on the toolbar at the top. (the one with the apple icon) I can pretty much be sure that the the dock will get stuck if I drag the mouse over it while its starting up also. Is that normal? Your responses are greatly appreciated. Im trying to get the hang of this laptop little by little.