Is there a way to have a task bar (much like the Windows version) on
Mac OSX?  The dock seems to only display the windows that are hiding,
not the open ones on the desktop and I want a convenient way to search
through my open windows.

Okay, you're looking for a Windows style task bar that tabs your
windows at the bottom of the screen. Honestly, my past two years
working as an Apple tech, I havent come across anything specifically
like that. To look for shareware apps, check www.versiontracker.com.
Its the best place to look for  software updates and things of that
nature. Also, note that when you have multiple finder windows or
multiple Internet explorer windows open(other apps as well) there's a
tab in your menu bar up top called "window." If you have, say,
multiple finder windows open, you can just click on that menu
selection and browse through all the available windows. Hope that
helps!
halicarnassus@mac.com

ActionGO! for Mac displays a windows-like taskbar at the bottom of the
screen for users of Mac OS 9.X.  The possibility of creating a Mac OS
X version is "under review".  From my understanding, Mac OS X can run
9.x apps transparently on the OS X desktop.  Whether that extends to
9.x apps being able to "SEE" OS X apps, I'm not sure, but this would
be neccessary for ActionGO! to see running apps.

ZDNet Link:
http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3000-2234-6882410.html

Vendor Link:
http://poweronsoftware.com/

To access the list of open Finder windows click and hold or control
click (hold down the control key while clicking) on the finder icon in
the dock.  All finder windows pop up in a menu above the icon.  This
works in most Mac OS X applications as well.