[orca-list] can I customize gnome-shell launcher

[kk <krmane gmail com>]

Dear all,
I am planning to shift back to gnome 3.16 and only one thing is holding 
me back.
I wish to know if there is some thing similar to what Unity offers in 
customizing the left side launcher bar.
Firstly I don't have any way to access the list of favorite (most used ) 
apps like that in Unity by pressing alt+f1.
I don't get any feedback about the apps untill I press ctrl + tab after 
alt+f1 in gnome.
Can any one share a plugin or some configuration tip to make this work 
in gnome like in Unity?
Secondly, can I add or remove those applications in the launcher?
I can't figure this out because I am not able to get at the menu with 
just alt+f1.
I tryed after ctrl tab but I could just get the launcher nothing more 
than navigating through the list.
Happy hacking.
Krishnakant.