Closing programs

Is there a setting anywhere I can use that will force programs closed when I click the red X? I just have never seen the benefit of the X being the same as the - minimize button without showing the program on the dock.

AFAK there is no such setting to do that. Why don't you use "Command + Q"? It is much more easier.

I feel your pain, theonegood. I'm a recent Mac switcher, and I click on the red button out of impulse to close not only the window, but the application as well.

I found a freeware app that kind of solves this. It was on Lifehacker a few months ago. However, it only works with Cocoa-based apps.

Here's a link to the Lifehacker post:
http://lifehacker.com/software/mac-os-x/download-of-the-day-stoplight-mac-202621.php

Hope this helps.