Virtual Desktops Double Your Workspace, FREE!
"Virtual Desktops Double Your Workspace, FREE!"
- by Jim Edwards
Virtual desktops make it possible to enjoy the convenience of multiple desktops on your Windows computer screen, without the expense (or hassle) of using a multiple-monitor setup. Long enjoyed by Mac users and Linux fans, virtual desktops recently made it to Windows. Best of all, with free product releases by Microsoft and Source Forge, you can enjoy the advantages of a multiple desktop environment at absolutely no charge.
A virtual desktop program allows you to open multiple desktops and operate different programs on each one. They enable you to group your work and cut down on clutter (and open windows) that often make it difficult to accomplish anything on your computer. For example: on one virtual desktop you might open all your email-related windows, while on another your display your word processor and desktop publishing programs to create a flyer.
The two biggest advantages of operating with multiple virtual desktops: (1) less clutter and (2) greater organization.
Each virtual desktop software I tested gives you at least two different ways to quickly switch between multiple desktops. You either use a series of hot-keys (key combinations such as “ALT” + 1), or you use your mouse with a small clickable widget in your computer’s task bar tray (lower right for most Windows users) to navigate between desktops. Either way, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself switching between your new-found desktop real estate like an old pro.
In fact, the only disadvantage I found in using virtual desktops as opposed to multiple monitors is that you can’t see all your open windows at the same time. But, is that really a disadvantage (since my head would explode looking at 2 or 3 monitors at the same time or trying to organize it all on the same desktop)?
After using a virtual desktop program on my own computer, I found myself falling into a few distinct patterns of use. I found that first thing in the morning I set up one desktop for "communications" with e-mail, instant messaging, news feeds and Skype account. Then, based on what I need to get accomplished during the day, I usually create another desktop for creative work like writing and researching with my word processor, mind mapping software, and other online research tools. Finally, I also create desktops based on specific situation, like when I need to create a video or do a webinar. I can open just the programs I need without cluttering up my mind or my desktop with things I don’t need for the immediate task at hand.
As an aside: you can easily use virtual desktops to hide your unauthorized computer use from your boss if he appears unexpectedly. Just pre-load one of your desktops with spreadsheets and “work” that makes you look like a dedicated employee. Then, when he pokes his head in your door, you can instantly swap over to the “work” desktop with a hot key when he walks by your cubicle! (Okay, maybe this last one’s a little extreme.)
2 Free Options for Windows Users
Desktops v1.0 by MicroSoft -
http://coolsiteweekly.com/virtualdesk2.html
This program runs in your system tray and is super-small in both file size and resources used. It allows up to 4 desktops to operate at a time. I did notice that my mouse scroll wheel did not work on any but the main desktop screen(a minor inconvenience, but still worth noting).
VirtuaWin - The Virtual Desktop Manager -
http://coolsiteweekly.com/virtualdesk1.html
Another free program offered by Source Forge, Virtua-Win allows you to operate up to 9 desktops simultaneously. I couldn’t determine if this software runs on Windows Vista or not (I don’t operate a Vista machine). VirtuaWin is more configurable than the Microsoft Desktops software, offering not only more desktops, but also more options for hot keys to launch and switch between desktops.
Both software packages come free of charge and work with Windows XP. They rate a hard look if you find yourself either wishing you could organize your work better, or if you don’t have the budget or space to allow a multi-monitor setup.
Share Your Thoughts (Currently 20 Comments) »
Imagine…as a die hard Mac user, I thought everyone had this capability! Silly me!
love the new site…pw
Finally, windows caught up with Linux which has had this feature for as long as I can remember. You can have more than 4 desktops on Linux.
I have an IMac and couldn’t figure out the Spaces utility at all, or even why I should. Now that the computer is a year old, and this post has informed me, at last I understand! My desktop is a wreck! I shall set about organizing it immediately. Thanks so much for this information.
I think the information on Jott.com is going to come in handy as well.
Barb
Hey Jim,
For anyone who’s ever had multiple projects to do in their own little ADD world, these Virtual Desktops sounds like the perfect solution.
Abundant blessings this New Year to you and your family, and we’re looking forward to more great info from CoolSitesWeekly.com.
By the way, do we have permission to reprint your articles if we provide a link back to the site? Please advise so that we can help you spread the word.
Best regards,
Ron Schmidt
CEO
The Marketing Consultants Group, LLC 800-705-5356 Ext.77
You bet! In addition, of course, Mac OS X Spaces for Mac users does this as an integrated part of the OS. It’s an essential productivity enhancement!
Amazing! I never thought that resources like this could be available for free. Man..this is gonna make my life so much easier.Thanks Jimbo!!
This looks like a cool tool. I’m using two computers nowand dealing with all the linking stuff.
And I think you have another winner on your hands here, what a great concept for a helpful service (traffic) site.
John
http://makeinternetmarketingmoney.com
Hi Jim,
Recently (like yesterday)I had been creating some videos for my subscribers and a second desktop has made its way to the top of my priorities list.
And what do you know?
Mr Edwards sends me an e-mail on more desktop space… And for free! To boot!
Needless to say as soon as I submit this comment I will be downloading the much needed second desktop.
Thanks Jim, good luck with the site, not that you will need it if you keep producing these type of quality reviews.
All the best for the new year to you and your family.
To your success
Darren
http://wantmoney4real.com
Hey Jim,
More great information from you. I can’t wait to see what else you have to share.
Thanks,
Wayne,
http://www.GiftsAroundTheGlobe.com
Love the multiple desktop idea. Thanks for sussing this out for us Jim!
This should prove very interesting, I already use 2 monitors
Good luck on this new site Jim, I look forward to it, you always have such interesting things to share.
Hello from the UK
This looks like a news letter that is well worth having, informative and crisp in quality.
I’m going to find out if the jott.com thing is global or just is just targeted for the USA but I really like the desktop idea featured in this news letter.
Thankyou Jim
Rick Ellwood
http://cashcreator.instantaffiliatewebsite.com
Hi Jim,
Hey Jim,
I was thinking only yesterday that I had fallen out of using Spaces and that I should fall back in!!!
Now I will do ’spaces’ on the PC too.
Thanks!
Cool Column and a great idea.
I wonder whether Jott will have Euro numbers…
Best,
George
PS Read and commented from my iPhone.
PPS Some typos in the Jott article…
Best,
George
PS Read and commented on this from my iPhone
Hiya Jim
Thank you for alerting me to this fantastic new site. I think it will be very successful because people have a voracious appetite for things that can make their lives simpler.
Technology and software fall into this category in a big way. You just need to look at the popularity of sites like Engadget and Gizmodo.
I’ve never heard of the multiple desktop idea before, PC’s are obviously way behind the Mac. I’m just about to download the ‘virtual win’ option as this gives me up to 9 desktops which I will easily use.
I’ll keep a look out for your weekly update.
John O’Hara
United Kingdom
Unless you have a high end computer you are going to notice a slowdown on your performance.
I’d much rather go for a dual screen setup so you can see what you want with a glance at the other monitor instead of waiting for windoze to switch to your other desktop.
My one desktop is slow enough without adding any virtual ones!
For older computers I’d recommend Linux Xubutu (http://www.xubuntu.org/) instead of any flavor of windows.
Now don’t get me wrong, if you have a dual-core processor, the virtual desktops work great!
Hi Jim.
I just checked this out after receiving your latest newsletter. It looks like an interesting new site so I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed.
I thought that virtual desktops were a standard feature of Windows, though I don’t currently use them. Hmm - I’ve just checked, and the driver software for my embedded nVidia graphics provides this facility. It might well be handy until I get a second or bigger monitor. I’ve followed your lead, and now have an Applications desktop and a Communications desktop. I might have to fit some memory if I’m going to use this feature ‘in anger’.
Keep up the good work,
ColinJ
very good !
Naturally I’m slow and am just finding this site. I installed the windows version but as noted above it slows things down a bit…not a big issue - but I cannot figure out how to exit from it…
Thanks for this great info though.
Terrie
Hi Terrie,
Once you start it up, it stays on for that session until you reboot your computer. Also, if you don’t want to have it load every time you start windows, make sure you right mouse click it and in the options it isn’t set to load every time windows starts.
Jim
Great info and tips on here Jim, keep it up. I hope this site runs as long as your newspaper column did.
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