Good multiple desktop program for Windows XP

[JeffCY]

So I've tried several different multiple desktop programs in the past and haven't found a perfect one for me yet. One of the most important requirements for me is speed. There seems to be two kinds of implementations... one simply hides elements in the taskbar, while the other is true multiple desktop. The only program I've tried that implements true multiple desktop is one called IBDesk (IBDesk.com). This one was close to perfect but had some shortcomings. It doesn't support different wallpapers for different desktops, it doesn't support dragging from one desktop to another, and it also did not display windowblinds skins in other desktops.

Basically I'm looking for something like the KDE implementation of multiple desktop, except for windows. Does anybody know if this exists? Thanks for the help!

 

[DJFuji]

are you talking about multiple desktops on a single monitor? or dual monitor?

 

[JeffreyY]

Single monitor.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Have you tried the MS Desktop Manager (part of the XP Powertoys)?

It's rather simple, and I'm not sure if it will do what you wanting.

 

[JeffreyY]

I've tried it but it only emulates multiple desktop via hiding of taskbar items. =/ I guess it doesn't exist... sigh. Thanks for the input though. =)

 

[Nothinman]

NView with the nVidia drivers isn't too bad, but none are up to par with anything on unix IMO.

 

[cKGunslinger]

I was using DexPot for a while on my machine. Seemed to work well enough, but I don't know if it does everything you want.

 

[JeffCY]

Looks like it has some good features, but it doesn't do it for me because it also implements the hiding of the taskbar items instead of actual separate desktops. Thanks for the reply.

 

[JeffreyY]

Bump. Anybody?

 

[Pandamonium]

I've heard good things about ultramon.

 

[powerMarkymark]

Virtual Desk 1.2 - Virtual Desktop Manager might be what you are after.

linkage

 

[Megatomic]

Is switching to linux out of the question?

 

[JeffCY]

LOL. My friend is a linux user as well, but he is always rebooting to Windows to play games. I game pretty regularly so I'd rather not switch back and forth between 2 operating systems.

 

[drag]

That's easy solution then. Just buy/download games that play in Linux!
http://www.linuxgames.com/
http://www.happypenguin.org/
http://icculus.org/lgfaq/gamelist.php

Or spend just a little bit of money to get most popular Windows-only games running in Linux:
http://www.transgaming.com/

Now Linux transition is difficult from Windows, and Gaming is not up to Window's standard in terms of high profile games. Last time I paid attention 7 out of 10 of the most popular games run in Linux. Some like Ut2003/2004 and quake3/Doom3 have native versions and some are thru the transgaming's WineX/Cedega stuff.

The main difficulty is hardware support. Best Linux gaming machines are made up of Via motherboards with Nvidia video cards and Audigy sound card. ATI cards can work somewhat, some very well, but sometimes are a pain. Nvidia boards work well once you install extra drivers from Nvidia's website for the lan and sound, but Via has better Linux support, especially if you buy the nicer quality boards.

but it's still true that most "hardcore" or serious gamers are going to be stuck with Windows for the time being. It's just easier, more games, and hardware is easier to deal with. But for most everything else....