Multiple Desktops (like *nix) in Windows XP

[The Dancing Peacock]

My buddy and I were talking about how this was a key feature in Linux especially, and I was wondering if there was something that allowed the same functionality in Windows. OT gets more traffic than the OS forum, plus its not really an OS question, strictly speaking.

 

[trmiv]

Power Toys for Windows XP comes with something that does that. Not very full featured, but it does work. I don't really like the way it does it though, so I don't use it myself.

 

[Viper GTS]

I believe litestep has that ability...

Viper GTS

 

[deftron]

trmiv is right....

Desktop Manager allows you to switch between multiple desktops creating more elbow room for those who like to stay organized while pushing the max thread limit.

1. First grab XP PowerToys from microsoft.com (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp)
2. Once installed right click then check: task bar > toolbars > Desktop Manager

You may now view up to four new desktops. I prefer not to have "Shared Desktops" on as it reminds me more of linux (and is cleaner).

Now you may hide the buttons etc. and use Windows key + 1-4 to switch between desktops and Windows key + v to preview

 

[deftron]

Crap...Microsoft took it down...hold up..lemme find it somewhere else

 

[zephyrprime]

There are quite a few shareware programs that do it also.

 

[deftron]

Get Powertoys here ....while you can.

 

[joohang]

FYI, I believe that the multi desktop app has been around with NT 4.0 as well. I recall that it was part of the Resource Kit.

 

[The Dancing Peacock]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll try this out when I get back from work tonight.

 

[peto]

I think nView does that. I don't know, never messed around with it.

 

[Supahfreak]

<< FYI, I believe that the multi desktop app has been around with NT 4.0 as well. I recall that it was part of the Resource Kit. >>



I thought so too.

FreAk

 

[The Dancing Peacock]

<< FYI, I believe that the multi desktop app has been around with NT 4.0 as well. I recall that it was part of the Resource Kit. >>



Where is the resource kit for XP? Is it on the the XP install CD?

 

[deftron]

<<

<< FYI, I believe that the multi desktop app has been around with NT 4.0 as well. I recall that it was part of the Resource Kit. >>



Where is the resource kit for XP? Is it on the the XP install CD? >>



Its not on the XP cd..
Its a seperate program made by Microsoft called Power Toys for XP




LINK

 

[ViRGE]

<< I think nView does that. I don't know, never messed around with it. >>



Yes, Nview does it. I haven't used it myself, but it seems pretty similar to about everything else.

 

[silverpig]

Yeah, I've tried out the windows version... It sucks compared to the linux/X version. In the linux version you can have something like an 8x8 virtual desktop, and then something like 16 (or more, can't even remember but I know it's a ton) of these virtual desktops stacked on top of each other... Pretty kewl IMO. I only ever use 2x2 in one layer though.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

yeah in X you can have something like 16 desktops, and of course you could hack in more if you were really psychotic

i use 2 regularly, one for my browser and the other for irc, gaim, and a couple terminals for whatever. when doing 'work' like html or gimp or something i use a 3rd workspace.

ctrl-right and ctrl-left is what i use to switch between them, its handy as hell

 

[silverpig]

I usually use 4 (2x2)...

1. gkrellm, xmms, licq, mozilla, mozilla mail
2. GIMP
3. xchat, gftp, eterms/xterms etc...
4. might have my mozilla here as 1. gets crowded, but when I have VMWare installed, this is where I run windows.

I used to switch using the pager that comes with enlightenment, but since E keeps messin up on me, I just use the pager in the task bar.

 

[EvilYoda]

I ran PowerToys a couple of installs ago, but does anybody know how much the virtual desktops will slow your system down, or how many resources it takes? Knowing MS.......I'm worried.

 

[Elledan]

I'm running GeoShell instead of explorer.exe. Saves a lot of RAM and gives me some virtual desktops, plus more goodies.

And it doesn't crash

 

[Skyclad1uhm1]

<< I'm running GeoShell instead of explorer.exe. Saves a lot of RAM and gives me some virtual desktops, plus more goodies.

And it doesn't crash >>



Luckily you didn't put up a linky, or people might bother trying it out. *HINT* *HINT*

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

<<

<< I'm running GeoShell instead of explorer.exe. Saves a lot of RAM and gives me some virtual desktops, plus more goodies.

And it doesn't crash >>



Luckily you didn't put up a linky, or people might bother trying it out. *HINT* *HINT* >>


google.com <enter>
geoshell <enter>
click on second link

 

[joohang]

That GeoShell looks pretty darn sweet!

Is there a nice equivalent to that for Linux? (in terms of UI design) I find most KDE themes ugly, but that's just me.

 

[Elledan]

<<

<<

<< I'm running GeoShell instead of explorer.exe. Saves a lot of RAM and gives me some virtual desktops, plus more goodies.

And it doesn't crash >>



Luckily you didn't put up a linky, or people might bother trying it out. *HINT* *HINT* >>


google.com <enter>
geoshell <enter>
click on second link >>

Thanks for pointing out the obvious

For the lazy under us...

 

[Czar]

<< I'm running GeoShell instead of explorer.exe. Saves a lot of RAM and gives me some virtual desktops, plus more goodies.

And it doesn't crash >>


alternative gui to explorer that doesnt crash???? thats not possible, I'v tried them all and I'v always had to reinstall windows to get explorer back.

havent tried geoshell though, and I'm gone because I'm going to install windows again soon anyway

 

[j@cko]

Wow.. this GeoShell does look extremely impressive. I mean it is truly a program for power user... NICE...