What's so good about virtual desktops?

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Do you use virtual desktops?

No
23
66%
Yes, with 2 desktops
3
9%
Yes, with 3 desktops
2
6%
Yes, with 4 desktops
6
17%
Yes, with 5 or more desktops
1
3%
 
Total votes: 35

PB
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What's so good about virtual desktops?

Post by PB »

I just tried out a virtual desktop app after a friend recommended it, but to be
honest I can't see how it would improve my work or efficiency at all. Maybe
I'm just stupid, but what's the point? All the virtual desktop apps I've tried
just seem to hide a bunch of windows and show different windows. I can't
see the point in that. What point am I missing?

The way I work is: I open all the apps I need, and if their windows can be
maximized, they are. Then I just switch between them via the Taskbar or
Alt+Tab. How can a virtual desktop make that any easier? I don't get it.
Quite frankly, it seems to me that a virtual desktop would LOWER my
productivity, because I won't be able to select an app anymore without
switching to the correct desktop first! Someone, please enlighten me. :)
Last edited by PB on Sun Nov 04, 2007 10:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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yoxola
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Post by yoxola »

It's a habit thing, doesn't fit everyone, for myself I often use my desktop and a remote server for boring tasks like encoding/rendering/compressing.

If you used to it you can just use the virtual desktop, however you can also live without it.
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Post by dracflamloc »

most virtual desktops will auto-select the correct desktop when you alt-tab to an application outside of the one you're currently in.
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Post by PB »

Okay, I just found some comments here...

http://lifehacker.com/software/virtual- ... 224671.php

...where MonkeyBoy asked basically the same question as I, and most of the
reponses seem to say that virtual desktops are good for "segmenting" your
work, eg. personal stuff on one desktop, work on another, etc. I suppose
that's okay for at work (like having a boss key) but for home I still fail to
see any real advantages.
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Post by blueznl »

No virtual desktop for me (found out I did not like it) but I do use two screens (and I *love* that)...
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Post by Joakim Christiansen »

If I'm ever on Linux I tend to use them and like them.
I like logic, hence I dislike humans but love computers.
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Post by Trond »

I always use a file manager window and a media player window. If I can have them on a different desktop I save space on the taskbar.

Also, some moronic apps like GIMP makes about 8 taskbar buttons. These can be put on their own desktop. This saves space on the taskbar, and also saves time when switching to the application, since I only need to switch desktop instead of activating all the windows one by one.
Last edited by Trond on Sun Nov 04, 2007 1:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by aaron »

Cruise pr0n in one screen and have legit stuff in the other screen... :lol:
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Post by #NULL »

i used the < MS Virtual Desktop Manager > once and i liked it, but at that time i didn't know the better integrated similar tools on linux for example.
now working on windows i don't use such anymore neither do i miss it or need it.

<OT>
BTW: for the link in my post..
i'm using the "open command window here" quite often.
and the "Alt-Tab Replacement" is usefull too in some situation (i.e. you can discern better the PB-IDE-tab from the PB-Debuggeroutput-tab).
</OT>

and about desktop organization (don't know if you know that link already here in the english forum): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0ODskdEPnQ
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Post by PB »

@aaron: Your avatar makes your comment look extremely funny! :lol:
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Post by freak »

Nothing beats two monitors on the desk. No need for anything virtual :P
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Post by Sparkie »

What freak said +1 :!:
What goes around comes around.

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Post by Rook Zimbabwe »

I used 2 at werk (when I had a job) and 1 was for sourcing and 1 was for email and 1 was for personal (oh wait... i used 4... 1 was for p0r|\|!!!) :D

OK I used 3... 8)

and nothing beats 6 monitors on a desk!!!
http://www.cinemassivedisplays.com/trio_gemini.php
{{sigh}} When is it MY turn to win the lottery??? :cry:

I heard there were even 9 available!!! Security setup or something...

(EDIT) I just found this... OMG!!! 12 monitors... virtual is useless at that point!
http://www.naplestech.com/shopcart/lcd_mounts_main.asp
Last edited by Rook Zimbabwe on Mon Nov 05, 2007 5:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by pdwyer »

Nope, I use virtual systems though, and RDP in to them.

Our office allows us to have more than one 19" monitor if we want and most people do, but I'm happy with one. Must be just narrow minded ;)
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“If you can't explain it to a six-year old you really don't understand it yourself.” - Albert Einstein
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Post by Rook Zimbabwe »

Paul... it all depends on your perspective! 8)
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