Microsoft and Workspaces

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I have a very simple question... Why have Microsoft not implemented some kind of viewport/workspace switching into it's OS's like linux and mac?

This is probably the main reason why I just can't use Windows anymore, you just feel so restricted. The 3rd party applications that do this also are just so far behind the linux stuff, and are unreliable, that its not worth it even installing them.

It just really disappointing every time I have to boot into Windows to run an application in there (one that just isn't reliable enough with VM or Wine). I feel so restricted working on a single desktop.

It's not like MS only started making operating systems yesterday, so why do you think they haven't done anything about it yet? You think they afraid that it will look like they copy-catting if they do? I don't really care, come on Microsoft, spend more time developing your OS and less time coding flight simulators.

 

[Arthur]

There's a Virtual Desktop Manager Power Toy from Microsoft to give you four virtual desktops in XP. It's been around for years. And there was one for Win2K before that.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

... The 3rd party applications that do this also are just so far behind the linux stuff, and are unreliable, that its not worth it even installing them...

Extracted from the link:

"Manage up to four desktops from the Windows taskbar with this PowerToy."

Can you drag windows over from one desktop to another and flip between them with the mouse without having to do if from the taskbar?

 

[Tassidar]

There's a Virtual Desktop Manager Power Toy from Microsoft to give you four virtual desktops in XP. It's been around for years. And there was one for Win2K before that.

I tried it briefly, and have to say I was utterly disappointed.

 

[Arthur]

I tried it briefly, and have to say I was utterly disappointed.

Care to elaborate why?

 

[DJNgoma]

I tried it briefly, and have to say I was utterly disappointed.

What about VirtuaWin?

 

[Tassidar]

Care to elaborate why?

Arthur, as I remember, the main thing that irritated me, was that the taskbar was the same across all desktops, rather than having a separate taskbar for each desktop. I found this made window management very clumsy.

It's a while ago since I last used it, so I can't really elaborate too much. I think I only used it for a couple of days.

Perhaps and somewhat ironically, I fell into the trap of expecting it to just be like Linux, rather like Windows users using Linux for the first time.

 

[Tassidar]

What about VirtuaWin?

Thanks, will look into it.