My .02 and an actual setup suggestion (not just "theory") using 4 spaces which keeps its simple but powerful.
Spaces and Expose' work together.
The object is to inspire you to re-think how you access your most frequently used apps so you do less clicking, have more room on the desktop but still be able to drag/drop between related apps, and of course always be able to quickly get back to your desktop at any time. And, as noted in recent replies, be able to minimize and get back to that app as quickly as possible, without being hidden.
After enabling Expose' and spaces (including enabling the tiny spaces icon to show up in the launch pad at the top)
Step 1: In Expose' setup set all four corners to "Desktop"
Step 2: In spaces setup create 4 spaces (2 x 2)
Step 3: Populate your most popular 3 apps where you prefer "maximized" or wide windows, one each in the first 3 spaces. Configure this in the spaces setup (use the + key) so each app opens in its respective space every time.
Example (my setup):
Space 1 - Firefox browser
Space 2 - Mail
Space 3 - iCalendar
Space 4 - generic, use this for everything else, i.e. your "normal desktop"
Step 4: Now, make sure all 3 apps listed above are in the task bar (dock) starting from the far left, and drag them so they're in the same order, left to right.
Step 5: Set each app to "Load at login" (right click icon) and also "Keep in dock"
Step 6: Load each app into it's proper space and re-size each as you see fit (if not already there)
Okay, that's all the setup there is.
Now, when you boot or re-login each app will automatically be loaded into its proper space, and sized just the way you left them.
If you click on any of their icons in the task bar (dock), your Mac will automatically "switch" to the proper space and show the app.
Meanwhile, if you simply move the mouse to any corner of any space, the apps in that space will "dock" (move to the left or right, shown as thin bar) which is NOT the same as hidden! This frees up any clutter ONLY in that space and allows you to open other apps, i.e. to drag/drop content between windows. Then simply click on any "docked" area to return its app to its original position and size. Or it's icon in the task bar (dock) to accomplish the same!
And on top of all this, you can use either the many Spaces shortcuts to switch between/rotate amongst spaces OR select a space using the tiny icon in the launch pad at the top. Remember, the fourth space isn't reserved for any specific app, use it for your games, other productivity, finder, etc. Your generic work area. You see, the other 3 spaces are devoted to stuff most important to you, i.e. browsing, checking email and whatever else - with nice large windows. And don't forget you don't have to spend any time moving apps between spaces because the first 3 load automatically at login/boot and the fourth is really your original "desktop".
This overall setup also means you don't have to click as often to minimize (zero click if using corners, actually) and less shortcuts to remember/use.
Folks, this is but one approach of many - I expect people to have variations of this theme in their setup, more or less windows, but you get the idea. Hope this helps someone out there! This is a new way of thinking, and when you're a former Window user, take the time to try this. If you're new to Leopard, but a longtime Mac user, I hope you're inspired! Alot of people don't use new features because there are few examples of how to implement them!
Consider this an example, and some inspiration with very little perspiration (sweat) to set it up !!!
-jim
Spaces and Expose' work together.
The object is to inspire you to re-think how you access your most frequently used apps so you do less clicking, have more room on the desktop but still be able to drag/drop between related apps, and of course always be able to quickly get back to your desktop at any time. And, as noted in recent replies, be able to minimize and get back to that app as quickly as possible, without being hidden.
After enabling Expose' and spaces (including enabling the tiny spaces icon to show up in the launch pad at the top)
Step 1: In Expose' setup set all four corners to "Desktop"
Step 2: In spaces setup create 4 spaces (2 x 2)
Step 3: Populate your most popular 3 apps where you prefer "maximized" or wide windows, one each in the first 3 spaces. Configure this in the spaces setup (use the + key) so each app opens in its respective space every time.
Example (my setup):
Space 1 - Firefox browser
Space 2 - Mail
Space 3 - iCalendar
Space 4 - generic, use this for everything else, i.e. your "normal desktop"
Step 4: Now, make sure all 3 apps listed above are in the task bar (dock) starting from the far left, and drag them so they're in the same order, left to right.
Step 5: Set each app to "Load at login" (right click icon) and also "Keep in dock"
Step 6: Load each app into it's proper space and re-size each as you see fit (if not already there)
Okay, that's all the setup there is.
Now, when you boot or re-login each app will automatically be loaded into its proper space, and sized just the way you left them.
If you click on any of their icons in the task bar (dock), your Mac will automatically "switch" to the proper space and show the app.
Meanwhile, if you simply move the mouse to any corner of any space, the apps in that space will "dock" (move to the left or right, shown as thin bar) which is NOT the same as hidden! This frees up any clutter ONLY in that space and allows you to open other apps, i.e. to drag/drop content between windows. Then simply click on any "docked" area to return its app to its original position and size. Or it's icon in the task bar (dock) to accomplish the same!
And on top of all this, you can use either the many Spaces shortcuts to switch between/rotate amongst spaces OR select a space using the tiny icon in the launch pad at the top. Remember, the fourth space isn't reserved for any specific app, use it for your games, other productivity, finder, etc. Your generic work area. You see, the other 3 spaces are devoted to stuff most important to you, i.e. browsing, checking email and whatever else - with nice large windows. And don't forget you don't have to spend any time moving apps between spaces because the first 3 load automatically at login/boot and the fourth is really your original "desktop".
This overall setup also means you don't have to click as often to minimize (zero click if using corners, actually) and less shortcuts to remember/use.
Folks, this is but one approach of many - I expect people to have variations of this theme in their setup, more or less windows, but you get the idea. Hope this helps someone out there! This is a new way of thinking, and when you're a former Window user, take the time to try this. If you're new to Leopard, but a longtime Mac user, I hope you're inspired! Alot of people don't use new features because there are few examples of how to implement them!
Consider this an example, and some inspiration with very little perspiration (sweat) to set it up !!!
-jim