Multiple Desktops on OS X

[timswim78]

I have been a user of Linux and Windows for years, and I recently bought my first Mac for home use (I also use one at work for some projects). One feature that I really enjoy about Windows XP and some Linux window managers (such as Gnome and KDE) is the ability to have multiple desktops running at once. Is such a feature built into OS X 10.4 or slated for version 10.5? I found one third-party application called, “Desktop Manager”, but it is only in the Alpha stages of development and has not been updated 9 months. Are there any other third-party applications that allow for multiple desktops on OS X? To me, it just seems like the feature would fit in very well with Apple’s push to have the best user interface.

 

[ScottB]

Is desktop manager what you're looking for?
http://desktopmanager.berlios.de/
Edit: Sorry you've already found that!
I know there is another, but I deleted it as I had no need for it, sorry.

How about this?
http://virtuedesktops.sourceforge.net/, I think it's quite simular but it's worth a try.

 

[timswim78]

How about this?
http://virtuedesktops.sourceforge.net/, I think it's quite simular but it's worth a try.

Thanks for the link. However, this project also looks dead. I'm surprised that there isn't more interest for this in the OS X community.

 

[Scottyk9]

Despite the fact that it is "in development", I have been using desktop manager for the past year - it is fantastic, and at least for my needs has the feel of a finished product. Is there a specific reason that it does not suit your needs?

There was some talk about an intel version on these threads as well that you might want to explore if you have an intel mac.

 

[timswim78]

Despite the fact that it is "in development", I have been using desktop manager for the past year - it is fantastic, and at least for my needs has the feel of a finished product. Is there a specific reason that it does not suit your needs?

There was some talk about an intel version on these threads as well that you might want to explore if you have an intel mac.

Thanks for the input. I'll give it a try tonight.

 

[Sogo]

there is http://www.yousoftware.com/desktops/ ...The initial price is 34 dollars, but if you just give them your email you will recieve a discount in a couple of weeks that will bring the price down to 9.

i didn't know windows had a desktop manager. Could you possibly share the link?

 

[jdechko]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

It's a free add-on from Microsoft.

 

[timswim78]

there is http://www.yousoftware.com/desktops/ ...The initial price is 34 dollars, but if you just give them your email you will recieve a discount in a couple of weeks that will bring the price down to 9.

i didn't know windows had a desktop manager. Could you possibly share the link?

I've been working with it, and it does everything that I need it to do. Where exactly do I sign up to get the discount. There was one signup link on their Web site, but it kept crashing for me, and I'm not sure if it was the correct link anyway.

 

[Sogo]

I've been working with it, and it does everything that I need it to do. Where exactly do I sign up to get the discount. There was one signup link on their Web site, but it kept crashing for me, and I'm not sure if it was the correct link anyway.

OH im sorry, I honestly don't remember. I think sometime either durring the installation or downloading you are asked for an email address. Look for the little checkbox that askes if you would like to be sent any "special deals."

You wont get it immediatly, but give it a good 3 weeks and you will probably recieve it.

 

[ChrisBrightwell]

Thanks for the link. However, this project also looks dead. I'm surprised that there isn't more interest for this in the OS X community.

For a lot of us, Exposé killed the need for virtual desktops.

 

[timswim78]

For a lot of us, Exposé killed the need for virtual desktops.

Expose is OK when I am working on one project. When I working on multiple projects, that require several windows each, I prefer organize things with multiple desktops.

 

[prostuff1]

There is CodeTek Virtual Desktop Pro and there is also the Lite version. I think you can use one of them free but it only allows you to have like 2 desktops or something.

I'll let you read about the differences cause i am to lazy to type right now

 

[VanNess]

Why not use fast user switching? You can set up each "user" with a name for each desktop or project and set them up however you want.

 

[ChrisBrightwell]

Why not use fast user switching? You can set up each "user" with a name for each desktop or project and set them up however you want.

I could be mistaken, but I believe that FUS is more resource-intensive than many virtual desktops. Also, you can move windows from one user's session to another, whereas you can move windows from one virtual desktop to another with relative ease.

 

[BollywooD]

i just found this last night!

virtue

it seems that virtue development has been taken on by someone new, the build i (0.51r82) have was released about 10 days ago. its great! and highly configurable.

check it out.

 

[Island Dog]

I've been working with it, and it does everything that I need it to do. Where exactly do I sign up to get the discount. There was one signup link on their Web site, but it kept crashing for me, and I'm not sure if it was the correct link anyway.

This is the link, but it's crashing for me also.

http://www.yousoftware.com/contact/optin.php