Re: tweak UI virtual desktop manager

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

"shegeek72" <sweepster@xxxxxxx> wrote in message news:1134653342.127714.14470@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Vanguard wrote:

> However, now the windows and taskbar of the theme for the second
> desktop are displayed in the first (original) desktop ??

Yep, until you decide to configure Desktop Manager otherwise. 

I tried using a different theme (Windows XP) in the #2 desktop, but
when I switched back to the first desktop (custom theme) the windows
and taskbar from the Win XP theme stayed. I could've probably
configured the #1 desktop windows back to their original design, though
I don't know why I should have to if it's a totally separate desktop,
but I don't know how to change the taskbar. I spent a frustrating hour
trying to get my original desktop back, even uninstalling the DM, but
it was only after I went to a previous restore point that I was able
to.

Maybe I'm missing something . . .

SG



I haven't found the desktop background setting to be stable. Don't know why but one some hosts it works and on others it doesn't (or won't stick for long). It is a powertoy and as such Microsoft doesn't warrant it to be without flaws. The functionality works so you end up switching between virtual desktops but have the same background. Unless you open the exact same windows and place them exactly in the same place, you won't get confused which virtual desktop has what. Plus, there is no significance that one desktop is #1 and another is #2. You might not even use them in order so you are using #4 and #2. You can configure it to show separate quick-switch buttons in its toolbar for each virtual desktop or use the all-window button to show a display of them all to pick which one to switch to. The lack of "sticky" backgrounds does not obviate the function of providing virtual desktops. I don't bother trying to memorize which app is in which window. I just cycle between them to find where I want to be. If you have lots of windows open and distributed across several virtual desktops, you won't remember which virtual desktop has what so just look. Switching is fast and easy.

You will find some programs don't behave correctly. They open modal windows that will display on the screen regardless of which virtual desktop the application has its main windows. That is, an app might have its main window in virtual desktop #1, you are currently in virtual desktop #2, the app opens a new window and it appears in your current virtual desktop #2 instead of back in virtual desktop #1. Sometimes that is okay because you need to be alerted wherever you are but sometimes it can be a nuisance. Hey, it's free. You get what you pay for. I remember the same problem when using ATI's Hydravision virtual desktop manager when I had their video card. I haven't see a freebie one yet that didn't have problems. I remember using Multidesk and abandoned it pretty quick.

Unless you have a need to share buttons in the taskbar for applications across all virtual desktops (i.e., you'll see buttons for apps in other windows which can be confusing but allows easy flipping of an application to move it to a different window), set the option to keep the virtual desktops separate of each other (i.e., uncheck the shared desktops option).

Since you are using Windows XP, you could also use Fast User Switching. Define multiple accounts and use FUS to flip between those accounts which have whatever suite of apps open that you want.


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