How Do I Create a Virtual Screen on My Desktop?

Creating a virtual desktop allows computer users to eliminate clutter on their computer desktop and to compartmentalize their work so that they can more easily switch between applications. There are programs available for most operating systems, including Windows, Apple and Linux, that enable desktop virtualization.

Background

Users running 10 or more software applications on a single desktop can have difficulty switching between them on one monitor. With desktop virtualization programs, a user can set up as many as four different desktop spaces, all running from one machine, that they can view on a single computer monitor. This allows the user to load different sets of applications onto each desktop and view all the active programs at once.

Windows

In 2008, Microsoft introduced a virtual desktop manager for Windows called Desktops. The utility can be installed from a single executable file, and users can switch between desktops using keyboard shortcuts or by clicking on a tray icon. Other program options for Windows include VirtuaWin and Dexpot.

Apple

Apple Mac users have several options for desktop virtualization, including VirtueDesktops, which allows a user to switch between desktops using a flip or cube animation, and Spaces, in which a user can switch between four desktop windows of grouped applications.

Linux

Linux users can choose between Compiz, which offers three-dimensional effects switching between desktops, and Gnome Workspaces, which offers up to 36 virtual desktops.

References

• TechRepublic: How Do I ... Create Multiple Virtual Desktops in Windows?; Jack Wallen; November 2008.
• Apple Support: Mac 101: Using Spaces to organize your windows and applications; December 2009.
• AOL Switched: VirtueDesktops - Virtual desktop switching for you Mac; Jason Clarke; August 2007.
• AOL Switched: Microsoft releases Desktops, new virtual desktop manager; Brad Linder; August 2008.