Vista Virtual Desktops

I ran across Vista Virtual Desktops today.  If you find your normal desktop gets a little crowded from too many programs open at the same time, give this program a try.

It installs a system tray application that is activated by pressing short-cut keys.  Any application can be sent to one of four virtual windows by pressing Windows-W.  The interface can be switched to any virtual window by toggling Windows-Z or by pressing the Windows key and the corresponding keypad number 1, 2, 3 or 4.

It works quite well even with my two-monitor setup.  The download says it works with Vista or XP.  I haven’t tried it on XP yet.  I will install it on my tablet to test it.  The tablet is the machine I use in class.  The virtual window will be perfect for popping up pre-configured screens at the right time to share with my class.

I never close my email program.  That is a problem because it can interrupt me when I don’t need the distraction.  When I need “solitude” I can open an empty virtual window and work without seeing (or closing) my disruptive email.