A couple days ago, I decided to brush up (relearn from scratch is more accurate) C++ and try to write a couple simple computer games. For the first time since making the switch to Ubuntu, I found myself with more than a couple windows open at a time. I was listening to music, ripping CDs, browsing for code samples, typing my code and compiling all at the same time.
I am madly in love with Linux’ multiple desktops. Right now, I am using 4 desktops. I even named a couple of them.
Now, this isn’t like the crappy multiple desktops in Windows XP Powertoys. That thing should be buried deep in some ocean before it gives birth to all kinds of new profanities.
Linux is magically able to keep track of which program is in which desktop and give you easy access to those programs in a variety of ways.
Right now, I’m using KDE for my desktop environment. I can access any program from my taskbar which I put on the top of the desktop. I can also click on any of the 4 desktops in the little mini-desktop graphic up in that same area. I can right click on the title bar of any application and assign it to any of the other virtual desktops. But, I am now writing epic poems of love and affection because when I click the middle button while hovering over the desktop, it shows me every program that is assigned to a desktop and organizes them by desktop.
I’m switching back and forth between applications at breakneck speed. I’m increasing my productivity. I’m not getting overwhelmed by the clutter of windows on my desktop.
And most importantly, I’m increasing my productivity output…at least until I compile my C++ code.
5 comments ↓
You’ll love Compiz.
I tried using them but didn’t really get into it. I’m not really much of an eye candy guy. I like pretty stuff but I really haven’t found a functional use for some of the things like transparency, wobbly windows, 3d cube, etc.
Is there something else that Compiz does that I am missing?
The cube helps me utilize all of the desktops in Linux. It sounds like it won’t apply to you, but when I open apps I tend to stick in the “Windows” mentality of having only one desktop. With Compiz I am more aware of the other desktops because of the cube, and I use them more.
This is, of course, when it doesn’t crash. Compiz/Beryl tends to crash on me more than Windows 95 did.
I guess I could see that. The cube just makes me dizzy. The animation seemed a little sudden and choppy for my tastes. But then again, I’m 32 going on 80 so I might be a bit old fashioned.
In Compiz Fusion, you might also like the “Expose” feature that zooms out and shows all desktops at once, where you can then move windows around and/or switch to another desktop.
Also there is the Scale plugin (like the Mac’s Expose) that puts a scaled down version of your windows from your workspaces on your desktop to choose from… (I set mine to Scale when I got to a hot corner - then I pick the window I want - EZ!)
Then there are the other task switcher functions, the advantage of them all is that they give you a window preview - there’s the regular switcher, the “ring” switcher (makes it easy to see all open apps), and there’s even switchers that emulate Vista’s Flip 3d or Mac’s Coverflow…
And you can have windows previews on the window list in the taskbar, and the nifty “put” plugin lets you move windows around with a keyboard shortcut.
There are other management features such as the ability to group windows together, and even combine several windows into one (tabbing) - you hover over the titlebar and pick a thumbnail from a list, and the window flips over to show it!
You can also get fancy and set certain windows with certain attributes automatically, for example, say you wanted your buddy list to be on every workspace when you opened it, or certain windows to also be on top, etc… Zoom is nice too, to be able to zoom in (and still interact) with your desktop. Full-screen YouTube - yay!
Even if you turn off most of the features (which you can do), having a “composited” desktop makes for a smoother experience, and gives your graphics card something to do!
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