Do you use the Workspace Switcher?

[Kerberos]

You know the 4 clickable desktops in the bottom right? I personally never use it. I've seen them for Windows too but personally I've never really found a use. I'm just curious how many people here use it as its pretty much on every distro I have seen.

[fng]

I have 7+ workspaces
1 for every app i run
I never minimize, just switch workspace.

[Brunellus]

You know the 4 clickable desktops in the bottom right? I personally never use it. I've seen them for Windows too but personally I've never really found a use. I'm just curious how many people here use it as its pretty much on every distro I have seen.

Do I *ever*!

The ability to have multiple workspaces open at any one time is one of the greatest things about Linux desktop environments in general.

Generally, #1 will be a browser and associated internet stuff; #2 will be grip and associated audio ripping stuff; #3 will be chats; #4 will be graphics.

I stay busy!

[KageKeeper]

Oh yes I use them!

I like to stay organized so I keep various programs grouped on their own workspace... :grin:

[weasel fierce]

If Im copying files or downloading something, I'll usually just switch to another space, to avoid clutter.

Never used more than 2 though, I think

[Brunellus]

If Im copying files or downloading something, I'll usually just switch to another space, to avoid clutter.

Never used more than 2 though, I think
if you never use more than 2, it might be of benefit to you to run only two virtual desktops. that should free up some RAM.

[macgyver2]

I almost always two workspaces, often three, sometimes four.

However, I usually don't use the actual switcher for switching :), just for seeing what's where. Under Gnome I use brightside (http://home.jesus.ox.ac.uk/%7Eecatmur/brightside/) (available in universe).

[super]

in the words of napoleon dynamite:

'HECK YEAH!!' :-P

i use the virtual consoles too.

[qalimas]

You know the 4 clickable desktops in the bottom right? I personally never use it. I've seen them for Windows too but personally I've never really found a use. I'm just curious how many people here use it as its pretty much on every distro I have seen.
I use them all the time :D

[Brunellus]

in the words of napoleon dynamite:

'HECK YEAH!!' :-P

i use the virtual consoles too.
Virtual consoles=awesome.

I use the virtual console most when I need to sit down at my mother's computer (which I've installed ubuntu on), either for maintenance or just to check something really quickly. I'm up and running instantly, where a graphical login would have taken me ages by comparison.

Nobody else in the house has learned the trick yet. but I'll have to be better at logging otu when I'm done...

[bored2k]

Of course. They have taught the precious art of never minimizing nor using tiles. For this reason I go nuts when I have to boot Windows. They're just awsome.

[aysiu]

I don't really multi-task that much. I may have Rhythmbox, Thunderbird, and Firefox open at any given time, but that's it. If I had forty apps open, I might use the multiple workspaces. Otherwise, no.

[Kyral]

I use multiple desktops, but not the workspace switcher, why? Because I have mapped the switching actions (move to left workspace, move to right workspace) onto the Windows Keys on my keyboard. TAKE THAT MS!!

[poofyhairguy]

I use it. In one I'll put Firefox (with the Ubuntu forum in it). In another I
ll put Openoffice writer. In another I put a Firefox where I am looking for sources for the OpenOffice writer doc (work). In the last I put a terminal with xcompmgr running because I love its effect but I like to be able to easily turn it off when playing video files.

[jerome bettis]

this is the best feature ever.

when i'm just messing around i don't really use it, but when i'm doing work it's my favorite thing in the world. i keep a terminal on #1, gvim on #2, firefox & thunderbird on #3, and misc crap like my buddy list, mp3 player, and another terminal on #4. no minimizing, no fooling around with alt tab etc. really really nice.

[WildTangent]

i generally have firefox browsers in number 1, chat in number 2, and music in number 3

-Wild

[SKLP]

WS 1: Muine, Gossip, Terminal (one or two)
WS 2: Epiphany and maybe a terminal
WS 3&4: Misc apps not so often used, the GIMP etc

[egon spengler]

I actually used to use the feature a lot more when XP was my main os (using either bblean or litestep). For some reason I don't use it as much with ubuntu

[atilasendil]

all who used it wrote and speaking for noobmyself :
I only use one WS shame on me;
hey; I just switched about a month ago and am still a noob (good excuse)
still I believe that I should use all ubuntu and linux have to offer;
and thank you all for explaining how you use the WS changer :-)

[JayCnrs]

Always running apps in multiple WS

WS 1 - Firefox
WS 2 - Thunderbird
WS 3 - Misc Apps
WS 4 - Terminal

When I go to work I miss this feature, at work my Windows WS becomes full of different apps and clutters everything up.

[Stormy Eyes]

You know the 4 clickable desktops in the bottom right? I personally never use it.

Are you kidding me? I'd be friggin' crippled without multiple desktops.

[sapo]

Do I *ever*!

The ability to have multiple workspaces open at any one time is one of the greatest things about Linux desktop environments in general.

Generally, #1 will be a browser and associated internet stuff; #2 will be grip and associated audio ripping stuff; #3 will be chats; #4 will be graphics.

I stay busy!

almost the same here.. i leave the firefox and gaim in one workspace, gedit (php programming) on another, gimp or some image stuff on the other and the 4th i leave blank for running videos or sometimes oppening a cd, dvd or browsing files with nautilus.

Multiple desktops is one of the most usefull linux stuff :grin:

[fng]

WS1 : firefox
WS2 : Thunderbird
WS3 : consoles
WS4 : my real "work"-space. There is mostly an editor open here like bluefish or eclipse or the gimp
WS5 : amarok
WS6 : a console with irssi in screen
WS7 : gaim

[SKLP]

Like I said I personally use it.

But i think it should be removed from ubuntu default since it might confuse inexperienced computer users.

[npaladin2000]

It's great for organizing....before your desktop gets so ful you can't read the taskbar, you can send some of the apps to another desktop (I usually shift my e-mail first, then browsers I have open but are not immediately using).

I almost never start apps on a desktop other than the one I'm using though. I just send them to others after the fact.

[phen]

i shifted applications like you when i was new to linux. i had to get used to this feature. now i use in an organized way and i don't want to miss it!

when i'm on my pc, music is running. so workspace 3 is used by: xmms, a file explorer and a radio website. 1 is used by everything internet. 4 system stuff. 2 the work i'm actually working on :-)

while using windows, one ws had to be enough, so i closed windows when i didnt need them anymore (e.g. minimize xmms, file explorer after making a playlist). now this behaviour changed. my music collection workspace is the best example :-)

didn't know before that i can write so much about workspaces :-)

[poofyhairguy]

But i think it should be removed from ubuntu default since it might confuse inexperienced computer users.

I disagree, (every Windows user I have shown has understood and wanted my virtual dsektops) but I can see your angle.

[TravisNewman]

I DO love grilled cheese, but I had to go with, yes, I do use them.

1. Stuff I'm actively doing (gaim, firefox, etc)
2. X-chat
3. a giant gnome-terminal (until I can figure out some way of having a graphical interface on monitor 1 and a CLI interface on monitor 2 but I'm not holding my breath(
4. Evolution

Just so you know, ctrl+alt+a directional key is the hotkey to switch without the switcher.

[Stormy Eyes]

But i think it should be removed from ubuntu default since it might confuse inexperienced computer users.

Why remove it? If you don't want to use all four workspaces, nobody is forcing you to do so. Why go to the trouble of removing something that works well, is damned useful, and isn't that hard to grasp? It took my wife all of 30 seconds to grok virtual desktops, and she used Windows exclusively until she moved in with me before our marriage.

[TravisNewman]

Also, removing one of the most useful things available because it might confuse someone goes against the spirit of open source about as much as coveting thy neighbor's ass goes against the Bible.

[aragorn2909]

Can't imagine how I did without it in windows for all those years. Maximize? Minimize? Forget it, just change WS.

[poofyhairguy]

This is a funny thing because I have been asking myself recently "how much do I need virtual desktops?" I ask this because the E17 version of Enlightened Gnome does noot work with Gnome's pager. It has its own, but the tool is covered by the nautilus desktop (that I could get rid of but I like a lot). So I think.....do I really need them....the inner debate continues.

[wondering_jew]

I almost always two workspaces, often three, sometimes four.

However, I usually don't use the actual switcher for switching :), just for seeing what's where. Under Gnome I use brightside (http://home.jesus.ox.ac.uk/%7Eecatmur/brightside/) (available in universe).



sweet! I was actually looking through the forums looking for something that would make the workspaces switch when you got to the edge of the screen like it does by default in e17 thanks for mentioning it.

[Ubunted]

I voted that I never use it, but I have to admit, since then I've learned to love it. I rarely have more than 3 or 4 windows open at once and I only really ever use the second desktop to keep Azureus open, but it is most certainly a very nce feature.

[xequence]

I dont use it but maybe I should start... It looks useful.

[manicka]

I use it constantly. Couldn't function properly without it.

[erikpiper]

All the time! In gnomified xfce, I set it to wrap workspaces and I just have to move the mouse to switch!

I use 5 normally.

It's like tabbed browsing. Once you use it, you can't go back! It is the same concept too-

[-Rick-]

Always use them, and miss them when I don't have them(Windows....)

I got 4 of them;
1: Browsing, chat, quick file browsing
2: System admin stuff(updating etc) or School(ooffice)
3: Downloading stuff(klibido)
4: Programming

I hope Mr Ballmer isn't going to patent it when MS copies it ;)

[Leif]

with dual monitors, I use 4 at home. at work, with a single monitor, I use 6. this is one of the sweetest features of linux, and should definitely be there by default.

[racecat]

Yeah, baby! Xfce with 8 workspaces enabled. 4 or 5 are always in use and like most everyone else, I put certain things in certain spaces (Firefox ws1, Mozilla Calendar ws5, monitor ws8, terminal ws2, Rox ws4, etc. - wish I could leave up Synaptic, but it sometimes conflicts with terminal ops. - apt-get).

Love the wrapping cursor and the ability to drag apps. between workspaces.

Bill

[Samuel]

ive just really started to become dependant on them, and tabbed browsing too, feels horrible booting into windows now, soon windows will seem like a bad dream i used to have, atleast it will when i get party poker running under linux ;)

[Orunitia]

First thing I always do on a fresh install is delete the workspace switcher.

[Goober]

No. I like having everything in one place, otherwise, my poor old brain has trouble remembering which workplace what is in, and I gets all manners of confused. I don't do that whole "multitasking" thing, and this workplace switching seems to be what that is all about.

I admit its a cool feature though, if you can multitask.

[PatrickMay16]

Usually when I use Rosegarden, I put that and its windows on an other workspace to reduce clutter. I do this when I'm downloading stuff as well. Some times I do this with conversation windows in GAIM.

[professor_chaos]

Heck yeah,

That way I can hide my all my porn with a click of the button. ;)

Just kidding, I wouldn't hide my porn.

[GoA]

No, I have never found a good reason to use it. It ain't faster to switch workspaces than switching an app. So useless for me. Tryed to learn how to use it but no, it isn't for me so I deleted it.

[poofyhairguy]

On my old iBook wiht an 800x600 screen, its the only way to really multitask.

[cowlip]

I don't use them, I just make my taskbar really big (to 3 rows) and then I'm happy :)

[jeffreyvergara.NET]

workspace switcher is one of the thing I like about in Linux

[drummer]

I use them all the time, Firefox and Gaim in one, Azureus in another, and whatever else in the other two. They're also great for quickly hiding things (like forums when I should be doing homework :P)

[angkor]

I always use 6 workspaces and switch between them using Alt+right / lef arrow or sometimes 3ddesk. I feel confined when I'm at a Windows box with just one desktop.

Give me an hour at my comp and all workspaces will have one or several applications on them.

[Hobbsee]

I use:
1 for chats, including kopete and conversation, and any games i'm playing on the side
2 for "schoolwork" or whatever i'm supposed to be doing.
3 for anything else
4 for email

Of course, I have a shortcut key to switch desktops, so i can quickly hit ctrl+tab when anyone comes in, and it looks like i'm doing work, as they cant see anything else on the taskbar - neat I say! And then, there's another for the screensaver, so they cant look too carefully before I activate it...

[BoyOfDestiny]

Yep. I've moved mine to the top menu, as that's usually where I have the mouse when I'm switching between apps anyway...

At first I didn't use it... but then I tried it and was hooked.

[xmastree]

I just noticed, by accident, that you can switch workspaces by putting the mouse over the workspace switcher, and using the wheel. :D

[psychicdragon]

With xfwm (the Xfce window manager) and some other wm's you can switch desktops by using the mouse-wheel over the desktop. Very useful feature for me.

I'm a virtual desktop addict. I go into withdrawals everytime I have to use WIndows for very long.

[manicka]

I just noticed, by accident, that you can switch workspaces by putting the mouse over the workspace switcher, and using the wheel. :D

nice tip, thanks :)

[Wolki]

I use them all the time.

Shameless plug: If you want to know how to have gnome automatically put windows on certain workspaces, check my Devil's Pie Howto here: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=75749 (warning: very long)

[doclivingston]

1 - whatever I'm actually doing
2 - terminals
3 - email
4 - music
5 - web
6 - azureus, or other downloaders
7 - IM
8 - RSS reader

I don't really miss them that much when using a Mac, because expose is nice - but I get annoyed when I try to use Windows without either.

[mike998]

I only have two workspaces (or desktops).
One is for working, the other is for stuff that doesn't really need to be interactive or is only used once in a while. Beep, Terminal etc is on the "less interactive" desktop.

I wish windows had something that was a little like this that actually worked properly! (Yeah, I know there are power toys and stuff, but it doesn't work too well.)

[ubuntu_demon]

I made 2 rows with 2 workspaces in total.

Most of the time I use 1 workspace. But sometimes it gets too crowded and I start using the second workspace too. I seldom use more than 2 workspaces and I can always adjust the preferences of my workspaces chooser if that situation arises.

[artnay]

I just noticed, by accident, that you can switch workspaces by putting the mouse over the workspace switcher, and using the wheel. :D

Well it's better than just to click the wanted WS. Still I'm getting pissed off always when I use GNOME because one can't change between WSs just by scrolling on the background. Heck, this is supported in KDE, XFCE, fluxbox, god knows what...

I almost never maximize windows (resolution 1400x1050 is quite enough) so I can easily move outside the window and just scroll on the background. If the window is maximized, I can move my mouse to top right corner where Kompose is waiting for some action.

Don't get me started with XP's powertoy WS switcher, it's horrible. So what was the question? Hell yeah I use them! ;)

[hazen]

I use multiple workspaces all the time, but I've just started using Ubuntu and can't figure out how to get the keyboard shortcut for workspace cycle to "wrap" from last workspace to the first one or vice versa. Anyhow know how to set that up? Which window manager past Gnome would allow me to do this?

Thanks!

[bruce89]

I use multiple workspaces all the time, but I've just started using Ubuntu and can't figure out how to get the keyboard shortcut for workspace cycle to "wrap" from last workspace to the first one or vice versa. Anyhow know how to set that up? Which window manager past Gnome would allow me to do this?

Thanks!
Compiz is the only one that does that I think.

[23meg]

Compiz is the only one that does that I think.
Metacity lets you assign keyboard shortcuts to switch workspaces (and more); System / Preferences / Keyboard Shortcuts.

[beercz]

Absolutely - sometimes up to 16 (although I am currently using 8 ). I ssh into several machines at the same time, so I tend to have one workspace for each connection :-)

[hazen]

Metacity lets you assign keyboard shortcuts to switch workspaces (and more); System / Preferences / Keyboard Shortcuts.

Right, but the question is about "wrapping" of workspaces, not just setting the keyboard shortcut. If I look at those keyboard shortcuts, the names of the relevant shortcuts are "Switch to workspace on the (right | left | top | bottom)". But I'm not sure where to look for an option specifying behavior when I try to "go left past left-most workspace".

[bruce89]

Right, but the question is about "wrapping" of workspaces, not just setting the keyboard shortcut. If I look at those keyboard shortcuts, the names of the relevant shortcuts are "Switch to workspace on the (right | left | top | bottom)". But I'm not sure where to look for an option specifying behavior when I try to "go left past left-most workspace".
Again, that is Compiz/XGL.

It reminds me of the silly nautilus bug where if you press right from a icon on the right of the screen, it doesn't wrap on to the next line.

[GarethMB]

When i'm working and productivity/organisation counts i use it.

[23meg]

Right, but the question is about "wrapping" of workspaces, not just setting the keyboard shortcut. If I look at those keyboard shortcuts, the names of the relevant shortcuts are "Switch to workspace on the (right | left | top | bottom)". But I'm not sure where to look for an option specifying behavior when I try to "go left past left-most workspace".
Sorry for misreading; that's probably a workspace switcher applet matter rather than a Metacity matter. A search on the gnomesupport.org forums may reveal more info.

[sharkboy]

Are you kidding me? I'd be friggin' crippled without multiple desktops.

That's exactly how I feel too -- how can anyone *not* use this wonderful feature?

[Phlosten]

I cannot stand using Windows now that I am used to the Workspace feature. I use anything up to 12 at most times, and because Linux is so wonderful there is no resource problem with having lots of apps open and spread out over the workspaces.

[Randomskk]

Heh, I only use multiple desktops so I can clear the screen if I want to show someone the wallpaper. Besides that, minimising works fine for me, so alt-tab to the program I want is just as good as windowskey-tab to the desktop I want.

It helps that I have two screens; dual head; on the first screen I get web, email, Quanta, aKregator and when I need it, KWord. On the second screen, Konversation, Kopete, amaroK, skype.

I suppose you can kinda compare having two virtual desktops to having two screens, and having two screens is probably why I don't bother with virtual desktops.

edit to say:
I use yaKuake DAILY, it is a godsend. I now never use an actual terminal, since I have one drop down at a keystroke.
I have it autostart on both screens, so if I ever need a console I hit F12 and I've got one, and I can have tabs in it if I want multiple terminals. Damn that program is useful.

[eriqk]

I like how it allows me to organize stuff.
Usually, it's something like this:
1 - Firefox, Gaim, BMP
2 - Thunderbird
3 - Couple of terminals, Rox
4 - Whatever else

Or:
1 - Firefox, Gaim, BMP
2 - Bluefish
3 - Inkscape
4 - Gimp

Groet, Erik

[tageiru]

I would be lost without virtual desktops. I use the following layout:

1. System stuff, loads of gnome-terminals
2. Internet related stuff, epiphany, evolution...
3. Media, totem, rhythmbox
4. Work, mainly gvim, eclipse, abiword, gnumeric...

Also, Benjamin Otte has some nice changes (http://www.advogato.org/person/company/diary.html?start=24) for the workspace switcher that will be included in GNOME 2.16

[Kimm]

I generealy use Workspaces if I'm reading a tutorial and working at the same time.

The GIMP usually getts its own workspace, and when I'm building something I usualy move the terminal to another desktop... to free up space, and avoid closing it by accident.

[pulver]

NO. When I scroll on my desktop so does workspaces. All my workspaces AND all my important application windows! have keybindings/shortcuts set which is great. Use a lot of workspaces and don't care where I "drop" an application window unless I want to group them together. When looking for a window that isn't tagged I middle mouse click on the desktop to get a complete window list of all windows in whatever state (iconified, shaded, etc) on all desktops (ofcourse without stupid submenues), or use a keybinding for that when can't or don't want to use the mouse. With keybindings for all window operations, I can work faster on the desktop and don't have to wave my arm like a propeller to do stupid things the computer/window manager should do for me, like the average windows user.

[Luffield]

I voted "no" back in October, but since then I started using multiple workspaces and I find this option very usable.

[poofyhairguy]

Now that I have XGL I switch workspaces for fun.

Nothing cheers me up by XGL.

[CronoDekar]

Sure do. Usually I just use the first two though:

W1: Opera, XChat, and a terminal -- all open. This is what I spend most of my time in. Besides the terminal, it's rather similar to my Windows desktop.
W2: System Monitor, Nautilus in my home directory, and typically a "notepad" file. Usually will change to this one when I'm doing maintenance with a lot of windows open or when I want to get to something on the Desktop quickly.
W3: Personal stuff.


I just noticed, by accident, that you can switch workspaces by putting the mouse over the workspace switcher, and using the wheel. :D

That also works with other items on the taskbar :)

[jpkotta]

All the time.

I use fvwm, which offers both virtual desktops and multipage desktops. I have 4 desktops, and each is 2x2 pages, with each page the size of a screen. I use each desktop for a different high level task (rarely more than 4), and new pages get used as the current ones fill up. Most times there is less than one window on each page.

Now imagine the shock I experienced with going back to Windows for a job this summer. I have about 20 windows open with only one place to put them. The fact that I can only use IE makes it even worse because I have to have a new window for every web page. It is so cluttered and hard to use I can't stand it. I hate that "group by tasks" setting too, because it doesn't group by tasks, it groups by program. All the IE windows are in the same task bar icon, even though they may be completely unrelated.

I have to say that one desktop is the most annoying aspect of Windows. Why don't they have multiple desktops? Is it because it is perceived as hard to understand or use?

[Naglfari]

I just figured out how to use Work spaces about a week ago, and already I cannot see how I ever lived without it. I use it ALL the time now :D

[G Morgan]

I have to say that one desktop is the most annoying aspect of Windows. Why don't they have multiple desktops? Is it because it is perceived as hard to understand or use?

Lets be fair they need to get a working OS before they worry about multiple desktops.

Personally I can't live without them. A fabulous feature and one of the OSS movements big plus points.

[Compucore]

I love that lil feature over here ever since I had installed hoary over here. I cannot live without it. Its better than what windows has as defaults and without searching for the application in order to do it like what linux has. And no to be annoyed at winsdows for that. The first is for my word processor and spreadsheets, the second for my internet browser, third for games and the fourth for what ever I want. Someone mentioned seven in total. Where did you get that configuration for it. Is there something in the files somewhere where you can se it up that high?

Compucore

[Wolki]

Someone mentioned seven in total. Where did you get that configuration for it. Is there something in the files somewhere where you can se it up that high?

Right-click on the workspace switcher -> settings -> number of workplaces.

[Compucore]

WOAH!:shock: Way too cool. Man there is a saying there which I truely believe in. You learn something new everyday. And this is totally a good thing. THank you so much Wolki. I really appreciate that little trick on that one. This is oneway of organzing yourself the way you want to on a computer. To each their own way of doing that on which Applications run first and in which workspace.

Compucore

P.S. Happy father's day as well if it is already that day where ever you are in this world and if you celebrate it.


Right-click on the workspace switcher -> settings -> number of workplaces.

[CronoDekar]

I have to say that one desktop is the most annoying aspect of Windows. Why don't they have multiple desktops? Is it because it is perceived as hard to understand or use?

Don't think you can on a standard desktop, but with the Nvidia utilities on my system I could set up multiple desktops and switch between them similarly to how I can in Linux. Didn't really use it though.

[weijie90]

i use it to place anjuta and glade in anothe workspace- glade takes up too many windows.

[jpkotta]

Don't think you can on a standard desktop, but with the Nvidia utilities on my system I could set up multiple desktops and switch between them similarly to how I can in Linux. Didn't really use it though.

I have that on my desktop at home. Maybe it's better now, because mine is a couple of years old, but it's painful to use. It was also visually harsh when it switched. All of the windows would flash when it switched desktops.

I just can't understand why this isn't a common feature outside of Unix. I think it's been around since before Linux. Certainly more than a decade.

[FISHERMAN]

My screen is big enough so I can easily have 2 or 3 taskbars. So I don't use the different workspaces.

[vialick]

Mmmmm cheese...

As for the subject, I sometimes do, but generally don't. But I can see myself using it more (just like on OS X how I never used dashboard, but now use it quite a bit...just need a good enough reason)

[Christmas]

I use them almost all the time. I use the first one for any active task I have to make (browsing, editing files, installing etc), the second one for programs that don't integrate into system tray but need to be run for a while (say Linux DC++, downloading windows) and the third one... well this is privilegiated. I only use it for XChat, as I keep my computer running non-stop and XChat doesn't have a default plugin for system tray and I keep it running non-stop. I only have 3 workspaces, that's enough for me.

[Lopsicle]

I use Workspace all the time, usually while eating Grilled Cheese ;)

[foxy123]

using it all the time. I ran devilspie to assign different workspaces for each appliaction. However after switching to compiz I found that devilspie unfortunately does not work with it :(

[sophtpaw]

Love it?!

I NEED Workspace switchers. Understand? I need it. Could imagine life without them. I max each application and switch from desktop to desktop. Cant believe i used to how one window crowded like sardines with all different apps shouting for space

[NewDisciple]

This is one of the best things about Ubuntu. I'm constantly using multiple windows. The first one is my main browser. I use the others for links, terminal or synaptic, word document, music, etc. I have been getting by with 4 but may have to increase that number. This was always such a hassle with windows OS.

[nuvo]

I usually use multiple desktops when programming to make life easier.
I usually have them set up like this:

Desktop 1: Firefox and SCIte
Desktop 2: Terminal
Desktop 3: XMMS for internet radio
Desktop 4: Misc tools


Being able to easily flip from one workspace to another without minimizing or losing applications is great.

[Lunar_Lamp]

I use them all the time. I have them descriptively named as followed:
1 = Email/Organisation - means I have thunderbird and sunbird open
2 = Work - has the windows relevant to work when I am at work
3 = Leisure - kopete, amarok
4 = system - for messing around with my laptop

When needed I add in a few more i.e. when I am working on more than one really distinct thing at work at once, I make an extra workspace and use that also.

On the down side - it makes slacking off at work too easy. Have only work windows open on one workspace, and when people come past, they will see that you only have work-related windows open.

[Rhapsody]

I try to use it as much as I can, but I've run into a problem.

Once I figured out that I could assign different wallpapers to each desktop, that's exactly what I did. I found some wallpapers that fitted my tastes well, and assigned the three best to desktops 2, 3, and 4.

This means I find myself unwilling to put applications onto any of these desktops because I hate covering my new wallpapers with applications! I should probably try to reorganize my system. Maybe make desktop 4 a slideshow of my favourites. But then what do I put on desktops 2 and 3? Decisions, decisions...

[rai4shu2]

I think the real question is how many of us stick the web browser in Workspace/Desktop #1?

[AndyCooll]

I'm in the "Do I *ever*!" category.

As Brunellus said, these are one of the greatest things about Linux. I really miss them when I'm having to use M$ stuff at work

1: Firefox and whatever I'm messing around on
2: A terminal, and any stuff I want to keep an eye on that's running in the background
3: Music
4: Connections to my other networked pc's.

For avoiding clutter and managing my workflow workspace switches are invaluable!

:cool:

[hard_i]

for me :
1. Epiphany/Firefox
2. Music (banshee)
3. Xchat
4. terminal

[dog]

I always use at least 4

1 = swiftfox
2 = thunderbird
3 = file manager
4 = terminal + any other app (qemu, vmware etc)

Now I am using XGL/Compiz I stay with 4

[IYY]

For work, I usually need to have dozens of terminal windows open. It's too confusing if they are all on one screen.

[foxy123]

it's a nice thread. I discovered that one can emulate workspaces on Windows, which I have to use at work with bblean and some other shells. I am going to give it a try. Looking forward to something like this on my WinXP laptop:
http://www.boxshots.org/screenies/3784.jpg

[Gustav]

1. Stuff (mostly a terminal & Emacs)
2. Other stuff that I use for the moment
3. Firefox
4. Thunderbird

I never minimize.

[awakatanka]

Without XGL i use it only a little. but if i have XGL on i use the build in cube of XGL much. I looks cool but also it feels more natural to it that way.

[darkmatter]

be it with compiz/xgl or metacity, I use multiple workspaces (eight atm).. but not the switcher. I just Ctrl+Alt+ <Left or Right> to switch workspaces... or the mousewheel in compiz :)

[missmoondog]

You know the 4 clickable desktops in the bottom right? I personally never use it. I've seen them for Windows too but personally I've never really found a use. I'm just curious how many people here use it as its pretty much on every distro I have seen.


yep, same here. hate icons anywhere down there. windows or linux.

[TeeAhr1]

I do use it all the time, I don't know how I ever got along without it. But I do also like grilled cheese. Especially with a little thin slice of tomato in the middle...

[vr6stress]

with my work machine i have so much stuff running at anyone time i couldn't live with out it...

1. programming programs (bluefish) : browser (firefox)
2. terminals, ssh connections
3. nautilus windows for moving files back and forth between servers (yeah, i'm not great at command line stuff yet and am still a bit dependant on gui's)
4. anything else...

i'm working on weening myself from windows...all i really need is to get my lotus notes mail working in ubuntu and i think i could pretty much never use windows again - that is, if my excell stuff still works - other wise i'll have to move over once a week to put some reports together.

[mackinax]

I use two workspaces (in both Linux and Windows). I have the switcher showing only the current workspace, by name ( A or _B_ ). The 3D desktop changer is a neat gimmick, I hope it gets developed to a more useful state.

[w_r_cromwell]

I use them regularly and I also use the virtual consoles..often with another Xdisplay and four more workspaces on those. It was suggested that you might consider taking those workspaces off if you never use them. That would free up some resources for features that you do use.

Bill

[B0rsuk]

I'd agree yakuake is a godsend if I weren't an atheist. Still, it's great. Now I only use konsole for longer sessions, university asignments etc.

1 - firefox
2 - programs that run in background: bmp-media-player, torrent, wget, apt-get, adept.
3 - Work with OpenOffice, Kate, heavy terminal sessions.
4, 5 - GIMP.

[djmdave]

Until I started using compiz, I could never get used to workspaces, although even with compiz I probably dont use them fully. . I usually have one main workspace and then use the two workspaces either side for background tasks such as music.

I've found that setting the shortcuts to <Control><Alt>LMB and RMB works best for me.

[Wolki]

I just noticed something I didn't know about gnome by accident, and just have to post it cause its so cool...

You know when you have a file on one workspace, and an application or file manager window on another workspace, and you'd like to drag'n'drop that file there? Just drag the file over the workspace and hold it there for a moment; it will switch to that workspace but not cancel your drag so you can drop it where you want.

I knew about holding over an entry in the task list to raise it and over the show dektop button to show the desktop, but this one is new to me and quite useful.

[skull_leader]

WS1: Firefox + stuff that can minimize to the tray
WS2: XChat
WS3: FreeCiv (I spend too much time in this workspace)
WS4: Nicotine

[cleverselfreferentialname]

My love of grilled cheese overcame my support of Workspace Switchage.

[sorin7486]

Boy what a long thread for sutch a simple question...

I use 4 but I named them:
- gneral
- work
- fun
- media

I only use them when I'm working to separate things because I usually have allot of apps running... I've set the shortcuts for each one Alt+1..2..3..4 so that I can switch easly between them.. It's realy useful

[Josh Kurtz]

I've never found a use for them. But I don't usually have much going on. Firefox and Thunderbird sprinkled with an occasional Konsole. I just installed Sunbird today and I had it running while Firefox, T-bird and Konsole were running but that's about as process heavy as I ever get. Crazy, I know..;)

[apollo1900]

Why has this feature been hiding from me before I used Linux?

I would suffer without it.

[BugenhagenXIII]

WS1: Gaim, and whatever I deem to be the "main task" at the moment. (Usually Firefox or Anjuta.)
WS2: Ktorrent
WS3: amaroK
WS4: Only used if things get too hectic in WS1.

[John T. Monkey]

I've got two work spaces because I definately wouldn't use four.

I don't really use them often, though if i have alot of windows open i start using them so my desktop isn't so cluttered. And for some reason, even though I don't use them much I miss them when they aren't there.

[argie]

I use the workspaces lots. I always seem to have too many windows open and workspaces are a godsend.


I've seen them for Windows too but personally I've never really found a use
Really? Where? Do I have to download a program for this? It'd make using my other windows machine so much easier to use. (no Linux GUI starts on it)

[fuscia]

in kde, i use three workspaces, but i prefer to scroll, or ctrl+tab my way through them. i don't like not being able to scroll through the workspaces in gnome.

[SSTwinrova]

Really? Where? Do I have to download a program for this? It'd make using my other windows machine so much easier to use. (no Linux GUI starts on it)
Assuming you're talking about XP, download the "Virtual Desktop Manager" here (3rd from bottom): http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

[foxy123]

Assuming you're talking about XP, download the "Virtual Desktop Manager" here (3rd from bottom): http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

it is painfully slow. I use VirtuaWin, but there are others. Look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_desktop

[em3raldxiii]

I use it all the time, though I still have bad WinXP habits such as minimizing. I'll grow out of it eventually.

One thing I should point out though: For the average user, having a terminal app open on one of your desktops is not necessary, though it's nice to have a terminal quickly available at all times. For this purpose I use Yakuake, which is a drop-down virtual terminal much like the command line when playing Quake or Half-Life. You can even configure it to activate with the ~ key if you so desire. It's available in Universe I think ... or the PLF repository.
sudo apt-get install yakuake It's customizable and resizable (width and height). I'll take a screenshot when I'm at home :D

Otherwise, yes, I use multiple desktops, like others ...

1. Random stuff such as Nautilus & computer administration
2. Opera web browser + other web apps
3. Music (or short videos)
4. Ardour + Jack

And the Yakuake terminal is available at all times in each desktop. I hit F12 and boom, there's my terminal with my entire command history.

Cheers!

[atrus123]

Why would anyone NOT use the workspace switcher? It's just so, completely useful.

[fuscia]

Why would anyone NOT use the workspace switcher? It's just so, completely useful.

i can scroll through the workspaces from anywhere on the desktop. why would i want to use the workspace switcher? or, did you mean why would anyone not use multiple workspaces?

[flaak_monkey]

when i use SuSe i use it alot for my "graphic" doings. Otherwise not to much. Maybe have the 4th as my downloads and 1st for everything else.

[mikeoh]

I religously use them. Having multiple virtual desktops for differents tasks makes working much more productive.
I've tried to Windows power-tools workspace switcher and its very cluncky and slow.

[GuitarHero]

They are the biggest reason i use linux, i love em.

[UltraMathMan]

I use them whenever I have more then one or two apps open, virtual desktops makes it much for me to find things quickly and keep my workspace orgainized. It was one of the first treasures I found when I switched from XP :)

[patrick295767]

You know the 4 clickable desktops in the bottom right? I personally never use it. I've seen them for Windows too but personally I've never really found a use. I'm just curious how many people here use it as its pretty much on every distro I have seen.

try a programs able to do 4 clickable desktops under XP, you'll see how much it'll take ressources compared to Linux !!

==
We Love Linux !

[3rdalbum]

Someone's who has been using Ubuntu for over a year doesn't use the virtual desktops? Oh my hugh!

I usually use two, but sometimes I use three (the third for my music player) and I can think of situations where I'd use four.

My advice is: Start conciously thinking about using them, and then you'll appreciate how handy they are.

[patrick295767]

Someone's who has been using Ubuntu for over a year doesn't use the virtual desktops? Oh my hugh!

I usually use two, but sometimes I use three (the third for my music player) and I can think of situations where I'd use four.

My advice is: Start conciously thinking about using them, and then you'll appreciate how handy they are.

If I hadnt my hotkeys to switch to my 6 desktops, I wouldnt use them so much.
Isnt it same for you ?

[em3raldxiii]

I recently installed compriz + xgl - wow. I set it to rotate the cube to the left & right just by moving my mouse to the edge of the screen. Holy crap talk about quick switching. I actually boosted the cube spin speed too so that it switches uber quick. I highly recommend it.

[rko618]

Anybody watch the WWDC keynote today? Steve Jobs introduced Spaces which is essentially the same thing as workspaces in Linux. What annoyed me was that he introduced it like OSX was the first one to ever do this, no mention that it was riped of Linux. And then they go on to say that Vista ripped of OSX because IE7 has an RSS reader...

[AlphaMack]

It is the same thing except for pretty animations. Nothing groundbreaking but try telling that to the Maccies.

[patrick295767]

I recently installed compriz + xgl - wow. I set it to rotate the cube to the left & right just by moving my mouse to the edge of the screen. Holy crap talk about quick switching. I actually boosted the cube spin speed too so that it switches uber quick. I highly recommend it.

Sounds nice !
You have xvidcap video of your screen for that ?

[patrick295767]

Anybody watch the WWDC keynote today? Steve Jobs introduced Spaces which is essentially the same thing as workspaces in Linux. What annoyed me was that he introduced it like OSX was the first one to ever do this, no mention that it was riped of Linux. And then they go on to say that Vista ripped of OSX because IE7 has an RSS reader...

Vista, OSX, Linux, all desktops are going on the rather same way, directions, ... widgets, gl for switching users, multiusers, more beautiful themes, ... but the think is that for enjoying fully of the Windows fe,features, you start to need a super PC with 4 CPU cooled with N2 liquid

Dapper do it & everythg very well !!
MAC too !

[em3raldxiii]

I'm actually at work right now so I don't have any caps ... however, I'll see if I can dig up a cool video for ya. I saw one on youtube I think it was ....

[em3raldxiii]

Here's one:

(a bit choppy) http://youtube.com/watch?v=FTk8xbqsxi4

I saw a better one not too long ago, I'll see if I can find it.

[em3raldxiii]

This is my favorite video of it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vykigxsd0oo&mode=related&search=

[3rdalbum]

Anybody watch the WWDC keynote today? Steve Jobs introduced Spaces which is essentially the same thing as workspaces in Linux. What annoyed me was that he introduced it like OSX was the first one to ever do this, no mention that it was riped of Linux. And then they go on to say that Vista ripped of OSX because IE7 has an RSS reader...

Exactly. I hear that the Konqueror developers are still waiting for Apple's changes to the KHTML code.

But then, let's not forget that one of Compiz's effects is a rip-off of Expose.

[digTro]

I have to say that I don't use it much. Not because I don't like it, but because I hardly have 5-6 windows open when at home. I would really love to have that feature at work, where I use XP and have a minimum of 15 windows open at any time. I've actually seen people drag the taskbar up to show their open windows in three rows, taking up almost 1/5 of the screen space :shock: .

[gummibaerchen]

Not that good imho by default, but when pimping gnome properly and make god use of the deskbar, i got rid of the taskbar.

its faster and more organised now

[BWF89]

I use it but only use 2 of them. I disable the other 2 to save space.

I use 1 for all my active software. And the second for running BOINC and BitTorrent.

[EdThaSlayer]

I love the ideas of these workspaces. I have 6 of them myself. One for each type of app(web browser, instant messenger). Workspaces are the only reason I can stay organized and not be bloated with windows here and there.

[macogw]

I don't use the actual clickable one (I delete that whole panel), but I ctrl alt arrow. Gimp's floaty boxes made me start haha I keep gaim on the first one, then firefox, then xchat

[seijuro]

I have at least 3 going at any given time. Helps from getting too cluttered.

[Parkotron]

I played around with workspaces for a while, but never really liked the feel of it. I've since switched to multiple monitors and have found that much more productive for my needs.

[rolando2424]

I'm always using it :D

I use the first one for the applications that I want to run in the "background" like a console opened with Folding working, then I use the second one as my "primary" desktop.

Then the third one I use to hide the Firefox download window while it's downloading porn or demos or installers :D

The forth one I use only sometimes, when the second and the third one are occupied and I just want to try something and I want a "clean" desktop :D

[Sefrin]

It's a feature that was very new to me, and I really like it. I'm still getting used to it, but can see it becoming a "second nature" sort of thing.

[anaconda]

I dont use the version that is in the panel, but I do use workspaces (9 of them) I have found that they are much nicer if I attach a keboard combination to each workspace.

I couldn't cope without multiple workspaces :D

[RandomJoe]

I have very rarely found much use for them. Once in a great while I'll park some long-running process on another workspace but 99.999% of the time I just use one. But I agree with Parkotron - multi-head is the way to go! :) If not that, at least a very high-res screen. I like keeping everything out in front of me where I can see them.

[Brainfart]

I usually work in one at a time, but I use 4. One's for email, one's for Amarok, two are for working (one per project usually). Sometimes email or Amarok will get bumped if I need another one. Gaim usually hides or gets lost in any of the 4 if I forget to hide it again (I wish it would either move to the current one or switch to the workspace it's on...)

[Dale61]

I use the default 4.

1 for me, 1 for my girlfriend, 1 for emails and the last for everything else.

[shining]

I'm not happy with several workspaces, but I'm not happy with a single one neither (way too small). I guess I just need a bigger workspace, so dual screen, like already mentionned.
It especially annoys me when I'm programming, I want to see 2 big windows in the same time, one for programming, second for documentation.
But even when I'm not, I like to have in the same time one web browser big enough, and next to it, either im, irc or a music player.

[Ek0nomik]

I'm starting to use them. :)

[PartisanEntity]

Yes, I usually have Evolution open on one, Skype and gaim open in another, browsers in a third and then perhaps folders or documents in a fourth.

[floke]

Damn, just voted for the wrong thing!
Meant to vote for a big fat 'Yes' - I thought this was about the switcher in Beryl (always use the 'scale' function).
This is one of the best things about Linux.
Couldn't live without it now.