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October 2009 Featured Software |
| October 2009 Submitted by Dan Delong |
Virtual desktops are well liked by Linux users. Now, for Windows, comes a free virtual desktop manipulator that works flawlessly. Each of the desktops can be further customized as to background, resolution, transparency of each window within, sounds, screensaver and start-up behaviour. Power Toys for XP offers a Virtual Desktop manager (free download) but Dexpot works on all versions of Windows from 95 and later (including Vista 64 bit and Windows 7), and it offers more features. The newest 1.5 version is designed specifically for Windows 7, including a rotating 3D selection interface - once again a familiar feature to many Linux users. Dexpot defaults to a 4-desktop setting. Users may create up to 20 virtual desktops. Navigating between them is pretty intuitive, with choices like: Click on the lower right Desktop Manager icons; Right click on the system tray icon; Click on a preview window; Right click the title bar of an open window. When viewing a summary screen of all desktops (Full Screen Preview), just double click to pick a desktop.
The most convenient feature is the “Right-click on the open window’s title bar” (top bar). Do so and a new Dexpot option menu appears which opens up to a lot of useful options (see images below).
The re-ordering of desktops is as simple as dragging and dropping, from within the “Configure Desktops” menu.  Below is a screen capture showing several Dexpot menus at once.  Notice that one of the options on the System Tray pop-up menu is “Window catalogue”. This is another unique feature in Dexpot. It brings up a catalogue view of all of the windows that are active within that desktop (minimized or not). Just click on an image to bring it to the front as the open and active window. All very slick! System requirements: Platform: Win 95 or later (512 MB RAM) Version: 1.4.2 -- 2009 Price: free for private use ($ 15 commercial use), this version Language: English, German, Download Size: 2 MB Installed Size: 2 MB Rating: Download Site: here |
Not only that, but each desktop can be password protected. Dexpot does not force itself upon the user. Just start it up whenever needed by clicking on the desktop shortcut or selecting from the All Programs menu. High-schoolers love it’s ability to hide their nefarious browsing activities. Eclectics like its ability to clean up their multi-windows work areas.
