Your desktop provides a limited amount of space. Usually that’s just enough to do one thing at a time. Many times however, these two dimensional limits are way too tight to work productively with layers of open windows.
Increasing the available space, for example by adding a second monitor or installing a virtual desktop manager provides more room for multiple open programs, and can help to stay organized with complex projects. Additionally, more space offers more room for creativity and a unique desktop.
Experience something different and take your desktop for a spin with 360desktop (Windows only).
It is no secret that I LOVE me some SysInternal Tools. I have covered AutoRuns here at MakeUseOf.com and a ton of others over at AskTheAdmin.com.
Since Microsoft bought Sysinternals there have been some really cool new tools. The newest one on the scene is Virtual Desktop Manager. Virtual Desktop Manager might be a foreign concept to Windows users. But those of you loving a flavor of ‘Nix or maybe you are a Ubuntu Fan then you know what I am talking about.
If you constantly find your desktop cluttered and overloaded with programs and browser windows then a virtual desktop manager might be for you. Virtual desktops are handy if you want to keep different tasks and programs separated. They are quite common on Mac and Linux computers. It may take some time but once you get used to using them, they become an essential part of a productive workflow. So if you’re up for it, below are some of the better Windows desktop managers out there:
(1) Dexpot
In the first part of my article, I wrote about mapping Exposé onto your mouse buttons, blocking out distractions while working, using keyboard shortcuts, Sidenote and Spotlight. Now, in the spirit of productivity, let’s just get on with part two!
Having a cluttered workspace takes up precious time when you’re trying to find certain documents which you might have misplaced. The first step in using your time wisely to do work is organization - knowing where everything goes. There are several ways to accomplish this.
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