My 5 Favorite Open Source Operating Systems That Aren’t Linux<\/strong><\/p>\nFor some people, virtual desktops are a must-use. For others, they are something to try and eventually forget. After all, there are other people who don’t care. <\/p>\n
If you’re part of the last two groups, know that you’re missing out on a feature that can help keep your desktop organized and help you work at a higher level of efficiency. <\/p>\n
I’d like to discuss how these features can be used to help you. I’m not going to talk about this topic specific to any OS or desktop, but in general; This way, everyone can get the most out of virtual desktops and workspaces. <\/p>\n
So, whether you use ChromeOS, Linux, MacOS, or Windows, this is how you use your desktop most efficiently. <\/p>\n
What are virtual desktops? <\/h2>\n
Virtual desktop is a feature found on desktop operating systems that serves as a separate, virtualized workspace, so that users can better organize apps and windows across different screens on the same monitor. <\/p>\n
Think of virtual desktops as a way to use multiple monitors on a single display. Each virtual desktop acts as an independent desktop, allowing you to focus apps on a single task. This is what I mean.<\/p>\n
Too: <\/strong>You Can Use Linux 7.0 on These 7 Distros Today \u2013 Here’s What to Expect<\/strong><\/p>\nLet’s say you use your web browser, email client, Trello, and Slack for work productivity. You can create a desktop dedicated to that. Or maybe you use your web browser and word processor to write. You may also have a collection of games you play. <\/p>\n
To make your life easier, create a workspace for each task and open the corresponding window from that workspace. When you need to do something productive, switch to your productivity workspace. If you need to do some shopping, switch to another one. Then you need to do some work on your latest novel, so you switch to that desktop. <\/p>\n
You can also open one browser window in one workspace, another in a second, and another browser window in a third. Essentially, virtual desktops make it easy for you to combine related apps in a way that makes them easier to find and use.<\/p>\n
But why use virtual desktops when you can go with a multi-monitor setup? First of all \u2013 money. Multiple monitors may cost you a bit of money, and for some, that puts them out of reach. <\/p>\n
Too: <\/strong>How much RAM does Linux really need in 2026? My sweet spot after decades of use<\/strong><\/p>\nThe second reason is space. You may not have room on your desktop (or your lap) for multiple displays. <\/p>\n
Those two options alone make using virtual desktops necessary for some people. <\/p>\n
How to make best use of virtual desktops?<\/h2>\n
I’m going to make this general so it’s not specific to any one operating system. Because of this, I am not going to perform this on any one OS to make sure it is not limited. In other words, these tips should work regardless of operating system. <\/p>\n
1. Create as many DVDs as you need <\/h2>\n
Make it easy on yourself and calculate how many VDs you will need. For example, you might want them to: <\/p>\n
\n- Productivity<\/li>\n
- shopping<\/li>\n
- audio Video<\/li>\n
- creativity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If this is the sum total of your list, it will require four desktops. You already have one by default, so you just need to add three more. <\/p>\n
2. Name your virtual desktop <\/h2>\n
When I first started using virtual desktops, I created them right away and then manually moved my apps to their home. Then I have to try to remember which action was in which vid. <\/p>\n
Also: Goodbye, VirtualBox – I found a better, more reliable VM manager for Linux<\/strong><\/p>\nEventually, I realized the best thing was to name each desktop with its function, so I’d have a virtual desktop named Productivity, one named Shopping, one named Audio\/Visual, one named Creativity, and so on. <\/p>\n
This made it extremely easy for me to know which desktop I needed to work on at any given time. <\/p>\n
3. Know your keyboard shortcuts\/gestures <\/h2>\n
Each OS handles virtual desktop switching differently. You may have one OS\/desktop that allows you to switch VDs using its scroll wheel, while others require something like Super+arrow keys. Still others may have trackpad gestures for switching between desktops. <\/p>\n
Too: <\/strong>I installed this Linux ‘watchdog’ and now my system auto-reboots when locked<\/strong><\/p>\nWhatever OS you use, make sure you know how to easily switch between workspaces. If you use an OS\/desktop that allows you to customize the method, do so, and make sure the keyboard shortcuts are easy to remember and use. <\/p>\n
4. Change your wallpaper <\/h2>\n
Some OS\/desktops allow you to change your wallpaper for each desktop. The reason I do this is that it makes it much easier to know which desktop I’m using. By doing this, I can quickly switch back and forth between desktops and immediately know which one I’m using. This is very helpful, especially when you use the same app (like your web browser) on multiple desktops. <\/p>\n
Also: This great looking Linux distro is different from anything I’ve ever seen in my decades of using it<\/strong><\/p>\nIt didn’t take much for virtual desktops to become an essential feature. I have been working with VD for a very long time, and they never fail to serve me efficiently. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n