virtual desktops

Long-time users of X will likely know about "virtual desktops", the
feature that allows the display to show only a rectagular *selection*
of a virtual desktop; the region selected can be moved smoothly by
"pushing" the cursor to the edge of the screen. This seems to disturb
Windows/Mac users who are used to a fixed desktop but it's a wonderful
feature, especially with small displays such as ultraportables. Add
something like

Virtual 2400 1800

to a Display subsection of the Screen section of xorg.conf to try it
out. Notice how much more flexible and convenient this is than the usual
KDE/GNOME approach of clicking to an *independent* desktop.

The bad news is that the xorg folks have decided to kill virtual
desktops. If you want them to re-consider, please add a comment
supporting the following enhancement request:

https://bugs.freedesktop.org/show_bug.cgi?id=11418

The request is for adding a hook to the X-server code that will allow
window managers and "desktops" to implement virtual desktops easily.
Thanks.

Bob T.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: [opensuse] Re: Who is using Gnome?
    ... There are still virtual desktops like KDE 3.5. ... Switching between virtual ... I think KDE 4.2 might also have support for Gnome/Compiz/Afterstep-style ...
    (SuSE)
  • [kde-linux] Re: Individual Desktop Settings
    ... behavior, workspace behavior, there's an applet virtual desktops. ... On the default, desktops tab, there's a layout ... desktop, there I still have the cashew, and Meta-A opens the Activity panel. ...
    (KDE)
  • Re: OS X Leopard: A beautiful upgrade
    ... desktops are largely useless if one is familiar with the Mac OS 'Hide' ... which sets of apps one wants to use in conjunction with each other at ... Amazing how Peter, who claims to use the feature I believe, needs this ... there are several programs that support virtual desktops on ...
    (comp.sys.mac.advocacy)
  • Re: Ubuntu
    ... KDE and Gnome didn't invent virtual desktops, ... I was using virtual desktops under X11 ...
    (comp.sys.mac.system)
  • Re: A lot of very unhappy Linux user
    ... On Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 4:15 PM, Sergio de Almeida Lenzi ... 200 desktops that are unable to display 3D??? ...
    (GNOME)