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Virtual desktop tools have been around a long time. They tend to be a good idea that somehow fails in implementation, often because it's just a nuisance to switch between desktops. So we didn't muster a lot of enthusiasm for Dexpot--until we tried it, that is. Yes, it enables you to create totally separate, customized desktops that you can switch between, though it's actually easy to do in Dexpot. But Dexpot offers enough choices to create useful desktops and enough ways to quickly view, change, and configure them to answer our concerns.
Dexpot's system tray icon accesses the program's functions and settings, beginning with the ability to select Desktops 1 through 4 with a click. As we mentioned, Dexpot offers a lot of ways to view your stuff, such as the Windows catalog button that opens a scrolling display of all open windows, four at a time, or the Desktop Manager, a small bar giving instant access to all four choices from the lower right corner. There's even a full-screen preview option that shows all four available desktops grouped together. The Settings sheet contains numerous options for configuring Dexpot's appearance and behavior, while the Configure Desktops wizard made it easy to set up four different looks. But while Dexpot enables individual screensaver, background, and even resolution settings, it goes deeper than appearances with the ability to enter startup commands, enable password protection, play sounds, and other options. A Desktop Rules wizard let us further customize each desktop with specific Conditions and Actions, including the ability to set exclusions.
The true test of virtual desktops is whether you keep using them. But Dexpot has some advantages that could make it indispensable. For instance, the ability to customize your display resolution could come in handy if you like to send video from your computer to your TV but lack multiple output settings. You can set a video-specialized desktop in Dexpot and just click to switch when you're in the mood for a movie. It's also great for families, working at home, gaming, and any situation that calls for a different desktop.
Publisher's Description
From Dexpot:
Dexpot turns your monitor into up to 20 monitor workspaces. Dexpot creates additional workspaces you can quickly switch between. Take, for example, Desktop 1 to listen to your favourite music, surf the web on Desktop 2, use Desktop 3 to handle your daily word processing or switch to Desktop 4 for a game of Solitaire.Different icons, wallpapers, start-ups, and much more can be configured for each desktop.
What's new in this version: Version 1.6.2 Build 2143 adds auto start option for Desktop Slideshow.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 81 votes
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Current version:
5.0 starsout of 1 votes
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My rating:
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"Killer app"
Version: Dexpot 1.6.2 Build 2143
Pros
I finally get the functionality I have come to expect on my Linux box, on those rare occasions when I am forced to use Windows. Easy to move windows between desktops (you can create custom key combinations or use the built-in ones to complete these types of tasks). For those complaining about their desktop shortcuts, here's a solution: right-click desktop->view->uncheck 'Show desktop icons'. Desktop shortcuts are a performance drain anyway.
Cons
The desktop preview box tends to wander on my multi-monitor setup, rather than hiding in the bottom right corner where I put it, but that's a very minor thing. This app rocks!
Summary
Great app, and extremely versatile. If you are having problems, make sure you're taking the time to explore all the options and settings. It it's not working how you want/expect then either 1)you're doing something wrong, or 2)you have unrealistic expectations. Want it to act just like a Mac? Use a Mac. This is not designed to emulate a Mac desktop. It's designed to provide some killer extra functionality to an OS that has refused to keep up with current trends. And Microsoft worries why they're constantly losing market share.
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