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WindowsPager is quite interesting in concept, but in execution it's not too hot. While we see how it could be useful, the program's interface--or lack thereof--makes it frustrating to understand and use.
The program creates four virtual desktops on a user's computer, which are represented by four rectangles next to the system tray. The first contains everything that was open when the program started, and the rest are empty. Of course, since this is the extent of the program's interface--no options or settings or menus--it's not immediately obvious what's going on, and users may be taken aback to find that everything they had open appears to be gone. The program's Help file--if you want to call it that--is a single screen that briefly describes the program's four functions. We did learn here that it's possible to drag and drop a window from one desktop to another, which is useful. Unfortunately, it's difficult to select the proper program because each one is represented by a tiny icon that's barely legible. Sifting through the programs open in each desktop requires a lot of squinting and precise mouse movements. When we're multitasking and have a lot of different programs and projects open, a program like WindowsPager has the potential to be very helpful. Unfortunately, this program falls short.
WindowsPager is free and comes as a ZIP file that requires no installation. We recommend this program, but with reservations; it is useful, but there are likely other programs out there that are much easier to use.
Publisher's Description
From Jochen Baier:
WindowsPager is a desktop-switcher/pager for Windows Vista/7/XP/2000 to manage 'virtual' workspaces/desktops. It will integrate smoothly into the desktop panel. Features: virtual desktops, workspaces for Windows Vista/7/XP/2000; arrange your running applications on different desktops to improve overview; integration into the panel; several patterns possible; 64 bit support; move windows between desktops by drag 'n drop or by using the window menu; optional keyboard shortcuts for switching the desktop; set a window "sticky": always visible * "Mini-Windows" give an overview from each desktop; support for "Flashing-Windows" (notify for new messages in Mirc for example); keep a window above all others by selecting "Keep on top" from the window menu; drag `n drop between desktops; dual/multi monitor support; no administrator rights necessary; no installation; safe: automatic window restore even on crash by use of two separate processes.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 6 votes
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Current version:
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Results 1-6 of 6
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"Very nice simple program."
Version: WindowsPager 1.00
Pros
The taskbar mini-windows, switching is a breeze.
Cons
Help is short, no GUI for options, no installer or option to run at startup - has to be done manually.
Summary
Very nice program for those like me who need a "work" and another "play" desktop.
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"Straight to the point"
Version: WindowsPager 0.99
Pros
I was looking for a discrete desktop manager similar to what's available on Ubuntu.
This does the job, is very lightweight and doesn't require admin rights to be installed (a big plus in office environment).Cons
nothing I don't like
Summary
Perfect match for my needs.
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"Works, but with one bad quirk"
Version: WindowsPager 0.99
Pros
Manged four virtual desktops.
Cons
When switching to another desktop, it failed to highlight the window that was previously the active window on that desktop. Instead, the window with focus was still the window that was active in the previous desktop.
Summary
Failure to highlight the correct window when switching desktops was to me a fatal flaw. If that gets fixed, it should be an excellent product.
Sorry, but I switched to VirtuaWin. -
"Simple, fast VDM, does one thing well"
Version: WindowsPager 0.75
Pros
I always learned that a good utility is small, fast, problem-free and does one thing very well. That's Windows Pager in a nutshell. The .ini file is so well explained and simple, a GUI would be superfluous. Win 7 friendly.
Cons
Cannot invoke app on one desktop to another, then dismiss
Summary
No bells, no whistles, no bloat. I wanted virtual desktops I can flip between without rhythm-breaking delays and without demanding more attention once installed. That's exactly what this little utility does. It acts as much like an integral part of Win 7 as the default desktop pager does under Linux. When you need it, it's there. Otherwise, you can simply forget about it. Simple, fast, good at doing one thing - that defines a good utility program and it describes Windows Pager perfectly.
I should explain my 'invoke" minor criticism. It's really more of a feature request. Under the open-source utility VirtuaWin, which I used for years until it bogged down my system under Windows 7, I kept email open on Desktop 2 and the Firefox browser open on Desktop 1. If I clicked on an email address in the browser, my email would pop up on Desktop 1 and stay until I dismissed the window with a hotkey that sent it back home to desktop 2, still open. This was extremely handy, and is not possible under Windows Pager. If that's a deal-breaker for you, this might not be your VDM. But it's not all that critical to me. It'd be nice to have but Windows Pager's speed and simplicity are more important.
The lack of a GUI is no problem, even if you weren't born with a Linux geek's genetic hunger to edit .ini files manually. The Windows Pager .ini file lives in the directory where you put the program and is so well explained at each point along the way, a GUI could be be more clear and would make it no easier to use. If you can read and use an editor, this .ini file will be no problem.
I was surprised to read CNet's negative review of this terrific, useful little utility. Maybe CNet's staff writer forgot we're not dealing with a major office suite here? Whoever wrote that review might benefit from a bit of education on the virtue of small, fast, light, trouble-free utility programs. -
"A great, fast VDM!"
Version: WindowsPager 0.75
Pros
Works quickly, doesn't cause problems, and has a nice display of the separate desktops on the taskbar (shows all the desktops)
Cons
has no gui to change options, the only way is to edit the ini
Summary
WORKS!
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"Simple, but fast and functional"
Version: WindowsPager 0.75
Pros
This is a fast and functional virtual desktop manager. It works with Windows 7. It has basic functionality such as hot keys to change desktops, hot keys or right click window title bars to move to another desktop.
Cons
This is not for the technically faint of heart. You have to edit the ini file to change certain settings. There is no full blown bells and whistles interface, and no installer.
Summary
I really like this virtual desktop manager. I don't need no stinkin' bloatware bells and whistles scratch-your-back-serve-you-coffee gee whiz interface and features. I just want something that works. I want functionality, not eye candy. There are many VDMs that have too much eye candy and not enough basic fast functionality. Not this one - it is simple and gets the job done.
This VDM works, and works fast. You can easily set hot keys for the basic functions of switching desktops, and moving applications from desktop to desktop.
You do have to edit the ini file to change certain features, but I found the ini file sufficiently well documented that I was able to do this quickly and easily. It does not require installation nor uninstallation, it doesn't register any files, it doesn't modify registry. Simply copy the files to a directory of your choice and run it.
Those that are not technically strong may have troubles with this. You do need to know how to find and edit the ini file, and you do need to know how to unzip it to some directory somewhere and run it.
Future enhancements would be an installer and uninstaller, and a gui to set options.
Although it does lack an installer and configuration interface, because I was able to quickly configure and run this VDM, and quickly get it to do exactly what I wanted, I did not hesitate to give this VDM five stars.
