Virtual desktops are basically virtual copies of the Windows desktop that can be customized in a different way. From a different wallpaper image to desktop items, open program windows and taskbar programs. That’s handy if you want to use separate workplaces for what you do on your computer. One example could be a general desktop, and another for Office programs and work, and a third for entertainment and multimedia contents.

NSpaces comes preconfigured with four desktops; The standard desktop and three virtual desktops. Options are available to increase or decrease the amount of virtual desktops.

The program supports two different ways of switching between desktops. It is first possible to open the launcher and click on one of the desktops, or to use one of the preconfigured keyboard shortcuts to switch. The first option displays the selection menu that you see on the screenshot above, the second option is faster as it switches to the new desktop directly without that intermediary step.

All desktops are configured with a right-click on the program icon in the system tray (visible on all desktops) and the selection of nSpaces.

The Rows and Columns buttons are used to increase or decrease the number of virtual desktops on the system. Parameters for each workspace are configured here as well. Each virtual desktop consists of a label that is displayed in the switcher window, a wallpaper image or background color, a list of apps that are launched on the selected desktop and a hotkey to launch that desktop with a single keystroke.

New labels were not saved correctly during tests, but that was the only issue that I had with the program.

A separate settings window is available from the right-click context menu as well. Probably the most interesting option here is the ability to set a password to protect virtual desktops from unauthorized access. A password prompt is displayed on program launch if a password has been set in the settings.

NSpaces is a free program for Windows. It is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating system. The program requires the Microsoft .NET Framework. There is unfortunately no version information posted on the developer website. (via)

Today things are much different. Shared workspaces are becoming more and more popular all the time, and the idea that one individual or a micro company needs to hold into an entire office is becoming outdated. If an independent contractor needs some space they have many options for office space out of the house that does not require that they spend all their money on wasted space.

Until recently there was no consolidated way to locate the places that very small businesses could operate. In response to growing interest in the idea, however, a company called LooseCubes offers a consolidating hub at which those looking for and offering public workspace can meet. They also provide some pretty neat tools for micro companies to keep their employees informed with on the fly company events and decisions.

LooseCubes itself is being re-launched today after a lengthy facelift campaign to remedy its questionable results after it first appeared on the web. While the first attempt was half-hearted, the re-launch, which you can take a peek at here, offers those looking for work space some pretty nice features. Users can find work areas down to the very address of individual offices in over 40 countries on the website, telling prospective cohabitants things about the office space that might help them understand how well they might fit in. Each office has a “vibe” descriptor – creative, artsy, professional, etc. – and lists the sorts of facilities you will have access to, like printers and water coolers.

For those who boast a handful of employees, LooseCubes also offers some pretty neat applications that can keep you connected you for coworkers when planning special company functions or assigning workers a time to meet at your shared workspace. It is called Instant Jelly, and it allows you to create Tweeted events that your fellow workers can be notified of and respond to. The tool can be extremely handy if you operate with a few workers under you and have a workspace through LooseCubes and occasionally need your employees to meet you at your shared office.

The workplace has been moving away from tradition and toward some pretty interesting possibilities for many years already. Yet that motion had failed to be harnessed by a successful online force. With the functionality provided by LooseCubes and its micro company products it is easy to believe that the movement will continue to grow momentum. As more and more individuals turn to independent employment amidst a global economic slump, it would make sense that the flexibility of common office space should attract more individuals. While time will tell how successful the movement will be, the tools it provides to those who are tech literate are certainly useful and help independent contractors and micro companies reach their potential.

Letting things slide is however only one aspect that can go wrong. Here are five tips for full time freelancers that helped me tremendously in my day to day work routine.

Set work and spare time

When I began working I basically worked 24/7. There was no balance in what I did and this turned out to be very stressful in the end. A far better solution was to set specific times for work which helped me find a balance between work and spare time. I did for example decide to work less on the weekends partially because there were not that many news anyway but also because I needed some rest from the five work days.

Take breaks

It can be really tempting to work eight hours straight and it happened more than once that I felt totally exhausted after spending 10 hours in front of the computer monitor. I usually did not feel well afterwards which was the turning point for me to schedule regular breaks. I try to do several shorter breaks during the day and one larger break to eat something proper. Breaks for me mean to leave the computer and do something else, usually relax with my eyes closed on the coach or going for a walk.

Eat and drink enough

I used to eat and drink little while working which reduced my ability to concentrate and work over the course of the day. It is of utmost importance to drink enough. I have water, tea or coffee standing by all the time now so that I drink enough during the day. I also make sure to eat occasionally during my breaks.

Setting up a proper workspace

A proper workspace is essential. Some users might think that all they need is a computer and a table but that’s far from it. You need a good computer desk, an even better computer chair (remember you sit in that chair 40+ hours a week), a computer monitor with a good contrast that is not hurting the eyes, a computer keyboard and mouse that you feel comfortable with, a phone, router, printer, scanner and other equipment that is necessary to work from home.

Take care of your body

Your body is pretty good at notifying you about problems. It can be eyes that are hurting, body ache or any other symptoms. It is important to pay close attention to this. It could mean that the equipment and situation is not the ideal environment.

It is also important to find a balance. Doing sports, this can be anything from football to cycling or walking, can really benefit the body and mind.

Do you have any other tips that might help users in my situation? Let me hear them in the comments.

There are three particular aspects of the desktop I take advantage of in order to make it as efficient as possible, each a sub set of Focus: window focus, auto raise, and window tab cycling. In this article I will highlight each of these so you can see how efficient your desktop can be.

These tips should work with most every window manager or desktop you can find in Linux. I won’t go into the actual configuration of each because that configuration will be different for each window manager or desktop.

Focus?

First let me make sure you understand the idea behind window focus. It’s very simple: A focused window is the window you are working in. In most operating system desktops you have to click on that window in order to give it focus. In Linux there are other ways to give a window focus. Let’s take a look at them.

Focus Follows Mouse (sometimes called Sloppy Focus) instructs the desktop that the window under the mouse pointer has focus. With this set you do not have to click on a particular window in order to start working in that window. Of course this can lead to a problem when you have a smaller window over a larger window and you want to give the larger window focus. With just Focus Follows Mouse set alone your lower window will have focus but it will be difficult to work with because it will have another window hiding what you’re working on. To resolve this you set the Autoraise feature.

With Autoraise set the window that has focus automatically raises to the top. This is a great feature, but, it can get in the way. If your mouse moves outside of the currently focused window, into another window, that window will automatically raise up. To solve this problem you can set a delay to the auto raise. This is a good practice because it will save you the headache of your windows constantly losing focus as the mouse escapes from the borders of your current working window. Autoraise delay is set in miliseconds so remember that when you’re setting a delay. Play around until you get the perfect setting for your needs.

Window cycling

Figure 1

While working on your Linux desktop hit the Alt-Tab combination and you will see something similar to that in Figure 1. In this example you see cycling through windows in the Window Maker window manager. To get to the to the next window you hold down the Alt key and tap the Tab key. When you land on the window you want to work in you release the keys and the window will have focus.

This, of course, can be used in conjunction with the workspace switching key combination of Ctrl-Alt-left/right arrow. When you press that combination you will warp to the next workspace to either the right or left of where you are (depending upon which arrow key you use.)

Final thoughts

It is possible to make your Linux desktop as efficient as you want it. By employing these easy to use tips you will find yourself spending more time working and less time clicking and dragging windows.