I haven't received the Serial Key yet.
From where will I get it ?

When I used this piece of software the malicous removal tool kicked
in and stopped the program and my antivirus has since not been recog-
nized by windows security center ....I don't know what's going on!

These kinds of programs are good if you need to document software (as we do) and need a "clean" desktop as your backdrop for the mocked-up screenshots. Lots of ways to do it though - this one is as good as any for for free.

This sounds very much like alt desk. I have tried several multi-screen expanders and they aren't much better or any better really than just task switching. There are screen expanders, however, that do just that. What you see as the edges of your screen aren't, you can pan past that in all directions. If you have a 17" screen (my recollection won't be exact, been a while since I've seen or used one) it will be like you have a 22" screen only it isn't all in view all the time. It's great when you are trying to compare data in two different programs. You can place the programs side by side and pan from one to the other rather than flip. It's easier for drag and drop, but truthfully I don't think I found that type all that helpful either.

I remember DOS users asking me just what use multi-tasking was, back in the '80s, when I was running circles around them on my Amiga. Which had real multiple screen capabilities. One major benefit was the ability to run a program with just the graphics you needed; remember, this was an era when most PC's were limited to only 1 meg all up, including the graphics cards. So, I could do a lo-res (320x200) HaM graphic on one screen, while using a terminal program in HiRes-lace (640x400) on another, and running the 'bong-ball" demo on a third. (No, I have no reason why you'd want to run the Bong demo; it was just cool that you could. ;)) Later, more and better modes came out, but the idea was the same. Do note that this is just not the same as opening a new window, nor is it the same as multiple desktops, although that requires multiple screen capability--which were also available for the Amiga, from 3rd party sources.

In the end, some people will find this useful, some, not so much. Fine. But I like it, myself, although, if other implementations come up for free, I'l try them, too....

pgf

@The Mokoda, 53 -
Quote: "the total number of programs running are still going to take up the amount of memory needed"
This is not about performance.

Switch your angle of perception:
It is about better organization of the open Windows on your Desktop.
When many are open, you will eventually get disorganized. By logically ordering the Windows over several virtual Desktops,it will be easier to stay orientated.

Quote: "what would seem more useful to me would be a utility that explands the total amount of space you have on the one real desktop, so that you can scroll some open windows past the physical edges of the screen and scroll back when you need them."
I don't know about MSEW but VIRTUAWIN can do exactly what you want.

Get VIRTUAWIN at http://virtuawin.sourceforge.net/
Right-click the tray-icon and choose "setup". Go to the mouse-TAB and check "enable mouse desktop changing". There you go.. when you move your mouse from the screen you will emedialtly enter another virtual desktop, exactly what you were wishing for.

Have losts of usefull time with it !

i use a similar sounding program called Cube Desktop and am pleased with that.

#42 thanks for the feedback ...
"Windows all" as I checkout on Softpedia:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Other-Desktop-Enhancements/Radsoft-RadVWM.shtml

I have to agree with Kelly and a few others in not being able to see the need for this program, free or not. I'm not being critical or griping, I just don't get it; never have.
It doesn't matter how many of these virtual "desktops" you have, the total number of programs running are still going to take up the amount of memory needed by...the total number of programs you're running! And if it's supposed to be about better organization of running programs, what would seem more useful to me would be a utility that explands the total amount of space you have on the one real desktop, so that you can scroll some open windows past the physical edges of the screen and scroll back when you need them. That would be much more useful than this, seems to me anyway.
In fact, I seem to remember there being such an app some years back, but I think it either sucked or cost too much. Now that I think of it, I'm going to go hunting for one!

I'd like for someone to give me a scenario where you'd actually need to have more than two desktops running (Besides a corporate environment) that isn't because of pure laziness. How many system resources are used to run nine desktops? If you're running nine different programs isn't that the same as killing the purpose of stopping start up items?

how to i use tis. I have win xp but later will have vista. It seems like a good product but dont understand it yet. thanks a lot.

Very interesting software. Very useful for people who wish to be organized and have different projects which they do not want to mix with each other creating confusion. Really amazing. Still wondering, why has it so many thumbs down.

Personally, I'd just use mac, where this feature is a 300 KB app built in and is a lot more efficient. You can define up to 16 spaces. But in regards to this program, it is based on a unique idea and is useful when you need to use it, but utterly useless when you don't.

Last post, I promise. For those wanting a small, standalone (i.e., just click and run, no registry entries app.), VirtuaWin comes in a portable version, which provides 4 desktops. The entire package, including a very basic help, is only 97K. Of course, it will lack the advanced features of a program like MSEW.

I also prefer altdesk. In fact, I've been using it for quite a time, even the portable edition. Said that, I stopped using it due the weird directory structure it creates for the different desktops.

The one #38 - Slanter - mentions is a SysInternals app. with 4 virtual desktops, but you can't close or delete a desktop. Microsoft recommends you logoff to avoid orphaned windows and processes. LOGOFF? C'Mon! Or you could develop software that works.

Tried this on Win XP Pro w/SP3, and as much as I would like to keep on using this program, since I think it builds upon and enhances Microsoft's original Power Toy (which I still use), I can't.

I can't, simply because its not compatible with Stardock's CursorFX program. For example: Screen 0, CursorFX applied theme, works. Screen 1 through 9 are invisible. I know my mouse is there because a mouse over still works and can click/double click, but if I can't see where the darn thing is aiming at, its like playing peek-a-boo with Casper the friendly ghost. It locks me into using windows standard style themes, which I don't like.

If you don't care for OS themes etc, and would like to set up multiple screen displays, I would recommend it.

However, since OS themes enhance the look and feel of the operating environment, as akin to what this virtual desktop is doing, although in a different manner, I, for now at least am choosing Form over Function and am not recommending it. Especially since Microsoft's Power toy, allows me to have Form AND Function, not to forget to mention the attractive fee of being free.

Also, for those who say use the Virtual Desktop that comes in Vista, part of the Windows Aero scheme, you should note that Aero doesn't work with all software. If something is incompatible the Aero scheme, and all it's features, goes away until you close the incompatible application. So you may not be able to use the Aero virtual desktop with all the apps. you want to.

Compare this to the SysInternals Desktops.

-Desktops is 100% free.
-Desktops is only 50kb.
-Desktops is much more minimalistic.

I like Desktops better.

#32,..... your link and it's not "Windows all as you stated! But thanks, I've saved the link so I can check back on it from time to time.

http://radad.webhop.org/software/dttools/radvwm.html

Windows XP! Imagine that!

Great concept & when it is Vista compatible, I'll surly try it out.

#14
> I cannot see the benefit in multiple screens when all of the processes are still going to be running on each screen

That's the point - you have different windows active on each desktop. That way you're not forever shuffling windows around to get to the one you want to work on next. Basically, it multiplies the amount of real-estate on your monitor.
I haven't tried this one, as I use virtuawin, which is free. First I tried MS's offering, but found it too slow and clunky. This feature was the one I missed most from Unix/Linux and I'm really glad to have it back on windows.

finally, some variety. not just "convert all your wma files into mp3 in seconds!" or "this firewall protects your computer against all..."

Apparently made for windows 2.0?? they are just giving away old software

There is actually a free, 62kb multiple desktop app that you can get from Microsoft Technet.

Whoops, that was Frankell's post.

#32: mjdemontigny
I love little standalones, but the one you mentioned is so small, and therefore crude, it doesn't belong in the same discussion as MSEW. It won't stay on top and doesn't have a tray icon and can't be reduced to the taskbar. So you'd have to reduce/move all your open windows to get to it in order to switch desktops. Thanks, anyway.

The link Giovanni - 26 - posts goes to a website which I think many here, if not most, would find useful. Especially when evaluating software.

I am using Vista 64bit sp1 and could not get MSEW to work at all.

why get this when you can have multiple monitors with the right video card set. I plan on having three monitors by the end of march.

I tried today's give away of the day and Dexpot on Windows Vista Home Premium. Neither software kept screen resolution for each window. I.e. if I changed my present settings from 1024x768 to 1152x864, all windows displayed the new setting. MSEW states that it should work, but it didn't.

Windows all, only 96Kb, freeware:
http://radad.webhop.org/software/dttools/radvwm.html
let me know...

#17
Seriously, why make something that is already free and made by the people that made the operating system. Do some research before making pointless software.

I guess that makes Firefox useless too.

I agree that charging for a software that does what many software do for free is absurd, but just because a software is made by Microsoft does not make it better then any 3rd party software. Heck, chances are 3rd party software are better.

I will say it was cool to have 9 desktops in one, yet I'm sure there's something free out there, that is as good. The point is, most none of us would indulge our money in this program, but seeing as it is free today, I'd say it's pretty good. If it were another day, I would go for something free.
-Webmaster

Pretty Useful If for some people that want to multi task
i don't seem to find any errors when downloading on an Windows XP 2003

I dont want to be mean but I have been doing this for years, first with xp and now with vista, I mean Mohave.. hahahaha... I can open as many windows as I want, unlimited and bounce from one to another. I had no idea that others couldnt do it too.

Oh well I wont be getting this one, but that is cool, I am very happy with all of the give aways.

Cynthia

Hi all!!


Just wondering how many people can be interested in this kind of SW.



Anyway you can find other FREE and BETTER ALTERNATIVES to this GAOTD here:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-virtual-desktop-manager.htm




Cheers from Italy

Giovanni

I am very surprosed every day when I read these coments. People say they read the descriptions. They then post something totaly not in the descritpions. Today is a real good example.

No I am not going to tell you. If you truely read and understood you already know and if you didn['t ................

I have never used a multiple screen utiliy (except on Linux)

Interesting, but something I wouldn't use on a regular basis. For those of you who are using it, right-click on the Taskbar, choose Toolbars, and you'll see a new entry named MMSEW Band.

For developers, they have an awsome utility called Resource Builder. It is by far the best resource editor I have used. The trial version link is located on the top of this page.

Alt Desk is a better program than all alternetives listed. Why would anyone need more than 4 Virtual Desktops? I use Linux and this feature has been available for years, and while I do use it, and is very handy, I could never think of a reason to have more than four desktops.

I have downloaded and tried this software, and the look is very dated, I will uninstall it and keep Alt Desk for my Windows Virtual Desktops. Alt desk is cleaner, more customizable and an overall better program. To anyone who needs more than 4 Virtual Desktops, can you explain to me WHY? Especially because Windows barely allows 10 apps running simutaneously unless it is Notepad or you have 2 grand in hardware.

Thanks anyway GAOTD but your previous offer of this type of software is much better!!

Add virtual desktops to Windows XP, Vista - CNET News
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-9902461-68.html

Three free virtual-desktop programs work better and give you more options than Microsoft's Virtual Desktop Manager, which is as buggy as an anthill and has no Vista version.

Just to update my earlier comments...

I wasn't going to download today because, as I said earlier, AltDesk suits my own needs and desires to 'perfection'. However, having since digested the remarks by Simon #8, I have to acknowledge that I'd love it, if AltDesk also had a feature, so as to maintain diverse screen resolutions for each virtual desktop.

Curiosity killed the cat again, so I've now downloaded, and had a brief look at MSEW. The option that MSEW offers to permit custom screen resolutions for each desktop does indeed seem to work well, though inevitably there's a bit of a hiccup (on my system at least) when making the transition. Although fully understandable, the hiccup does detract from the 'experience of pleasant smooth transitions' that are typical when using AltDesk (or MSEW without this option selected).

There's also an option to use customized icons for each desktop. AltDesk provides such an option as well. To be honest, I seem to recall a few teething problems when I first opted to use an individual set of desktop icons for each desktop in AltDesk. I didn't explore possibilities much, as it's something I don't really need, but things were running much sweeter with AltDesk when I didn't select the option. From the early testing I've now done with MSEW, it does not seem to play well alongside Desktop Icon Toy (maybe that was the reason for my earlier problems with AltDesk too?)

All things considered, I definitely prefer AltDesk, and my enthusiasm hasn't waned. I agree with David #6, that AltDesk is far more customisable. It's highly responsive and looks good too. Nonetheless, both programs can be used independently, so I'll certainly be keeping MSEW installed, if just for the occasions when I also will benefit from using desktops with different resolutions.

When I first read Simon's comments, it did get me thinking a bit. Although AltDesk doesn't offer custom screen resolutions, it does provide an option to autorun a program when you first switch to a certain desktop. In my haste to expand the functionality of AltDesk, I set off on a quest to find a program which might be concerned primarily with just changing screen resolution. It didn't take very long to find Display Changer - which seemed to be exactly what I was searching for. I celebrated prematurely, when (having set up a shortcut designed to change resolution in AltDesk's options) it worked like a treat first time! However, what I failed to realise in my haste, was that it would of course only work as I intended on the first time I switched to a certain desktop :(

Anyway, it's given me food for thought, and at the very least, I'm glad to have downloaded Display Changer (for a lot of other useful purposes).

Yes Microsoft do a free virtual desktop manager; but it only supports 4 desktops. So for free today, MSEW is worth downloading if you're into or use multiple desktops. It's all really about preferences though usn't it. So on the face of it today's giveaway is pretty cool.

Thanks for the alternative ideas Ashraf, I'll try those that I've not already; but so far I'm actually really happy with the minimalistic gui that MSEW has; its very unobtrusive and easy to use. Granted the Microsoft one looks prettier, lol.

I gave it a try, but it doen't hold up against AltDesk, which I have been using ever since it's first giveaway.
One of the reasons why I prefer AltDesk is that it displays icons for ecah running application on the bar, so I know exactly on which screen Outlook is, where Excel is running etc. With todays app you get no visual hint, making it tougher to know just where what is running. Yes, you might organize the apps that you open as suggested, but I frecuently have 3 or 4 Office apps running and I know people who have like 7 Excel files running, all at the same time.
Another detail: while the numbered bar is functional and short (you can also give your own names to the desktop), I like having different skins for AltDesk available, it just looks nicer.

And yes, Windows SP does display all the apps, but try opening a lot of programs and different files and pretty soon you have to use the scroll down arrow to find them. A pain. That's where this and the other mentioned apps come it. It does take a bit to get used to, but once done, you won't want to miss it.
Pura vida, AlexSJ

I think that it's not a keeper... i've tried it, and my laptop go slowly when i use it... so rather to save time you lose it...

Are you kidding me? There is a free version of this that is made free by Microsoft. It is one of their free Powertoys.
Google: MSVDM (Microsoft Virtual Desktop Manager).

Seriously, why make something that is already free and made by the people that made the operating system. Do some research before making pointless software.

For multiple screen i'm using VirtuaWin, it is open source you can get it at sourceforge.net

To that #8 post, with FireFox you can get a simple extension that does just that. It lets you test it in it's own window with varying resolutions. This prevents you from needing multiple browsers open in multiple screens, all you need is a few tabs.

But, yeah, this isn't that great of a program.

I have to admit that I cannot see any use to this type of program. It is on Ubuntu, tried it twice and never again. Did try this but it came out of the ark to look at. I cannot see the benefit in multiple screens when all of the processes are still going to be running on each screen. It would be no different to how 99% of people use the computer now.
This may do what it says but it looks very dated and seems to be pointless to me, sorry but a thumbs down.

good program...
But already have a program just for multi desktop that I'm used on. So I won't keep it

Installation and registration was not a problem. I am on Vista Premium 32-bit btw.

Pros:
* Fairly light on resources.
* You can have upto 10 desktops.
* Each desktop can be customized differently.
* You can name each desktop.
* You can set hotkeys to help you scroll through desktops.

Cons:
* If you close MSEW while there are windows open in desktop besides your active one, the windows are automatically added into the active one rather then you be prompted on what to do with those windows.
* Custom icons for each desktop only works with shortcuts (sort of).
* Moving active window to another desktop (via hotkeys) does not work.

Free Alternatives:
VirtuaWin
Dexpot
Vista/XP Virtual Desktop Manager

PMnet Verdict: Out of all four virtual desktop programs mentioned, I would recommend using Dexpot. It is light weight, filled with features, and does it's job well. After Dexpot, the most easy one to use is MSEW, but the bug with not being able to move active window to another desktop really turns me off. After MSEW, Vista/XP Virtual Desktop Manager is very easy to use, but it lacks a few features and uses too many resources. Last I put VirtuaWin not because of the lack of features, but rather because it is not very user friendly.

Full Review: GOTDReviews.info

I forgot to mention yesterdays free weekday game (posted by Wizzard) which is an excellent soccer simulation called Slam Soccer 2006. It’s the best soccer game I’ve ever seen for free. You can find out details and the download page by following the first link to the forums:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4373

Today’s game is a cult platformer from the Sega Genesis console called Battletoads. You can play it on the PC thanks to an emulator (included with the game) created specially for Sega games:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4378


Enjoy!

Today’s giveaway a multi screen emulator installs easily with separate activation and set up modules. There’s no activation code to input.

This is quite a handy tool that I’ve decided to keep. When activated there’s a small plain and innocuous tool bar which you can configure to show up to nine windows that sits above the clock. It’s easily configurable and works well. If you turn it off while there are open windows in some of the multi screens, they just all appear in the one screen. It’s very simple to use.

What I like about it is that you can set different screen resolutions for each screen and also use different custom icons and even wallpapers and screensavers. That’s an added function that I’m going to enjoy because I love my screensavers, but it’s rare that I bother to change them.

Thank you very much SiComponents and also to the giveaway team for bringing this to us.