Mac and Linux users have been used to them for a long time now but Virtual Desktop managers are one of the most convenient ways to organise your workspace.

VirtuaWin is a virtual desktop manager for the Windows which lets you organize applications over several virtual desktops (also called 'workspaces'). You can create up to 20 desktops which you can chop and change to using desktop shortcuts - just hold down the Windows key and use the cursor keys. This application can be taken anywhere on a USB stick so it's useful for those that don't have a laptop or don't have enough disk space to install the original program. Unfortunately, it seems that this portable version has a few bugs, most annoying of which is the gaps that sometimes appear in the taskbar when you change desktops. The developers say this is caused by a bug in the 'Group similar taskbar buttons' feature of the Windows taskbar which cannot always correctly handle the large number of window state changes that occur during desktop change. However, it can be remedied by disabling the taskbar option although this is quite a drastic measure to take to ensure this program works properly.

A useful way to organise your Windows and desktop but this portable version is still prone to bugs.