First, thanks for building this great software, it is a great productivity enhancer when dealing with many different contexts.
The *only* issue I've had is that certain windows programs tend to proliferate across virtual desktops over time. This is usually due to some type of window update event, or if the application brings up a popup dialog. For instance, if I start a page load in Firefox, then switch V-desktops before it gets to a certain point in loading the page, the Firefox window might suddenly appear in the new V-desktop as well. The same can happen with Outlook, depending on timing. And, if any application brings up a popup at some time, it will appear on whatever current V-desktop I'm on, often bringing the whole app over as well. The only remedy I seem to have is to open the Desktop Explorer and remove the incorrect windows from all the virtual desktops, which takes awhile (esp because you can only select one at a time).
I think a solution might be in rules. Currently I have a number of rule set up forcing an app TO appear on a certain V-desktop, but I don't seem to have any way to prevent it from showing up on others. Alternately, an app-based rule instead of a desktop-based rule might allow flexibility here.
A more automated way would be to not allow a window that is already in some V-desktop (or any children dialogs it creates) to show up in another V-desktop due to any of its own events. Only allow this through user interaction with a Virtual Desktop utility. And maybe have this as an option for those who do like stuff to pop up from another virtual desktop..
Well, you're probably a software developer ; you're analysis is quite complete and correct and you're perfectly understood the problem of windows appearing due to their own events.
Just a few comments: 1) <<I think a solution might be in rules>>: no, rules are used to automatically add windows to virtual desktops, but cannot be used to prevent a window from being displayed 2) <<Alternately, an app-based rule instead of a desktop-based rule might allow flexibility here.>>: go to "computer's properties" and use the rules tab there.
Concerning the problem of windows appearing in virtual desktops due to software's internal events, I will try to develop something. I maintain this post opened and I will put more information when available.
As you look to develop something, please keep in mind applications like Outlook (a strong contender for most obnoxious application ever) that steal the focus and pop up modal windows not included in the task bar to inform you of events of no importance whatsoever. I would love to have a virtual desktop that works as a veritable jail cell in which to confine Outlook and all its foolishness.
Along the same line, how difficult would it be to implement an option (perhaps by desktop) to allow displayed tasks access to the sound system only when the desktop is active? Then Outlook could not distract me by incessant dinging as I try to work on something important in another desktop!
Heh software developer, how'd you guess..one learns to value descriptive bug reports
By rules I was suggesting a new class of rule that prevents applications (or window titles I guess) from showing up on a V-desktop. But far preferable would probably just be a global option, making V-desktops into "jail cells" from which beasts like Lookout and their progeny cannot escape.
The sound thing is interesting as well, since most applications, like Lookout and VNC, access the sound system regardless of the V-desktop showing, but a few - notably MS Messenger - only sound when their desktop is active. In that particular case I actually want to hear the sound wherever I am, as it happens to be my primary means of communications with co-workers, while for Lookout I could care less about immediate aural notification of incoming mail. So it seems to me to be a per-application preference.
M. jpkozura is exactly right about the sound wanting to be by application. Some of his or her other thoughts give me pause, though.
A jail cell by window title might or might not work: Lookout (I love it!) spawns Word, and spawns other applications if I open an attachment, and I need those processes in other V-desktops than the particular sandbox established to contain Lookout's focus-grabbing stunts. Real multiple instances of Word or Excel or whatever on the Default Desktop sounds like a steep hill, so an absolute "jail cell" based on the first desktop where a process appears probably will not work. That says a Process ID focus won't work: whenever Word makes noise, I probably need to hear it.
Sound by "process" is probably best, because jpkozura needs to hear Messenger, but if I hear Messenger or Outlook too many times while I'm working (especially if you provide a solution that works mostly), I might need to take a holiday with my Mac while the CRT and some speakers are replaced.
I'm not experienced enough to guess whether a window title focus would work, or whether that leaks too badly. At the end of the day, though, I think I would like every application to have its "home" v-desktop (meaning the desktop on which VDT first saw the process (again, whatever "process" means)) where new windows it creates are confined, subject to (1) express invocation on the target desktop (in which case the target desktop becomes another "home" desktop where additional new windows all appear too, but NOT those created earlier, (2) the "add to" and "remove from" this desktop tools augmented by the "send to" tool cleverly suggested by nobby in another thread, and (3) (of course) rules for inclusion of windows in desktops. Processes that are Windows startups have their "home" in the default desktop. Processes started by the VDT autostart mechanism have their home in the desktop that started them.
Does something like that fly? (Please not that I did NOT ask if that was easy to code ....)
You already have "a veritable jail" in current version; create a non virtual desktop and run Outlook within it. A non virtual desktop is a desktop that manages its own display and GUI (but not system, like sound) context.
Take your time. It's not critical. That's why I have been really quiet lately.
Meanwhile, I am looking hard at alternatives to Outlook. It's early yet, but my first impression is that Outlook 2007 is not much better. (That, by itself, may be progress: before, each new version of Outlook kept getting worse.) The only reason I keep using Outlook is to synchronise calendar and contact list with my combination PDA-telephone-book reader.
I did try your suggestion: I set up a desktop (not virtual) called "Outlook Jail." It worked, mostly, but ActiveSync insists on opening another instance of Outlook hidden on the default desktop. The second instance of Outlook then starts its usual tricks.
When I take the startup component of Active Sync out of the startup list and make Outlook Jail start it instead, Active Sync puts itself right back into the startup list. Ho, hum.
All in all, it was a great thought. It's just hard to outthink really horrible software.
; you're analysis is quite complete and correct and you're perfectly understood the problem of windows appearing due to their own events.
