Too many windows, one screen
You have a browser, an email client, a spreadsheet and a few work tools open, and the taskbar is a mess. Every time you look for one window you have to dig through the others. Virtual Desktop Assist from Sondle tackles this by giving you multiple virtual desktops on a single Windows computer, so each application or group of applications gets its own space.
Quick facts
- Version: 5.0.0.81
- File size: 1.67MB
- Platforms: Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP, Windows 2008, 2003 and 2000
- Price: $29.95, a lifetime license for one computer
Key features
Keep each task on its own desktop
You can create multiple desktops on one computer and run an application, or a group of applications, on each. When you switch, the running programs disappear from the desktop and the taskbar. They are still there when you switch back, so you never have to minimize or close anything.
Switch with ALT and a number key
You switch desktops with ALT plus a number key. You can also set a custom accelerator for each desktop.
Hide the manager and mute desktops
You can hide the program itself and bring it back with ALT and F3. You can also set mute for each desktop.
Who it's for
It suits you if you keep work, personal browsing and reference material open at once and want them separated without a second monitor. It also suits you if you want a small, 1.67MB tool for older Windows versions, including XP and 2000.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Small download and a simple keyboard-driven workflow.
- Pro: One payment gives you a lifetime license, with free updates and support.
- Pro: It works on old and fairly recent Windows versions.
- Con: The vendor lists support only up to Windows 8.
- Con: Switching is by ALT plus number keys, so you may need to set custom accelerators if those clash with other shortcuts.
What users say
"This is an excellent virtual desktop software, I create four desktops on my Windows 7. It allows me switch between these desktops quickly." (Virginia, quoted on Sondle's site)
"I do love the program!" (Marc, quoted on Sondle's site)
FAQs
Do my programs close when I switch desktops?
No. They vanish from the desktop and taskbar but keep running, and they are there when you switch back.
How do I switch between desktops?
Press ALT and a number key. You can also set your own accelerator for each desktop.
Is it a subscription?
No. The vendor describes it as a lifetime license for one computer, with free updates for life.
Which Windows versions does it support?
Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP, Windows 2008, 2003 and 2000.
System requirements
A Windows computer running one of the supported versions above. The download is 1.67MB.