Have you heard of the virtual desktops ? Have you ever seen anyone’s computer as with a couple of clicks, happened to have a different kind of desktop with other programs in use?
This is precisely a virtual desktop, a workspace with specific resources that you choose to be available here and only here. It is a concept that has been known and has been designed and used for some time but, with Windows 10, it becomes fully accessible so that any user, without advanced computer skills, can make use of it.
If you are interested in delving into the concept and discover everything that can be achieved with it, keep reading this article because we will tell you everything and, in addition, we will teach you to create them for yourself .
Index:
What are virtual desktops and how do they work?
A virtual desktop is a space created on our computer that includes all kinds of software elements, so that we emulate a different desktop to ours. This is, in addition to having certain programs installed and running an X operating system , we can create another version of our computer in which we work with another OS and in which we only had a few programs installed.
It would be something like having a different computer to use at the time that best suited us . For example, we can have a work desk assembling Linux, a children’s one in which we place only didactic and educational resources for children, etc.
What happens is that this occurs on a single computer , that is, all this happens inside your computer. The apparatus, that is, the physical, is exactly the same. However, inside we can do something like start different sessions , as if we were entering different computers, each with its products installed.
When you choose a virtual desktop you have access to certain programs and content . If you switch to another, the above will no longer be available and you will find what you had installed on that second desktop.
Thus, you can design desks according to your different needs , including, each one, as little as possible.
Best of all, this is a widely used resource and can be enjoyed on all computers. However, with Windows 10, the operating system par excellence. In fact, it is a functionality so that getting to work with virtual desktops is very simple (we see it at the end).
What benefits and advantages does the use of virtual desktops for personal use offer us? or business?
As you can imagine, there is a lot of what it means to have this resource, as it offers benefits of all kinds. Let’s see.
At home
- The visual load of items found on the computer is much less.
- Learning is easier .
- We don’t get confused about programs .
- We also can’t send wrong content by mistake.
- We use the most appropriate operating system to the actions that we must carry out.
- We have appropriate elements for each person , covering the use of inappropriate content or software, for example, for children.
- We have “several computers” in a small space.
- Virtual desktops also save money, as it is not We need to buy a team from each family member.
- Telecommuting can be much more comfortable and simple .
Outside the domestic realm
- A team can be used, in different shifts, by several workers with very different functions.
- Everyone’s privacy will be major.
- We will only have access to specific programs to do our job.
- We can have client desks on schedule commercial and for workers (for example, with maintenance software, CRMs, ERPs, etc.). This can be very useful, for example, in call centers or libraries.
- It is a minimum investment to be able to use a same team for more people.
- The disbursement will also be less in terms of licenses as programs shared on the same computer will use only one.
- The errors by the user regarding the use of software and content will be minimum.
- The change from desktop to desktop is very fast , which means we don’t spend time on starting some computers; Every second is money in a company! In addition, it allows us not to hinder the pace of work (ideal, for example, in academies, where each student will need a specific desk just in time for lessons).
What is the difference between VDI (desktop virtualization) and a desktop virtual?
Its definition could make us believe that it is, at least, very similar technologies that we could use alternatively. However, this is not the case in the least.
We have already seen that with a virtual desktop we try to create an experience of using a second operating system on our computer including all kinds of softwares that we associate at the same time (desktop for children, work desk, desk to train us, desk for leisure …).
The virtualization system of a desktop not only does not do it but also separates the hardware from the environment. Thus, we can only interact with a single operating system, by booting the desktop into a data center in which it has been stored.
We can say that it is a work environment identical to a desktop, that we fill with the softwares that are of our interest, and that is stored in the cloud and not in our disk, being accessible , therefore, from any computer (including the lightest ones).
We can deduce that these, of course, are useful in some cases. While the virtual desktop is ideal for carrying out actions that require an OS and very specific software elements. The VDI will be ideal if you are looking for a centralized control of the services offered, so that these are available anywhere.
How to create and customize virtual desktops in Windows 10?
Now comes the important thing: how to create virtual desktops . You will be surprised to know that, this is much simpler than it may seem since Microsoft designed this specific function for Windows 10. And not only the creation, the modification of them is also easy and fast, which means that, without a doubt , we encourage you, at least, to try them.
Create a virtual desktop
We’ll start with the basics, which is creating a desktop. To do this:
- Press the « Tab » and « Windows « keys.
- Now you just have to look for the option « Add desktop «. This changes with the different Windows updates, but it will usually be found in the upper area (on the applications you have open) or in a lower corner.
- You will see that in the upper area there are two small windows that are They correspond to the two desks you will have now. The first will include everything you had open and the second will be empty, as it will be the desktop you just created. Right here you will see that you can continue creating as many virtual desktops as you wish by simply clicking again on « New desktop «, in the upper area.
Another faster way to do it, if you are one of those who use shortcuts, is to press the combo « Windows » + « Ctrl » + « D «. You will find yourself in it automatically.
Change desktop
In this case, what you need to do is:
- Go to the task view from « Windows » + « Tab » or by clicking on the task view button in the start bar.
- Now click on the desktop you want to move to . These are located above, in miniature.
Another method is to use the shortcut « Windows » + « Ctrl » + « Left / right arrow «.
Pass applications from one desktop to another
If you want to provide the new desktop with applications:
- Open the application you want to change the desktop.
- Now open the task view by clicking on its corresponding button in the bar Of start. You can do it both with the corresponding icon located in the start bar and with the shortcut « Windows » + « Tab «.
- Click and hold the application view .
- Drag to the desktop window where you want to add it.
Delete desktops
Finally, if you consider that you are not going to use it, you can delete them as follows:
- Go to the task view with « Windows » + » Tab «.
- Mouse over the thumbnail of the desktop you want to remove.
- You will see that the characteristic blade appears to close any window; press it.