I’m a genious, I know
June 23, 2006While working on a report for university, I suddenly had the answer to one of my most common computer problems: the problem of when you have a gazillion windows open (various Firefox windows, multiple Word documents, multiple .pdf’s), and you want certain windows off the taskbar, but not closed. The solution: a sort of secondary taskbar, a sort of place where you can put windows if you know you’re going to need them in a few moments, but for now, they’re just in the way and clogging up your taskbar.
I’m a genious, I know.
You are basically re-inventing “document stacks”, but for open apps. ;)
I think that the “grouping” of apps that have many windows is a better idea, not because it does what you want exactly (it doesn’t), but it is less confusing to new users.
Comment by Eugenia — June 23, 2006 @ 7:52 pm
I don’t like the OS auto grouping tasks based on the application because I find stuff based on where it is, not what application it was.
For this reason I like thom’s idea.
One method to manage this could be a bit like multiple “desktops” in Linux.
Instead of just clicking to switch between desktops, you could drag tasks over to the desktop panel you want it in.
This would expand your task bar real estate, but retain your control of where tasks are located/placed.
Comment by Jody — June 28, 2006 @ 6:59 am