VirtualDesktop Pro4.0b1

4.0b1 registration key expired on July 8th and CodeTek has gone silent again.

I'm surprised this is still listed here since info on the CodeTek Studios site (and temporary registration key) has been out-of-date for over a year and a half, with no visible sign of a future for the product/company.

4.0b1 registration key expired on July 8th and CodeTek has gone silent again.

I may be forced to eat my words. As far as I can see this version is PowerPC and Tiger only so I won't try it on my MacIntel yet.

I thought I would make this a review rather than a comment to start to move the rating down. Something that must be due now that this fine application appears to be abandoned. CTVD was without doubt the finest virtual desktop application for OS X. The fact that it broke with each major update to the OS could have been forgiven had they been able to support the application and update accordingly. Now that it seems to be beyond recovery it looks like the end of the line. Codetek (Bill?) are still promising a new version it would appear but this looks increasingly like a fantasy.

Argh... I just tried to write an email to "Dear Mr. Goldstein" (looks like he is the only Dude there working, because "support@codetek.com" is the same email address in the end as his...) and I almost loughed loud when I instantly after sending the mail got an error reply from his postmaster.... the email account is not anymore active! Great news! For all of you waiting... like me... keep waiting as now I am almost certain that this product is dead (and 40 $ lost). Also, people which are still using PPC, watch out with Adobe CS3 products cause the bindings are not working correctly with VirtueDesktop Pro 3.2. Version 4 looks to be "Vaporware". Really a sad story, such a great prodcut now depreciated.

I love CTVD; it's the best workspace manager I've used under any OS. Unfortunately, it does not run on my MacBook Pro. The web page still says a fix is coming soon. Emails a couple months ago and a few days ago have gone unanswered. Does this company still exist? Is CTVD ever going to be updated? I'd sure like to use this product that I paid for until Leopard is out with Spaces.

Has anyone heard any news at all from CodeTek about an Intel-compatible version of VirtualDesktop? There's nothing about it mentioned on their web site. Maybe it's time to starting thinking about migrating to Virtue ...

I've been using this for years, and despite a few quirks, this has been one of my most productivity-enhancing apps. Unfortunately, it appears not to work with my shiny new MacBook Pro. :-( Hopefully they will update for intel soon...

after all this time, countless bug reports, and written assurances from the CEO, this P.O.S. *still* hasn't fixed the bug with BBEdit's document panes ... into the Trash Can for good!

Ok it's not bad & yes it its more convenient to leave apps maximised & switch desktops. Only trouble is i just found Desktop Manager v 0.5.3, it's free & it works fine so no sale here sorry...

Ok I'm downloading this to try it out because many people are recommending it. I have a nagging question in the back of my mind : !. how is this different to leaving all apps running full screen & clicking on the relevant dock icon to switch between them? 2. how is this different to leaving all apps running full screen & pressing F9 then clicking on the relevant app to switch between them?? No rating until i try it.

This is by far, the one piece of software I can not live without on OSX! $40 is such a small price tag when I realize how much I absolutely rely on it. I can barely function on a Mac without it (and LaunchBar). It can be a bit involved setting it up, but man, once you do, it's pretty seamless. And there are more than enough options to customize it to your exact liking/use. Want the pager nice and small? Want it to autohide? Do you want to switch desktops by mousing to the screen edge? Want to only switch if holding a key? No problem at all. Want notification, or how about a menu item? Little pager icons, or no icons? Want a different look, make or download a skin. I have mine set to 15 desktops, with particular apps assigned to the various desktops. For example, I can keep Safari, iCal and Mail open all the time, each in their own desktops, full screen, and never once have to hide or minimize any of the windows. I have eight Terminal windows open, with four windows in one desktop, and four more in another desktop... I ssh to a lot of machines. This is done by duplicating Terminal.app, and setting up a startup script that opens the four windows when Terminal is launched. I pretty much never have to deal with moving windows around or minimizing windows to the dock to get to the one I want, because they're all there on their own desktops! Some of my desktops don't have anything in particular assigned to them and I use those for working in the Finder or other apps that I occasionally open... like scratch space. Got a bunch of windows open on your current desktop and need a fresh one? No need to minimize or hide all, just move to an open desktop! When you use the dock or apple+tab to switch between apps, your desktop changes accordingly, so you don't even need to use the mouse to switch anywhere. When you launch an app via LB, QS, or POF (plain 'ol Finder), if that app is assigned to a desktop, that's where it will always be whenever launched, every time. Got multiple monitors? No problem! You can even remove the monitor while it's running and it just resizes and keeps on going like a good little app should. Not only does it do just about anything you want it to do, it does it FAST and efficiently. I'm on a 2000 Pismo, 500Mhz, which is no speed demon, and have no problems at all -- switching is extremely fast with no lag. The only time switching may be a little odd, is when an app is not responding or really really busy doing something. CPU usage is also very minimal, which on the Pismo is always a concern of mine. I really can't say enough about this product. There are a few other virtual desktop apps out there, but none are as full featured or rock solid as Codetek Virtual Desktop. Seriously. -Heath ps. and no, they didn't pay me to write any of this

40 huge $'s for something i use freely within linux and CDE !!! DANG!

um so did i patience is a virtue, grasshopper

The following link will give you another workaround which also works with 10.4.1. http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050515231220647

I've used CTVDP for a few years now and was sorely missing it after I upgraded to Tiger. No other desktop manager had the features and even the "faster" ones had enough usability issues that I just couldn't tolerate them. The hint below about locking the preference file seems to work perfectly. 3 restarts now and I'm happily sailing along. If you have Tiger, don't be afraid, it works beautifully. Just make sure you lock your preference file.

Actually I've been using CTVD Pro 3.1 decently in 10.4 for awhile now. This is what I did (and hope it is only a temporary fix until an upgrade is provided). 1) Delete the com.codetek.virtualdesktop3.plist file in the Preference folder. 2) Launch CTVD and configure to your hearts content. 3) Go back to the Preference folder and lock the newly created com.codetek.virtualdesktop3.plist by selecting the file and going to the menu bar File -> Get Info. 4) To make any changes you need to go back and unlock the plist file and then re-lock it after you close the CTVD preference window. If you don't it becomes corrupt after the next launch. Works like a champ for me after every restart and automatic launch at login. Only thing it does not do is switch to desktop of top most window when application becomes active. Everything else is normal ( I can live with that for now)

After installing Mac OS X 10.4, Codetek VirtualDesktop crashes upon launch. An easy way to fix this issue is to delete the com.codetek.virtualdesktop3.plist file in your ~/Library/Preferences directory. Unfortunately, this means that you have to reconfigure the app each time you restart. Instead of removing the file entirely, try opening a terminal window and running the following command: defaults delete com.codetek.virtualdesktop3 SquaresDesktopLocation Now launch VirtualDesktop, it should retain your preferences (except for which desktop each window was on) and not crash.

I share similar sentiments with Koutsos and Richard about the ongoing lack of development and virtually (hmm) non-existent customer support. There's *still* no mention of Tiger support on CodeTek's web site. Why aren't they openly providing that important news about an important and relatively expensive(!) product? It's hard not to interpret all this as a sign of a company that's in trouble. If they can't get their act together soon I'll regrettably be looking for a Tiger-compatible CTVD replacement.

This is a very good program with very poor support and almost no development going on ... or at least, development that paying customers can see and benefit from. I sent an email requesting some info regarding Firefox support, to get a reply after 30 days saying we're looking into it. That was early January, nothing has been fixed till today for an issue that exists since late Firefox betas !! Tiger support was supposed to be here the day Tiger was released, now it will be in a week ... in my opinion it may be in a year or never. I really wish I had not paid for this program and had asked for a refund when I still could. There are some great alternatives out there, that at least do not take their customers for complete idiots.

Comments from 'another app' that apply perfectly here: "There are MANY Mac developers these days, and many products. Some developers have come up with clever solutions, good apps, then suddenly just dropped development. The end user is left with virtually useless software." I've used this app since the earliest days of its existence; and served as an active beta-tester for the v2/v3 apps as well. I've reported rather irksome bugs/problems repeatedly, and for over a year. The only response "Our developers will get to it asap ...". In my book, "asap" is, typically, not 1+ years ... Eventually, I stopped getting ANY response from support. E-Mails directly to the CEO were ignored. A phone call to him resulted in an effective response of "we were having email problems ... they're now resolved". From the discussion I had with him abt long-unresolved 'issues' and just plain poor support, his response, dated Jan 13 this year: "The answer is "yes" we will fix the problem, and I will push to have it done in an upcoming release that should fix the Firefox problems, this BBEdit problem and two minor issues Apple has advised us to fix. I am hoping we will have the new update ready in 4 weeks or less, because according to the Apple Engineer I spoke to on Monday, we need to release a tested version with these changes before the end of February." Well, end of Feb has come & gone ... so I followed up with email 'pings' *again*. We're back to being completely ignored -- no response. I've been a paying customer since day 1. BTW, not just for VD, but for their other products as well. I've attempted to cooperatively, politely communicate with CodeTek's support and CEO directly, rather than 'airing laundry' here. From my perspective, I've given them every opportunity to cure the problem ... VD's a great/useful app. But this treatment/lack of support is dreadful. Based on the 'evidence', my choices seem to be to assume they're either (a) a dead/dying company, (b) incompetent, or (c) just plain rude. NONE of which are acceptable options for my money. What a shame ...

I resisted using this program for two years, but now I find it utterly indispensible. I uninstalled it for a week to give Desktop Manager a good trial, but it was a relief to come back to this - it is SO elegant, & highly customisable - probably my choice if I were only allowed one piece of shareware. No disrespect to Desktop Manager, though - it just doesn't suit the way I work. Virtue is promising too, but needs some more development (it's really only a kind of stable Alpha at present). If you haven't tried Virtual Desktop (& it takes some getting used to...) give it a week of your time. It could change your Mac experience.

Using Desktop Manager is a bit like walking on stilts...it works, but not gracefully. Using CodeTek Virtual Desktop is as graceful as ballet.

I hope and believe that a lot of these 'Anonymous' fellows are incorrect. I rather wish that they'd find another way rather than post to deal with their anxieties...overeat, drink, smoke... All these negative posts might hurt the product which they claim to love. Your comments would do less harm and more good if made directly to (and only to) the developers. I have found CodeTek to be very responsive. But, you know, they've got to eat. This means they have to work on other products to bring in enough money so that they can stay in business. If they don't, then there won't be any more Virtual Desktop. Feature requests are going to have to wait until the next update, or if they are very big, the next version. Only very big companies can be constantly tinkering with every product. Americans (and I am one) have become too pampered so that if a company does not call or write them begging to help them NOW, then they feel offended. [Some of these 'Anonymous' might not be Americans, but I find that most non-Americans are more realistic in their expectations.]

This is a great utility - esay to use, stable, and many features fulfililng the promise. I have tried many shareware/freeware in different categories in this forum during last 3 months when I switched from PC to Mac. VirtualDesktop is a real 5 stars!

still a must-have app. that said, CodeTek have become increasingly UNRESPONSIVE to any sort of request ... simple things like the ability to ORGANIZE apps in the prefs--> apps tab. their typical reponse? "Our developers are busy on more important things, but when their time frees-up, they'll get right on it ..." must be a busy year ... they've apparently had no time yet. its one thing to pay the $$$ upgrade and get great support, but its another thing entirely to be ignored for the price!!! i think its time 4 me to start keeping an eye on DesktopManager!

Looks like a pretty good app, but I'll never know. I had a problem with the demo key and ended up with only 3 days out of the allotted 2 weeks for trying it out. I emailed the support address twice asking for help and never got a reply. Seems like they're in a big rush to collect a lot of money for their software but not giving much in return.

this app really needs the wonderful transitions like desktop manager... and it's for free! maybe when they add this feature i would think of buying it if it was much cheaper(?)

Well, before I installed Mac OS 10.3 I used to use this app a LOT.......but Expose (in my opinion) works much better as a way of organizing your windows, it looks brilliant, and it's not eating up any extra CPU cycles, or memory (because it's already loaded with the Dock). As for the price increase, that's pretty attrocious. I wouldn't pay $40 (the equivalent for about £23) for this program, it just doesn't do enough to make it worth that much. You can only pay via a Credit Card, which I frankly find quite appaling too - in a time where not everyone can afford to have a credit card (me included) is it really too much to ask for payment via PayPal? I mean, come on, it's not like they're not getting enough money for it! Desktop Manager is great though, and it has the aforementioned benefit of being free and seems to be very closely supported. If you want virtual desktops, I would suggest Desktop Manager - it puts the desktops in your menubar too! Codetek Virtual Desktop doesn't do that (well, not the same as DM anyways)!

CodeTek has made an excellent program even better, with 3.0 bringing several new useful features and refinements to the table -- all without changing its legenedary ease of use and excellent customizability. The new upgrade price ($15) for owners of versions 2.x is reasonable. Expose now functions properly within each of the virtual desktops. You can now autolaunch CTVD when logging in. I cannot live without this app!

I have a comment posted here a while back squawking about the price of the upgrade. Well, here's the rare case of a software developer who actually listens to his customer base and respects their opinions. This is in very way a great app. and is getting better all the time, I find I use it more and more.

I thought about this upgrade pricing ordeal long and hard. In fact, I was one the original to complain about the high upgrade price. I started thinking about the reality that a business cannot stay around forever by giving away software. This is especially true after a major new release of OSX was released that practically made the old version of Virtual Desktop unusable. The change to $15.00 is more than fair with all considered. The rumor mill is that Apple is going to start charging for updates via "Software Update". Everyone better start getting used to paying for upgrades because it seems to be coming in all directions, including MS.

Kudos to Joel for his responsiveness. It is always a jolt to hear of a price increase, particularly with something one thinks of as shareware. However, the border between shareware and commercialware is blurring these days. Moreover, many shareware titles are asking for more money with upgrades, Graphic Converter and DragThing to name just two. There are a number of valuable new features in version 3 (I am beta-testing) which make it worth the original upgrade price to me (although, of course, I'd rather have it for free): 1) Full support of X11. 2) Focus follows mouse can now focus a window without raising a window (except with carbon applications). 3) AppleScript support. 4) Better contextual menus support. 5) AppleScript triggers when entering and leaving desktops. I saved one of my favorites until last; here are 3 applications of number (5) which I have so far: (a) Number 5 (along with DragThing or a similar AppleScript aware application) gives you the functionality and concept of 'WorkSpaces". Let's say you do web-development and have a desktop or two devoted to web-development (where windows from applications you use with web-development reside). When switching to these desktops, you can have an AppleScript automatically tell DragThing to make available a particular Dock or layer whose contents are applications, folders, and urls associated with web-development as well. When leaving these desktops, another AppleScript can tell DragThing to switch back to the generic dock or layer. (b) I have one desktop set to view all files (including invisible ones). That is, when entering this desktop, an AppleScript changes the Finder settings to view invisble files, and relaunches the Finder. When I leave this desktop, another AppleScript does the reverse so that the Finder views files as in the default. (c) With one common job of mine, I always need access to a particular folder. So I have one desktop devoted to this job and as I switch to that desktop, an AppleScript opens this folder; as I leave this desktop another AppleScript closes this folder. The possibilities with number (5) above are endless. Anyway, if the new features are not significant to you, you can still upgrade to the new 'Lite' version for free. Moreover, the pricing structure has been relaxed (just one more way in which the developer is responsive to user comments). I reward real ingenuity and software writing skill by paying shareware fees. This is one of those cases.

I hate to say it, but Expose pretty much covers my needs for now. If the upgrade were cheaper then I might buy it, but paying almost full price for the upgrade when Expose already does such a good job means that I will simply live with Expose. I did make good use of this software under Jaguar, and perhaps in the future I will see a need for this program, so hopefully something will work out.

i've used this beta period to reexamine whether i really need this software. i've been jumping from 2.3.14, to the latest beta, to Exposé, and just seeing what works for me. keeping in mind that i was a huge fan of CVD in 10.2, in the end it has become very apparent that i would rather use Exposé than CVD 2.3.14, and I would much rather keep my money than ever use 3.0. thanks for the new pricing scheme codetek, you've made me happier and more productive, and done it for less money! i just wish all companies could do the same.

LOL! 25% off, Year-End Sale! Year-End Sale Price: $22.50 So how much was the update? *SCRN*

A great shareware product that I did not mind paying $30 for initially. However, when the price is raised to $55 (30+25) if you include the cost of the upgrade they have priced themselves out of the game. Expose is free and although I like virtual desktop a little better I will not pay for the upgrade. A lot of good software has gone away because people would not pay the asking price. I suspect this will happen to this software.

I agree with everyone, there is no way I will pay $25.00 for an upgrade after purchasing this product for the first time only 2 months ago. I really hope CodeTek addresses these complaints and realizes the true threat of Expose'. I have already begun my transition.

i agree with the previous reviews -- the pricing strategy needs to be re-thought, as it stands a chance of alienating those of us that have supported this program. I don't mind paying for an upgrade, but I don't want to get ripped off, either.

$30 for completely new users, but $25 for users who have already shown support for the product! Hey, CodeTek, I'd hate to see how you treat your enemies, because you sure treat your friends like dirt. -former CodeTek customer

Nice product, and $30 is a reasonable price for new users, but $25 for an upgrade is a slap in the face of registered users. No upgrade for me, as judicious use of Expose offers similar organizational functionality -- and looks cooler anyway.

Silly we are all paying for an upgraded beta. As far as Im concerned most of the time I had version 2 I went thru a beta process. Im willing to continue this, but not at a $25 upgrade fee for previous users. Whomever suggested this was a $100 application, I have a bridge Id like to sell you.

You pay for it cause it's better....I still think this should have been written into the OS like it is with linux..this one u can drag app icons from one desktop to the other...and it does everything else I expect it to. I even found (so far) it's speed to be not that much of an issue..

I was enthusiastic when i got it. But after using it for a while, i find that no combination of settings gives me behavior that completely makes sense. However i combine global settings with app settings, i still seem to wind up with windows in the wrong places at the wrong times. Actual switching, especially with different desktops, is too slow if you're not on a screaming machine. Forgets where some windows were if you have to restart the finder. Beyond that, it does seem exceptionally stable and seldom disturbs, or is disturbed by other software.

Works as advertised, and incredible support from CodeTek on their fantastic product. I can't imagine using a Mac without this wonderful program. It does what it says it will, and does it well. It's a must-have for keeping my work-flow organized. Highly recommended.

I disagree with Anonymous: for me, this eliminates the need for Expose. I personally use Desktops Manager (which doesn't, despite the other Anonymous colleague's comment, do quite as much) because it does *enough* and I prefer the pager, but neither of these tools is quite the same thing as Expose.

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/12682 Desktop Manager is Free and dose the same thing!!!! why pay for it????

"fast user switching doesn't eliminate the need for this, but expose sure does." I'm sure it doesn't. Expose can't do what VirtualDestop can with one click or hotkey!

in response to the last comment by anonymous... exposure is good, no question. but virtualdesktop lets me do a command-tab that clears my screen of everything related to photoshop, give me a safari window, and all the while keep my aim conversation within view. F9-11 can get close to the same result with a lot of clicking around. i test but don't keep a lot of shareware, but even on a 20" monitor i found it worthwhile to pay for this one. and it just keeps getting better with constant updates.

fast user switching doesn't eliminate the need for this, but expose sure does.

If you're a linux user who recently switched to Mac, this is the utility that will give you the virtul desktop functionality that you're probably missing in Mac OS X. Couple this utility with Launchbar for ultra fast and organized workspaces. If you're just a regular old mac-head, give this a shot for a more ogranized workflow - it helps me keep my multitasking work style straight. For me, this program is easily worth the money. The app itself is stable and fast, and he developer is responsive and frequently updates. I recommend this app highly.

I too fail to see how fast user switching will be any kind of replacement for VirtualDesktop. I'm not trying to get to another user. I need real estate. Even 1600 x 1200 just doesn't provide enough. Lots cheaper than another monitor, but i still have a bit of a problem with $30 for this.

Fast user switching is not a replacement for virtual desktops. For me VirtualDesktop works fine: good performance, stable usage and nice configuration options. I anticipate to use it with panther ;)

Panther has "Fast User Switching" so this application is no longer needed. If you're purchasing Panther then save your hard earned dollars.

The 2.3.6 update adds even more subtle refinements to an already superb program.

Great app. Completely worth the $30 if you're using to having multiple desktops. One suggestion I have is to use a delay instead of a mouse speed threshold for switching desktops with the mouse. Let's say that if the mouse sits at the bottom of the screen for 500ms, then switch to that desktop. Still, great job - it's exactly what an OS X app should be.

Perfect Program, Great Support, Great Response to Bugs/Features!

Nice bug-fixes. Everything purrs properly on my Pismo.

The 'phone home' was removed several updates ago, so get up to date. I don't know what was being phoned home, but I sympathize with software authors who write outstanding software such as this, and then have it pirated by people too cheap and dishonest to support the authors.

PHONE HOME = PIECE OF JUNK

Must have if you really "use" your Mac. This, Synergy, Keyboard Majestro, DefaultFolderX, CopyPasteX, iGetter, Biorhythms9, and LiSA. Can't (won't) do without. Virtual Desktop has an initial steep learning curve, but once you've got it, it frees you up. That's because they've included so many types of features for customization. Initially I felt it was kind of expensive, but once I got all the features down, and just the quality of the support has increased my value rating. I have not had one stability problem. The only problem I encountered was my inadvertently making a wrong setting. When I wrote in, they came back quickly with suggestions. Later that day I wrote about problems with Synergy and they were already addressing it in their latest upgrade. (this one.) Virtual Desktop support is excellent, responsive, fast, thorough! Good follow-up. Thank you Jeff! I have 32 virtual desktops set up (OK seldom use more than 8-10 at any time). No clutter. I can launch an app or whatever with Majestro and have Virtual Desktop set up to have it open on a specified desktop, and then can jump between different desktops by using hotkeys within Virtual desktop. Meanwhile Synergy is controlling iTunes4 which is playing my mp4a through my home stereo with the album cover/info in a floater that follows me from desktop to desktop. LiSA tells me verballyl when I have e-mail through my spamcop.net account and whether it's from family, friend, colleague, enemy.

An essential utility for anyone who needs to work with different groups of windows under any given app; for others, still quite cool and helpful. What I really want to praise is the developers and support staff: this is obviously not a trivial util to write, and the release history shows they have worked super-diligently to fix bugs and improve performance month after month. My E-mail to them re a small bug was answered within hours, and followed-up very conscientiously. Virtual Desktop inspires not just admiration for the imagination and technical skill of the creators, but genuine trust in them. They've earned a place at the pinnacle of the third-party OS X utils list alongside GraphicConverter, DragThing, and the Unsanity widgets.

Absolutely can't use my Powerbook without this. An amazing piece of software. I've got 12 virtual desktops set up, with applications set to display on specific desktops, so my work-related tasks are all together. Way more efficient than managing tons of open apps and windows on a single desktop.

Tried it. Bought it. NEED it. This is one of those must have apps for anyone that does more than use Word.

This is the Jaguar Kitty's MEOW! This is just like the pager in KDE(Linux) and Workspaces in CDE(HP-UX) ONLY BETTER! You can tell it to keep certain apps and spawned children in a particular desktop! Hot Keys to switch between desktops too! Cut the clutter! With many separate desktops, I can do much more on my iBook. It improves my workflow! I tried it for a few hours then HAD to buy it!

You MUST get this app! Being a Linux user coming to Macs, the two biggest things that just anoyed me to no end was having only one desktop (like windoze), and having to click on a window instead of having focus-follows-mouse. Then I found this application, which does so much more. My favorite feature so far is the "ramming speed" (minimum mouse velocity) setting to change desktops. Imagine if OSX came standard with these features. Wow.

Codetek is quite responsive and kept version 1 evolving even as it stomped out the bugs. VirtualDesktop is the ONLY true virtual desktop program for OS X -- Space.app only hides and shows apps, which is a limiting hack and doesn't really help to manage tasks.

I tried if for 1 minute and then bought it ! Great program.

try "Space" freeware http://space.sourceforge.net