Multiple desktops in Windows

25
2014-05
  • John Straka

    I'm running a program that uses WatiN to automate file uploads to different websites. I currently run it on a machine that I remote into via the standard Remote Desktop Connection in Windows - once I start an upload, I go ahead and continue using my local machine. Soon, I'll be needing to run it locally. The problem is that it requires focus (which is unavoidable due to WatiN utilizing SendKeys) and I of course don't want to render my machine useless while it runs.

    So, my question: Is there any way to emulate the multiple desktops/workspaces that have been in many Linux distros for some time? I tried VirtuaWin to no avail.

    Alternatively, is there a way to remote into a machine from itself? Or is there some other means of creating a separate session on the same machine that does not steal focus? Running Linux is not an option, and a VM would be overkill.

    • Answers
  • Jeff F.

    Check mdesktop out. This is an open source solution for multiple desktops. Very easy to use and configure.

  • BBlake

    Not sure if this would work, but if you set up a separate user account on the machine, log in as that user and kick off the process, then Switch User back to your regular account. Something to try anyway. If neither that nor the virtual desktop idea Jeff suggested work, you're probably going to have to go the VM route.


    • Related Question

    How do I throttle a Windows 7 remote desktop connection?
  • firedfly

    I have a remote desktop connection from one windows 7 machine to another windows 7 machine. I would like to throttle the network connection to emulate the experience I would receive if the computers were not on the same local network. In the past, I've used NetLimiter to throttle the network connection of specific applications on my computer. This works if I rdp windows 7 into a windows xp machine. However, no network traffic is shown when connecting windows 7 to windows 7.

    How can I throttle a windows 7 rdp connection to another windows 7 computer?


    • Related Answers
  • William Hilsum

    The only quick way I can think of is use a low end managed switch as (most of) these allow you to set bandwidth allocations on a per port basis. You can probably pick a second hand one up on eBay cheapish, if you don't already have a old one lying about.

    If you are just running tests and have the hardware spare, you could also try using VmWare Workstation, this allows you to create teams of VMs and set the speed for the virtual network card.

    Lastly, in Remote Desktop itself, you could always go to options and then the experience tab to test out on low bandwidth by disabling all the features, however this will only emulate a session optimised for low bandwidth links and obviously would actually be fast.

  • RCIX

    I would turn down the settings in remote desktop. Open the expanded options, then select Experience. Then uncheck all but the last one. This ought to at least get you started. Combine that with the aformentioned bandwidth limitng programs and you should be set.