You can display many windows at the same time in the GNOME Desktop. Your windows are displayed in subdivisions of the GNOME Desktop that are called workspaces. A workspace is a discrete area in which you can work. Every workspace contains the same desktop, the same panels, and the same menus. However, you can run different applications, and open different windows in each workspace. You can display only one workspace at a time, but you can have windows open in other workspaces.
The Workspace Switcher
applet displays a
visual representation of your windows and workspaces, as show in Figure 6–1.
You can add workspaces at any time. To add workspaces to the GNOME Desktop,
right-click on the Workspace Switcher
applet, then
choose Preferences. The Workspace Switcher
Preferences dialog is displayed. Use the Number of workspaces spin box to specify the number of workspaces you require.
A window manager controls how windows appear and behave. The window manager manages where your windows are located, and which window has focus. The window frame contains buttons that enable you to perform standard actions such as moving, closing, and resizing windows.
You can set some window manager preferences in the Windows
preference tool. This manual describes the functions that are
associated with the default configuration of the Metacity
window manager. The default configuration is specified in the Windows
preference tool.