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Time Capsule provides 4 virtual workspaces to help you organize your applications and workflow. Think of them as separate desktops that you can switch between instantly.

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What are Workspaces?

Workspaces are virtual desktops that allow you to organize different applications and tasks. Each workspace can have its own set of open windows, but they all share the same settings, files, and desktop customizations.

Key Benefits

  • Organization: Keep different projects or tasks separated
  • Focus: Reduce clutter by spreading windows across workspaces
  • Efficiency: Switch between contexts without closing applications
  • Productivity: Maintain multiple workflows simultaneously

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The Workspace Pager

The workspace pager is located in the Front Panel at the bottom of your screen. It displays 4 buttons representing each workspace:
  • One - Workspace 1
  • Two - Workspace 2
  • Three - Workspace 3
  • Four - Workspace 4
The active workspace is highlighted with a different visual state.

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Workspace Preview

Hover your mouse over any workspace button to see a real-time miniature preview of that workspace!
The preview shows:
  • Application icons for all open windows
  • Window positions and relative sizes
  • Window count at the bottom
  • Visual indication if workspace is empty
This feature is implemented in workspace-preview.ts:66-96 and provides instant visual feedback without switching workspaces.

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Switching Between Workspaces

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Using the Mouse

Simply click any workspace button in the pager to switch to that workspace instantly.

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Using Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Ctrl+Alt+1Switch to Workspace 1
Ctrl+Alt+2Switch to Workspace 2
Ctrl+Alt+3Switch to Workspace 3
Ctrl+Alt+4Switch to Workspace 4
These shortcuts are registered in accessibility.ts:202-214 and provide the fastest way to navigate between workspaces.

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Using the Desktop Context Menu

Right-click on the desktop background to access the context menu, which includes workspace switching options under the “Workspaces” section (desktop.ts:613-644).

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Window Workspace Assignment

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How It Works

When you open an application:
  1. The window is automatically assigned to the current workspace (windowmanager.ts:560-561)
  2. The window receives a data-workspace attribute with the workspace ID
  3. A data-was-opened="true" flag marks it as having been opened

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Workspace Persistence

Windows remain in their assigned workspace even when you switch away:
  • Windows in other workspaces are hidden but remain open
  • When you return to a workspace, all windows are restored to their previous state
  • Window positions, sizes, and states are preserved
Windows do not move between workspaces automatically. Each window stays in the workspace where it was opened.

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Organizing Your Workflow

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By Task Type

Workspace 1: Development

  • XEmacs for editing code
  • Terminal Lab for commands
  • File Manager for project files

Workspace 2: Documentation

  • Netscape Navigator for web research
  • Man Viewer for documentation
  • XEmacs for notes

Workspace 3: Communication

  • Email client (future)
  • Calendar for scheduling
  • Messaging (future)

Workspace 4: System Tools

  • Style Manager for customization
  • Process Monitor
  • System utilities

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By Project

Dedicate each workspace to a different project:
  • Workspace 1: Project Alpha files and applications
  • Workspace 2: Project Beta files and applications
  • Workspace 3: Project Gamma files and applications
  • Workspace 4: General tasks and utilities

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By Focus Level

  • Workspace 1: Deep focus - single maximized application
  • Workspace 2: Active work - multiple related windows
  • Workspace 3: Reference materials - read-only content
  • Workspace 4: Background tasks - monitoring tools

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Advanced Features

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Independent Window Sets

Each workspace maintains its own z-index stack and window focus management. This means:
  • The active window in Workspace 1 doesn’t affect Workspace 2
  • Each workspace has its own window layering order
  • Focus management is workspace-specific

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Shared Resources

All workspaces share:
  • Color palettes (76 available)
  • Backdrop patterns (168 available)
  • Font sizes and styles
  • Mouse and keyboard settings

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Workspace Switching Implementation

The workspace switching mechanism (windowmanager.ts:583-646) follows this process:
  1. Hide Current Workspace: All visible windows are hidden and marked with data-was-opened="true"
  2. Update State: Current workspace ID is updated
  3. Show Target Workspace: Windows with matching workspace ID and data-was-opened="true" are displayed
  4. Update UI: Pager buttons are updated to reflect active workspace

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Productivity Tips

1

Use All 4 Workspaces

Don’t limit yourself to one workspace. Spread your work across all four for maximum organization.
2

Develop a Consistent System

Create an organization system that makes sense for your workflow and stick to it.
3

Master the Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+Alt+1-4 is much faster than clicking. Practice until it becomes muscle memory.
4

Keep Workspaces Focused

Each workspace should have a clear purpose. Avoid mixing unrelated tasks.
5

Regular Cleanup

Periodically review all workspaces and close windows you’re no longer using.

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Example Workflows

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Web Developer Workflow

Workspace 1: Code Editor
  - XEmacs with HTML/CSS/JavaScript files
  - Split view for multiple files

Workspace 2: Terminal & Testing  
  - Terminal Lab for build commands
  - Local server monitoring

Workspace 3: Browser & Preview
  - Netscape Navigator for testing
  - Documentation reference

Workspace 4: File Management
  - File Manager for assets
  - Version control operations

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Writer Workflow

Workspace 1: Writing
  - XEmacs in focus mode
  - Single maximized window

Workspace 2: Research
  - Netscape Navigator with references
  - Multiple research tabs

Workspace 3: Notes & Planning
  - XEmacs with outline
  - Calendar for deadlines

Workspace 4: Organization
  - File Manager for document management
  - System tools

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Student Workflow

Workspace 1: Assignments
  - XEmacs for writing papers
  - Active work in progress

Workspace 2: Research & Reading
  - Netscape Navigator for online resources
  - Man Viewer for technical docs

Workspace 3: Terminal Learning
  - Terminal Lab with tutorial
  - Practice commands

Workspace 4: File Organization
  - File Manager for assignment files
  - Calendar for due dates

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Troubleshooting

Check all 4 workspaces - the window might be on a different workspace. Use the hover preview feature to quickly scan all workspaces.
This is normal if you haven’t opened any applications in that workspace yet. Open an application to populate it.
Make sure you’re pressing all three keys: Ctrl+Alt+Number. The shortcuts are implemented in accessibility.ts:202-214.
This is expected behavior. Windows in other workspaces are hidden but not closed. They’ll reappear when you return to their workspace.

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Technical Details

// Workspace switching via context menu
{
  label: '--- Workspaces ---',
  header: true,
  action: async () => {},
},
{
  label: 'Workspace 1',
  icon: '/icons/system/system-workspaces-pages-manager.png',
  action: async () => {
    if (window.WindowManager?.switchWorkspace) 
      window.WindowManager.switchWorkspace('1');
  },
},
// ... Similar entries for Workspaces 2-4

Keyboard Shortcuts

Complete list of workspace and window management shortcuts

Window Management

Advanced tips for managing windows effectively

Getting Started

Initial setup and basic navigation guide

Style Manager

Customize your workspace appearance