If you’re like me, you probably have only use one screen while on your computer, right? I would love to have multiple flat panel monitors so that I can split up my applications onto different screens, but it’s slight expensive!

Firstly, you need a newer PC with a high-end graphics card that supports dual monitors or more. Secondly, you simply need more monitors! That adds up to an extra few hundred bucks! So what’s the poor man’s solution?

Well, you can do several things! Earlier I wrote about how you can split your screen into parts or use a virtual desktop manager like Dexpot or even create a 360 panoramic version of your desktop using 360 Desktop. All are pretty good options if you need more screen real estate.

Another program I just ran across also increases your real estate, but does it in a slightly different way, which to me is easier. DoubleDesktop is a nifty little program that basically doubles the width of your desktop.

Why is it any better than the other virtual desktop managers out there? Well, it depends on what you need. If you need 5 different virtual desktops, this program is not for you. If all you want is a second desktop that you can easily switch to, then this program is perfect.

Once installed, the program shows you a little tutorial of how to switch desktops.

double desktop size

You’ll see a new icon in your taskbar and in order to switch, simply click on the icon. You can also setup a hotkey to switch between desktops. To move a window from one desktop to the other, simply drag the window beyond the right or left boundary of your screen.

Then, switch desktops using the icon in the taskbar or using the shortcut key. The other half of the window will appear in the second desktop. Now just drag it and expand it to fill the second screen. You can drag over as many windows as you like.

The cool thing about the program is that you can also choose a different wallpaper  and change the desktop icon title colors for the second desktop.

doubledesktop

Overall, it’s not a super fancy program, but if you are looking for a basic and effective way to extend your desktop, this program works well.