Microsoft attempts to patent virtual desktops

SOFTWARE LEVIATHAN Microsoft applied for a US patent last October for a virtual desktop manager.

The patent application describes a method for users to preview multiple virtual desktops in a GUI.

The concept is not, of course, new. Unix graphical user interfaces have had this feature for years and years.

If you look at the images Microsoft associates with this patent application, some of the images are spookly reminiscent of GNOME and KDE Unix desktops. Well, in fact, the pics have the logos of these projects.

Obviously innovation at its best.

You can view the patent application in all its glory, here. µ

* IN FACT there's a discussion of this patent at Slashdot which throws further light on the affair. Apparently the Unix images are listed as prior work. See here.