Window groups and multiple desktops

[Michael Rogers <banthafodder connectfree co uk>]

The combination of window groups and multiple desktops raises some
complicated questions about to modal dialogs, and activating or
presenting windows.

For example, if a dialog is modal for all the windows in its group, and
it is not on the current desktop, should the user be able to use windows
from its group that *are* on the current desktop? If not, how should the
WM indicate to the user that a dialog on another desktop must be closed
before the requested window can be used?

Another example: when a window that is part of a group on another
desktop is presented, should it be moved to the current desktop and
raised (separating it from its group), or should the WM switch to the
desktop containing the window?

I suggest the following restriction: all windows in a group must occupy
the same desktop. If the user moves a member of the group to another
desktop, the WM must either remove it from the group, or move the whole
group, or offer the user a choice between those two actions.

Michael