VirtueDesktops, the donationware open source virtual desktop manager for Mac OS X, has received another update, bringing the current version to 0.53r265a.

Like the long-awaited Spaces feature in Apple's upcoming Mac OS X 10.5 operating system, VirtueDesktops helps switch between applications and provides additional screen real estate to the selected application.

The new version includes the following fixes:

-Fixed a crash in localisations other than English.
-Compiled as Universal binary - compiling as Intel-only was an accident.
-Adding desktops doesn't result in multiple, unstable entries in the desktop inspector.
-Resolved a crash on startup when migrating from an older version.
-Fixed corrupted nibs that were causing issues with languages other than English.
-Custom desktop pictures now work. Be aware that if your transition time is set too low, you won't get a smooth change between desktops - I'll be adding a warning to the transition preferences about this in the next build.
-Bindings are working - check the application organiser and watch in wonder as windows update in near-real-time.
-There is now an option in the application inspector, and the operations window, to not change the focus of an application on desktop switches. This means you can exclude applications like X11.app and Parallels from taking focus when you switch to them -- this was a patch submitted by Alex Peyser.
-There is now a welcome screen the first time you run VirtueDesktops, to show you where the menu is (you'd be surprised how often I get asked!).
-Fixed an error that was causing sticky applications to be ignored by Expose.
-All window operations should be much more consistent - try out sticky windows - no more lost windows!
-Lots of UI work.

The new update is a 3.1 megabyte download and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. The software is a Universal Binary and functions natively under both the PowerPC and Intel hardware architectures.

VirtueDesktops is a community-based open source project and the author is actively looking for help with the project. If you think you have something to contribute, give him a shout.

If you have any feedback or comments about this, let us know.