Why are workspaces disabled by default?

In the recent versions of Ubuntu, workspaces are disabled by default. Is there a specific reason for this.

I know how to enable them, but I wish to know the reason why the developers choose to disable them by default.

Solution 1:

The workspace switcher is disabled by default in Ubuntu 13.04, according to feature request.

Please see following bug for explanations

This change request is now summarized in a google doc, see https://docs.google.com/a/canonical.com/document/d/1cbPd9WSSbFHg4Z7BSOQxDKusMe2aJjj0FEF2AMxNOZM/edit#

----------------------------------------- Workspace switcher should not be in the Launcher by default.

• The workspace switcher should not be in the Launcher by default (both on fresh installs and upgrades)

• Dragging and dropping the workspace switcher into the Trash should remove the icon from the Launcher and disable workspaces

• It should be possible to drag and drop the workspace icon to place it into any position in the Launcher

• If the workspace switcher is not present in the Launcher, all other workspace functions and touchpoints on the desktop should be disabled. These touchpoints are:

-- The Alt+Space window accessibility menu -- The 'right click on window title bar' menu -- The workspace shortcuts listed in the SUPER key keyboard shortcuts overlay -- All workspace related keyboard shortcuts

Solution 2:

I think it is for people who have no idea of concepts such as workspaces.

Have you ever seen a new user accidentally switch workspaces and become totally lost? Besides, it's easy to turn them back on if you know how to use them.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ubuntu/comments/1dc6z2/why_are_work_spaces_disabled_by_default/