My desktop shortcuts are in one stack on the left. All windows on that monitor are positioned to the right of that stack, so no need to minimize or close anything.

>Desktop is extra work. You need to minimize or close the current application. The task bar is far better.
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>>I use desktop shortcuts for programs but not documents. It makes me a little dizzy when I see a PC with the desktop practically covered with shortcuts. The half dozen programs I use regularly have desktop shortcuts, which I consider the best shortcut of all. No navigation required, just double click.