Linux uses virtual desktops to spread your work out. How you use them is up
to you. This is an alternative to Windows method of minimizing applications
to the taskbar. You can have any number of them. I have 36 in KDE in use.
Most people are happy with four.
Depending on the desktop environment you set them up differently. Older
versions of Ubuntu have two panels with the workspace switcher on the bottom
right. The last version has a launcher to the left with the workspace
switcher at the end.

If you have Compiz enabled you can have a 3D rotating cube. No end to the
fun.