Methods and apparatus for managing multiple virtual machines simultaneously operative in a computing environment provide an integrated work environment--for example, a desktop--which incorporates graphical and control elements from multiple virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, application programs and resources available in multiple virtual machines can be accessed from a single desktop. Visual cues are provided for associating control elements and resources with particular virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, multiple virtual machines operative in a computing environment can comprise a plurality of collaborative virtual machines, or a private virtual machine and one or more collaborative virtual machines.