Another tips:
Learn to use docks, corners and space.
I put my docks on the left side of the screen instead on the bottom to maximize my space.
I use corners :
Upper left: All windows
Lower Left: Spaces
Upper right: Dashboard
Lower right: Put display to sleep
Space:
1. Internet Browsing
2. Windows (used with Parallel)
3. Photo editing software
4. Other programs.
Turn on Firewall