How do you Multitask in OS X?

Recently moved to OS X and I always juggle at least 3 open windows (Browser, Word processor, Finder)

What is the workflow that suits you best and you find to be the quickest and most efficient? I was a long time Windows and Linux (Gnome 2.X/KDE 3.X) user and both had the simple way of clicking on Taskbar Window icons to multitask.

Dock: I have a Macbook Air and the limited screen estate means I'm often running in full screen with full screen apps and have no easy access to the dock (non Lion users: the dock does not show on hitting the bottom edge, rather its a two step process of hitting the bottom edge and then some additional movement downwards to activate it). So the Windows/Linux kind of multitasking is not practical on such a small screen with a large dock anymore.

Cmd+Tab: Seems kind of retro, also it does not allow selection of different windows of the same app. (Is there a modifier key for this?)

Mission Control: This is what I currently use and though it seems snazzy and visually attractive, its an in between step and objectively 200% slower at least (1. Activate Mission control, 2. Choose App/Window) as opposed to directly selecting the App/Window.

Whats your preferred method and why?

If I'm dealing with multiple fullscreen apps open at once, such as Photoshop, Lightroom and Safari for example, I put them on separate desktops and then just four finger swipe left and right between them.

Takes a matter of seconds to switch.

I use Mission Control and find that it works great.
I also use the four finger swipe also and it also works fine for me.

DavidH

3 finger swipe left and right.

Cheers ... McBie

I'm the ultimate multitasker - that goes for OS X or Windows - but it's so much nicer in OS X. I use cmd+tab and spaces. I occasionally use mission control just to get a birds eye view of what I have running. My dock stays hidden unless I need it - which is very very rare. I use launchpad more than I do the dock - and even that is rare. I occasionally use apps running in full screen and then it's both cmd+tab and 3 finger swipe - depending on what moves me at the moment.