Just an fyi for you, you can minimize all open windows at once, by pressing the windows key (which has the windows icon on it and is located between the Ctrl and Alt keys) and the letter m. Most people don't know that the windows key actually does have functionality. The windows key and Shift-m will return your windows to what they were before.

I would also second the above recommendations for a privacy filter.

And personally, I am not surprised it earned you a poor reputation to ask people to ask permission before entering your cube. Most people just don't really think about it.

My question - is she visiting you just to chat or to discuss work? I think that makes a big difference. If it is to chat, I would tell her that you're sorry but you are in the middle of a deadline project. If it is for work, how about suggesting that you finish up what you are doing and come see her in her office in "x" minutes?

Marie