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= Tour of the GNOME Desktop =
[[Category:Documentation]]
[[Category:User Guide]]


This chapter introduces the GNOME desktop in Fedora. The desktop becomes easier to use after you know some of the common terminology used, beginning with the GNOME desktop.
This chapter introduces the GNOME desktop in Fedora. The desktop becomes easier to use after you know some of the common terminology used, beginning with the GNOME desktop.


If you installed Fedora 9 from the Fedora 9 Live image, whether for Intel or compatible (i686), PowerPC (ppc), or 64-bit (x86_64), GNOME is the installed desktop.  If you installed an alternative desktop, you may skip to the appropriate section: [[User_Guide-Tour_of_the_KDE_Desktop| Tour of the KDE Desktop]]  or [[User_Guide-Tour_of_the_Xfce_Desktop| Tour of the Xfce Desktop]] .
If you installed Fedora 10 from the Fedora 10 Live image, whether for Intel or compatible (i686), PowerPC (ppc), or 64-bit (x86_64), GNOME is the installed desktop.  If you installed an alternative desktop, you may skip to the appropriate section: [[User_Guide-Tour_of_the_KDE_Desktop| Tour of the KDE Desktop]]  or [[User_Guide-Tour_of_the_Xfce_Desktop| Tour of the Xfce Desktop]] .


== The GNOME Desktop ==
== The GNOME Desktop ==


''Content needs updating: This screenshot is from F8, without the new background. [[User:Danielsmw|Danielsmw]] 15:15, 3 October 2008 (UTC)''
<!-- [[Image:Image-User_Guide_-_GNOME_Tour_-_f10_screenshot.png]] -->


[[Image:Docs_Drafts_DesktopUserGuide_Tour_F8GNOMEDesktop.png]]


The GNOME desktop has three distinct areas.  From top to bottom, the areas are:
The GNOME Desktop has three distinct areas.  From top to bottom, they are:
:* Top Menu Panel is the top gray bar
:* Desktop Area is the center workspace area
:* Window List Panel is the bottom gray bar


=== The Menu Panel ===
=== The Top Menu Panel ===


This panel stretches across the top of the screen. The left side contains three menus and a number of default icons that start some software applications, and on the right it provides a clock, fast user switching, a volume control, and a notification area.
This panel stretches across the top of the screen. The left side contains:
* ''Applications''
* ''Places''
* ''System''
* ''Program icons'' (default web browser and email client)


The right side of the panel is home to:
* The ''Notification'' area
* The ''User Switch'' area
* A'' clock'' and ''Calendar''
* ''Volume Control''
{{Admon/tip |Function Description | If you hold the mouse pointer over the menu text or an icon, a brief description of its function appears. If you click one of these icons, that application starts.}}
==== Applications Menu ====
==== Applications Menu ====


This menu contains a categorized list of installed applications, which are updated as necessary when software is installed or removed. If you hold the pointer over a software entry, a brief description of its function appears. If you click one of these entries, that application starts.
This menu contains a categorized list of installed applications, which are updated as necessary when software is installed or removed. When you click on '''Applications''' a drop-down list appears. The installation default list is:
* ''Accessories''
* ''Games''
* ''Graphics''
* ''Internet''
* ''Office''
* ''Other''
* ''Programing''
* ''Sound & Video''
* ''System Tools''


==== Places Menu ====
==== Places Menu ====


This menu is divided into four subsections.
This menu is divided into four subsections.
# The first subsection allows quick access to commonly accessed folders, and makes it easy to keep your file system organized.
# The first subsection allows quick access to commonly accessed folders, and makes it easy to keep your file system organized.  These links are:
# The second subsection allows quick access to the CD/DVD creator tool, and to the ''Computer'' window, which allows you to browse all data storage attached to the computer. This subsection also grows to include links to any removable media you attach to the computer. For example, if you insert a CD or a USB stick, it will appear in this menu.
#:* ''Home Folder'' where your personal files are kept by default.
#:* ''Desktop'' which is the main work area on your computer.
#:* ''Bookmarks'' list several of the last folders opened.
# The second subsection allows quick access to:
#:* The ''Computer'' window allows you to browse the computer's files and all data storage attached to the computer.
#:* The ''CD/DVD creator tool'' opens a window to to make a CD/DVD.
#:* ''Other devices listed'' are the links to devices attached to your computer such as memory sticks and CD/DVD drives.  This list grows and shrinks depending on the removable media you attach.  
# The third section provides links to tools that help you browse and manage network locations.
# The third section provides links to tools that help you browse and manage network locations.
# The fourth section lists recently accessed documents, and provides access to a search function that helps you quickly access any file on the system.
#:* ''Network'' allows you manipulate your networks.
#:* ''Connect to Server'' allows connections to public or local networks.
# The fourth section helps you quickly access any file on the system.
#:* ''Search for files'' is the search function.
#:* ''Recent Documents'' lists the documents and folders recently accessed.


==== System Menu ====
==== System Menu ====


This menu is divided into three subsections. The first provides access to configuration tools. The ''Preferences'' menu contains tools that affect only your account, and only require normal user access. The ''Administration'' menu contains tools that affect the whole system and require root access. These tools prompt for the root password when launched.
This menu is divided into three subsections.  
The first provides access to configuration tools.  
#:* The ''Preferences'' menu contains tools that affect only your account, and only require normal user access. These links include:
#::* The ''Personal'' link provides access to your personal information, preferred applications, file management and to set up keyboard shortcuts.
#::* ''Look and Feel'' lets you customize the appearance of your desktop and windows, turn on special effects, add and subtract applications in the main menu, choose screensavers and adjust your window preferences.
#::* ''Internet and Network'' provides access to the Network Proxy and allows you to share personal files with a network.
#::* ''Hardware'' links you to Fedora's Bluetooth capabilites, your default printer, keyboard and mouse, PalmOS Devices, Screen Resolution and Sound.
#::* ''System'' allows you to configure Authorizations, Power Management and Software Updates.
#:* The ''Administration'' menu contains tools that affect the whole system and require root access. These tools prompt for the root password when launched.
#::* ''Add/Remove Software'' lets you change the software installed on the system.
#::*  ''Authentication'' allows you to control how the system verifies users who attempt to log in.
#::*  ''Bootloader'' lets you choose your default boot entry and the time the boot message is displayed.
#::*  ''Date and Time'' permits the system date and time to be changed.
#::*  ''Firewall'' link lets you setup and configure a firewall for your computer.
#::*  ''Language'' allows you to change the default language.
#::*  ''Logical Volume Management'' lets you configure the LVM in a graphical setting.
#::*  ''Network'' permits configuration of your network connections and devices.
#::*  ''Network Device Control'' lets you monitor and control your network devices.
#::*  ''Printing'' allows you to configure your printers.
#::*  ''Root Password'' lets you to change the root password for the system.
#::*  ''SELinux Management'' allows you to change security settings that protect your computer. 
#::*  ''Services'' lets you decide which services will run when the system starts.
#::*  ''Software Sources'' permits you to enable or disable software repositories.
#::*  ''Update System'' looks for software updates at your selected software sources.
#::*  ''Users and Group'' allows you to add or remove users and groups.
#  The second section provides access to the Help documentation, along with information about the Fedora project, the GNOME project and information about your computer and it's operating system.
#*  ''Help'' is the guide for questions about GNOME.
#*  ''About GNOME'' tells you about Gnome and the people who made it.
#*  ''About Fedora'' is a guide containing documentation about the Fedora project.
#*  ''About This Computer'' provides basic information about your computer and links to the process/resource monitor.
#The third section contains entries to
#*  ''Lock Screen'' starts the screen saver or blanks the screen.  It will ask for your password to restore your session to the screen.
#*  ''Log Out'' of the current session.
#* ''Shut Down'' gives you options to ''Hibernate, Restart, Cancel'' or ''Shut Down'' your computer.


The second section provides access to the Help documentation, along with information about the Fedora project, and the different teams that make it up, and about the GNOME project.
{{admon/important|Root Password|When your computer asks for your root password it means you are entering an area that changes your system's operation and/or performance. Beware of the messages the program generates and be sure you really want to make the changes.}}
 
The third section contains entries to pause or end the current session. ''Lock Screen'' starts the screen saver or blanks the screen depending on the session configuration. Enter your password to restore your session to the screen.


==== Application Launchers ====
==== Application Launchers ====
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{|
{|
|-
|-
|[[Image:Docs_Drafts_DesktopUserGuide_Tour_redhat-web-browser.png]]||'''Mozilla Firefox''' a web browser.
|[[Image:firefoxIcon48.png]]||'''Mozilla Firefox''' a web browser.
|-
|-
|[[Image:Docs_Drafts_DesktopUserGuide_Tour_redhat-email.png]]||'''Evolution''' mail client and personal information manager.
|[[Image:evolutionIcon48.png]]||'''Evolution''' mail client and personal information manager.
|-
|-
|[[Image:Docs_Drafts_DesktopUserGuide_Tour_openofficeorg-writer.png]]||'''Open<code></code>Office.org Writer''' is a word processing program.
|[[Image:Docs_Drafts_DesktopUserGuide_Tour_openofficeorg-writer.png]]||'''Open<code></code>Office.org Writer''' is a word processing program.
Line 54: Line 119:
|}
|}


{{Admon/note | OpenOffice.org is not installed when installing from a Live CD | '''Writer''', '''Impress''', and '''Calc''' are displayed only if ''Office and Productivity Tools'' was selected during installation.  They are not installed by default if you installed from the Fedora 9 Live image. The Add/Remove program application can be used to install these office tools at any time.}}


To add more launchers to a panel, right-click on the panel and select ''Add to Panel''.  If the application is already listed in the Applications menu, you can also navigate to the application in the Applications menu, right-click on it, and select ''Add this launcher to panel''.
{{Admon/note | OpenOffice.org programs are not installed when installing from a Live CD | '''Writer''', '''Impress''', and '''Calc''' are displayed only if ''Office and Productivity Tools'' was selected during installation.  They are not installed by default if you installed from the Fedora 10 Live image. The Add/Remove program application can be used to install these office tools at any time.}}
 
 
To add more launchers to a panel, right-click on the panel and select ''Add to Panel''.  You can also add launchers that are in the ''Applications'' menu.  Right click on the application you want to add and select ''Add this launcher to panel''.


==== Clock/Calendar ====
==== Clock/Calendar ====
To access a calendar, click the clock on the right hand side of the panel.  When you double-click a date, the Evolution personal information manager opens.
 
To access the calendar, click the clock on the right hand side of the panel.  When you double-click a date, the '''Evolution''' personal information manager opens.


==== Fast User Switching ====
==== Fast User Switching ====
If you clicking the current username located next to the clock, a list of available users appears.  To switch to a different user account, select the username.
 
If you click the current username located next to the clock, a list of available users appears.  To switch to a different user account, select the username.


==== Volume Control ====
==== Volume Control ====
The volume control allows you to quickly change the overall volume of sound on your computer.  Click the icon to show a slider, and then use the mouse to drag the slider to the desired volume.  If you double-click the icon, a volume control window appears in which you can separately change the volume of different sound sources.
The volume control allows you to quickly change the overall volume of sound on your computer.  Click the icon to show a slider, and then use the mouse to drag the slider to the desired volume.  If you double-click the icon, a volume control window appears in which you can separately change the volume of different sound sources.


=== The Desktop Area ===
=== The Desktop Area ===


The default desktop area, or ''workspace'', contains three icons:
The default desktop area, or ''workspace'', contains three icons;
 
* ''Computer'' - If you double-click this icon, a window appears that contains available storage devices on the computer.  These are also listed in the ''Places > Computer'' menu.  
==== Computer ====
* The ''Home'' icon represents the location where all of the logged in user's files, such as music, movies, and documents, are stored by default.  There is a different home directory for each user, and users cannot access each others home directories by default.
 
* ''Trash'' does not permanantley delete your files.    The disk space used in the ''Trash'' is not recovered until it is ''emptied''. To empty the ''Trash'', right-click the icon and select ''Empty Trash''.
If you double-click this icon, a window appears that contains available storage devices on the computer.  These are also listed in the ''Places'' menu. ''Computer'' is equivalent to ''My Computer'' on Microsoft Windows.
 
==== Home ====
 
This icon represents the location is where all of the logged in user's files, such as music, movies, and documents, are stored by default.  There is a different home directory for each user, and users cannot access each other's home directories by default.
<!-- ''Home'' is equivalent to ''My Documents'' on Microsoft Windows. # this is not factually correct
-->
 
==== Trash ====


If you delete a file, it is moved to this locationThe disk space used in the ''Trash'' is not recovered until it is ''emptied''To empty the ''Trash'', right-click the icon and select ''Empty Trash''.
The Fedora Live CD desktop also includes an icon for installing Fedora to your hard diskAdditional icons may appear depending on your systemFor example, inserting a USB stick will cause an icon to appear for accessing the stick.


{{Admon/tip | Permanently deleting files | To bypass the ''Trash'' and permanently delete a file, hold down the '''[Shift] ''' key when deleting the file.}}
{{Admon/tip | Permanently deleting files | To bypass the ''Trash'' and permanently delete a file, hold down the '''[Shift] ''' key when deleting the file.}}
Line 89: Line 150:
==== Using The Desktop ====
==== Using The Desktop ====


Right-click on the desktop area for a menu of actions related to the desktop area. For example, the ''Change Desktop Background'' action lets you choose a different image or photograph to display on the desktop.
Right-click on the desktop area for a menu of actions related to the desktop area. For example, the ''Change Desktop Background'' action lets you choose a different image or photograph to display on the ''Desktop''.  Add program icons to your ''Desktop'' by a left click on the program's icon and select ''> Add this launcher to desktop. ''
 
<!-- Should there by a description of how to add files to the "Templates" option? (I don't know what this note means, kirk202)
<!-- Should there by a description of how to add files to the "Templates" option?
-->
-->
=== The Bottom Window List Panel ===
<!-- [[Image:F10_bottom_panel2.png]] -->
This panel has four components:


=== The Window List Panel ===
* The ''Show Desktop,'' button, on the left side, is used to hide all open windows, and reveal the desktop area.  This function is useful when the open applications obscure an important desktop file or icon.  To restore the windows, click the ''Show Desktop'' button again and all windows return to their previous location.
 
<!--[[Image:Docs_Drafts_DesktopUserGuide_Tour_fc6winlist3.png]]
-->
 
The window list panel has three components:
 
==== Show Desktop ====
 
Use the ''Show Desktop'' button to hide all open windows, and reveal the desktop area.  This function is useful when the open applications obscure an important desktop file or icon.  To restore the windows, click the ''Show Desktop'' button again.  All windows return to the previous configuration.
 
==== Window List ====
 
Open applications appear as button icons in the middle part of the panel, the ''Window List''.  The ''Window List'' shows all application windows in use on the desktop workspace, whether they are visible or hidden.
 
A hidden window appears with its title surrounded in square brackets ''[ ] ''.  The currently selected application window appears as a depressed button, and is said to have ''focus''.  Usually, this is the application whose window is on top of all the others on the screen.  To switch from one running application to another using the mouse, click on the desired application's button in the window list.


{{Admon/note | Use the key combination [Alt] +[Tab]  to switch between open windows. | Hold down the '''[Alt] ''' key and press the '''[Tab] ''' key to cycle through open windows on a desktop workspace.}}
* Any open applications appear as button icons in the middle part of the the ''Bottom Window List Panel''.  It shows all application windows in use on the desktop workspace, whether they are visible or hidden. A hidden window button appears with a white background. The currently selected application window button has a gray background, and is said to have ''focus''.  Usually, this is the application whose window is on top of all the others on the screen.  To switch from one running application to another using the mouse, click on the desired application's button in the panel.


==== Workspace Switcher ====
{{Admon/note | Use the key combination [Alt] + [Tab]  to switch between open windows. | Holding down the '''[Alt] ''' key and pressing the '''[Tab] ''' key will open a small window containing icons of all of your open windows. Repeatedly pressing the '''[Tab]''' key cycles through the icons. Release both keys on your selection to pull it to the front}}


The workspace switcher is situated on the far right and allows you to move between workspaces.  Workspaces have long been a feature of UNIX and Linux desktop environments.  Each workspace provides a separate desktop where applications can be organized, and a corresponding window list panel. By default there are four workspaces available.  To change this number, right-click on the workspace switcher and choose preferences.
* The ''Workspace Switcher'' is the group of squares situated on the far right. They allow you to move between workspaces.  Workspaces have long been a feature of UNIX and Linux desktop environments.  Each workspace provides a separate desktop where applications can be organized, and a corresponding window list panel. By default there are four workspaces available.  To change this number, right-click on the ''workspace switcher'' and choose ''preferences''.


==== Trash Icon ====
{{Admon/note | Use the key combination [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Left/Right Arrow] to switch between workspaces. | Hold down the '''[Ctrl] ''' and '''[Alt] ''' keys and press the '''[Right or Left Arrow] ''' key to cycle through the available workspaces on your system.}}


The ''Trash'' icon on the right end of the window list panel works the same way as the ''Trash'' icon in the desktop area.
* The ''Trash'' icon on the right end of the window list panel works the same way as the ''Trash'' icon in the desktop area. If you delete a file, it is moved to this location.  A right click on the ''Trash'' icon brings up the options to, ''Open'' the folder, ''Empty Trash, Remove from Pane,'' and ''Lock to Panel.''


{|
{|
|-
|-
|[[Docs/Drafts/DesktopUserGuide/Login| Previous Page - Logging into the Desktop]] ||[[Docs/Drafts/DesktopUserGuide| Table of Contents]] ||[[Docs/Drafts/DesktopUserGuide/KdeDesktop| Tour of the KDE Desktop]]
|[[User Guide - Logging in| Previous Page - Logging in]] ||[[User Guide| Table of Contents]] ||[[User Guide - Tour of the KDE Desktop| Next Page - Tour of the KDE Desktop]]
|}
|}

Latest revision as of 16:29, 9 July 2009


This chapter introduces the GNOME desktop in Fedora. The desktop becomes easier to use after you know some of the common terminology used, beginning with the GNOME desktop.

If you installed Fedora 10 from the Fedora 10 Live image, whether for Intel or compatible (i686), PowerPC (ppc), or 64-bit (x86_64), GNOME is the installed desktop. If you installed an alternative desktop, you may skip to the appropriate section: Tour of the KDE Desktop or Tour of the Xfce Desktop .

The GNOME Desktop

The GNOME Desktop has three distinct areas. From top to bottom, they are:

  • Top Menu Panel is the top gray bar
  • Desktop Area is the center workspace area
  • Window List Panel is the bottom gray bar

The Top Menu Panel

This panel stretches across the top of the screen. The left side contains:

  • Applications
  • Places
  • System
  • Program icons (default web browser and email client)

The right side of the panel is home to:

  • The Notification area
  • The User Switch area
  • A clock and Calendar
  • Volume Control
Idea.png
Function Description
If you hold the mouse pointer over the menu text or an icon, a brief description of its function appears. If you click one of these icons, that application starts.

Applications Menu

This menu contains a categorized list of installed applications, which are updated as necessary when software is installed or removed. When you click on Applications a drop-down list appears. The installation default list is:

  • Accessories
  • Games
  • Graphics
  • Internet
  • Office
  • Other
  • Programing
  • Sound & Video
  • System Tools

Places Menu

This menu is divided into four subsections.

  1. The first subsection allows quick access to commonly accessed folders, and makes it easy to keep your file system organized. These links are:
    • Home Folder where your personal files are kept by default.
    • Desktop which is the main work area on your computer.
    • Bookmarks list several of the last folders opened.
  2. The second subsection allows quick access to:
    • The Computer window allows you to browse the computer's files and all data storage attached to the computer.
    • The CD/DVD creator tool opens a window to to make a CD/DVD.
    • Other devices listed are the links to devices attached to your computer such as memory sticks and CD/DVD drives. This list grows and shrinks depending on the removable media you attach.
  3. The third section provides links to tools that help you browse and manage network locations.
    • Network allows you manipulate your networks.
    • Connect to Server allows connections to public or local networks.
  4. The fourth section helps you quickly access any file on the system.
    • Search for files is the search function.
    • Recent Documents lists the documents and folders recently accessed.

System Menu

This menu is divided into three subsections.

  1. The first provides access to configuration tools.
    • The Preferences menu contains tools that affect only your account, and only require normal user access. These links include:
    • The Personal link provides access to your personal information, preferred applications, file management and to set up keyboard shortcuts.
    • Look and Feel lets you customize the appearance of your desktop and windows, turn on special effects, add and subtract applications in the main menu, choose screensavers and adjust your window preferences.
    • Internet and Network provides access to the Network Proxy and allows you to share personal files with a network.
    • Hardware links you to Fedora's Bluetooth capabilites, your default printer, keyboard and mouse, PalmOS Devices, Screen Resolution and Sound.
    • System allows you to configure Authorizations, Power Management and Software Updates.
    • The Administration menu contains tools that affect the whole system and require root access. These tools prompt for the root password when launched.
    • Add/Remove Software lets you change the software installed on the system.
    • Authentication allows you to control how the system verifies users who attempt to log in.
    • Bootloader lets you choose your default boot entry and the time the boot message is displayed.
    • Date and Time permits the system date and time to be changed.
    • Firewall link lets you setup and configure a firewall for your computer.
    • Language allows you to change the default language.
    • Logical Volume Management lets you configure the LVM in a graphical setting.
    • Network permits configuration of your network connections and devices.
    • Network Device Control lets you monitor and control your network devices.
    • Printing allows you to configure your printers.
    • Root Password lets you to change the root password for the system.
    • SELinux Management allows you to change security settings that protect your computer.
    • Services lets you decide which services will run when the system starts.
    • Software Sources permits you to enable or disable software repositories.
    • Update System looks for software updates at your selected software sources.
    • Users and Group allows you to add or remove users and groups.
  2. The second section provides access to the Help documentation, along with information about the Fedora project, the GNOME project and information about your computer and it's operating system.
    • Help is the guide for questions about GNOME.
    • About GNOME tells you about Gnome and the people who made it.
    • About Fedora is a guide containing documentation about the Fedora project.
    • About This Computer provides basic information about your computer and links to the process/resource monitor.
  3. The third section contains entries to
    • Lock Screen starts the screen saver or blanks the screen. It will ask for your password to restore your session to the screen.
    • Log Out of the current session.
    • Shut Down gives you options to Hibernate, Restart, Cancel or Shut Down your computer.
Important.png
Root Password
When your computer asks for your root password it means you are entering an area that changes your system's operation and/or performance. Beware of the messages the program generates and be sure you really want to make the changes.

Application Launchers

The series of icons next to the menus provide quick access to commonly used applications. These icons are called launchers.

FirefoxIcon48.png Mozilla Firefox a web browser.
EvolutionIcon48.png Evolution mail client and personal information manager.
File:Docs Drafts DesktopUserGuide Tour openofficeorg-writer.png OpenOffice.org Writer is a word processing program.
File:Docs Drafts DesktopUserGuide Tour openofficeorg-impress.png OpenOffice.org Impress is for creating and editing presentations.
File:Docs Drafts DesktopUserGuide Tour openofficeorg-calc.png OpenOffice.org Calc is a spreadsheet tool.


Note.png
OpenOffice.org programs are not installed when installing from a Live CD
Writer, Impress, and Calc are displayed only if Office and Productivity Tools was selected during installation. They are not installed by default if you installed from the Fedora 10 Live image. The Add/Remove program application can be used to install these office tools at any time.


To add more launchers to a panel, right-click on the panel and select Add to Panel. You can also add launchers that are in the Applications menu. Right click on the application you want to add and select Add this launcher to panel.

Clock/Calendar

To access the calendar, click the clock on the right hand side of the panel. When you double-click a date, the Evolution personal information manager opens.

Fast User Switching

If you click the current username located next to the clock, a list of available users appears. To switch to a different user account, select the username.

Volume Control

The volume control allows you to quickly change the overall volume of sound on your computer. Click the icon to show a slider, and then use the mouse to drag the slider to the desired volume. If you double-click the icon, a volume control window appears in which you can separately change the volume of different sound sources.

The Desktop Area

The default desktop area, or workspace, contains three icons;

  • Computer - If you double-click this icon, a window appears that contains available storage devices on the computer. These are also listed in the Places > Computer menu.
  • The Home icon represents the location where all of the logged in user's files, such as music, movies, and documents, are stored by default. There is a different home directory for each user, and users cannot access each others home directories by default.
  • Trash does not permanantley delete your files. The disk space used in the Trash is not recovered until it is emptied. To empty the Trash, right-click the icon and select Empty Trash.

The Fedora Live CD desktop also includes an icon for installing Fedora to your hard disk. Additional icons may appear depending on your system. For example, inserting a USB stick will cause an icon to appear for accessing the stick.

Idea.png
Permanently deleting files
To bypass the Trash and permanently delete a file, hold down the [Shift] key when deleting the file.

Using The Desktop

Right-click on the desktop area for a menu of actions related to the desktop area. For example, the Change Desktop Background action lets you choose a different image or photograph to display on the Desktop. Add program icons to your Desktop by a left click on the program's icon and select > Add this launcher to desktop.

The Bottom Window List Panel

This panel has four components:

  • The Show Desktop, button, on the left side, is used to hide all open windows, and reveal the desktop area. This function is useful when the open applications obscure an important desktop file or icon. To restore the windows, click the Show Desktop button again and all windows return to their previous location.
  • Any open applications appear as button icons in the middle part of the the Bottom Window List Panel. It shows all application windows in use on the desktop workspace, whether they are visible or hidden. A hidden window button appears with a white background. The currently selected application window button has a gray background, and is said to have focus. Usually, this is the application whose window is on top of all the others on the screen. To switch from one running application to another using the mouse, click on the desired application's button in the panel.
Note.png
Use the key combination [Alt] + [Tab] to switch between open windows.
Holding down the [Alt] key and pressing the [Tab] key will open a small window containing icons of all of your open windows. Repeatedly pressing the [Tab] key cycles through the icons. Release both keys on your selection to pull it to the front
  • The Workspace Switcher is the group of squares situated on the far right. They allow you to move between workspaces. Workspaces have long been a feature of UNIX and Linux desktop environments. Each workspace provides a separate desktop where applications can be organized, and a corresponding window list panel. By default there are four workspaces available. To change this number, right-click on the workspace switcher and choose preferences.
Note.png
Use the key combination [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Left/Right Arrow] to switch between workspaces.
Hold down the [Ctrl] and [Alt] keys and press the [Right or Left Arrow] key to cycle through the available workspaces on your system.
  • The Trash icon on the right end of the window list panel works the same way as the Trash icon in the desktop area. If you delete a file, it is moved to this location. A right click on the Trash icon brings up the options to, Open the folder, Empty Trash, Remove from Pane, and Lock to Panel.
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