6. Using the Linux Desktop

In This Chapter

• Overview of the Linux Environment

• Graphical User Interfaces

• GNOME

• Summary

The Linux desktop environment is very similar to the Windows or even Mac OS, and many of the elements are presented in a familiar fashion. Generally there is a toolbar with a start button that you can also add program launchers to as well as other items, such as a clock. There is even the equivalent of the Windows system tray where commonly used programs like wireless monitors and volume controls can run minimized and be accessed quickly. You may also have a garbage can on your desktop for storing files before finally deleting them. However, you may find distributions of Linux that present a desktop with a completely blank screen. Applications are launched by a menu that appears when you right-click the desktop. You may find unique environments that are like nothing you have used before. If you are using one of the distributions that are mentioned in Appendix C that is probably not the case. Actually, you will probably see something fairly similar to what you saw when you booted the Knoppix Companion CD-ROM. Since there is some commonality among desktop distributions, the focus of this discussion is on how to use the most popular methods for navigating the Linux desktop.