Using the Graphical Desktop

Using the Graphical Desktop

Red Hat Linux includes a powerful graphical desktop environment where you can easily access your applications, files, and system resources. Both new and experienced users will be able to take full advantage of their Red Hat Linux system using the graphical desktop.

 

This chapter covers the fundamentals of the desktop and how you can customize it for your needs.

 

2.1. Using the Desktop

Your first view of the graphical desktop will look something like Figure 2-1.

 

Figure 2-1. The Graphical Desktop

The graphical desktop gives you access to the applications and system settings on your computer. You will notice that it offers three main tools to make use of the applications on your system: panel icons, desktop icons, and menu systems.

The long bar across the bottom of the desktop is the panel. The panel contains application launchers, status indicators, and small applications called applets that let you control sound volume, switch workspaces, and indicates the status of your system. The icons elsewhere on the desktop can be file folders, application launchers, and removable devices such as CD-ROM and diskettes when they have been mounted. To open a folder or launch an application, double-click on its icon. The menu systems can be found by clicking on the Main Menu button. They can also be found by double-clicking on the Start Here icon located on the desktop and then clicking the Applications icon.

 

The desktop works in the manner you might expect it to when working with other operating systems. You can drag and drop files and application icons to areas that are easily accessible. You can add new icons for files and applications to the desktop, panel, and file manager. You can change the appearance of most of the tools and applications, as well as changing system settings with provided configuration tools.

 

2.2. Using the Panel

The desktop panel is the bar that stretches across the bottom of the screen and holds icons and small applications which makes using your system easier. The panel also holds the Main Menu which contains menu items for all of your applications. Applets allow you to run specific tasks or monitor your system or services, like Red Hat Network, while remaining out of your way.

 

 

 

2.2.1. Using the Main Menu

You can click on the panel Main Menu button to expand it into a large set of menus that allows you to access the applications on your system.

From here, you can start most applications included in Red Hat Linux. Notice that, in addition to the recommended applications, you can also access additional applications under the Extras entry these sub-menus give you access to a full range of applications on your system. From the Main Menu, you can also log out, run applications from a command line, find files, and lock your screen (which  runs a password protected screen saver).

 

2.2.2. Using Applets

Applets are small applications that run on the panel. Applets usually let you monitor things on your system or the Internet. Some have more specific tasks while others are designed to be entertaining. There are a few applets that run on your panel by default. These applets are fairly important and are covered in the following list.

 

Workspace Switcher

The Workspace Switcher is a simple applet that allows you to see what applications you have open on your desktops. The graphical desktop gives you the ability to use multiple workspaces so you do not have to have all your running applications crowding one viewable desktop area. The Workspace Switcher will represent each workspace in small squares and show the applications running on them. You may click on one of the squares with your mouse to move to that desktop.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[right-arrow] or [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[left-arrow] to switch between desktops.

 

 

 

Taskbar

Next to the Workspace Switcher is the Taskbar. The taskbar is an applet which shows you the titles of running applications on any desktop. This is very helpful if you decide to minimize an application as it will seem to disappear from the desktop. Once it disappears, you can bring it back by clicking on its title in the Taskbar.

 

 

2.2.3. Using the Notification Area

Red Hat Network Notification Tool

Part of the Panel Notification Area, the Red Hat Network Notification Tool provides you with an easy way to make sure your system is up-to-date with current errata and bug fixes from Red Hat. The applet shows you different images that indicate whether your system is up to date or needs upgrades. If you click on the applet, a list of available updates will be displayed. To update your system, click the button to launch the Red Hat Update Agent. If you are not registered with Red Hat Network, it will launch the registration application. Right-click on the applet icon and select Help for details.

 

The Authentication Icon The key icon that is sometimes displayed in the Notification Area is a security notification that alerts you whenever you have gained root authentication for your system. It disappears when the authentication times out.

 

 

2.2.4. Adding Icons and Applets to the Panel

To make the panel fit your needs, you may want to add more applets and launcher icons.

 

To add an applet to the panel, right-click in an unused area on the panel and select Add to Panel and choose from the menu of applets. When you select an applet, it will appear on your panel as that is the only place it will run.

 

To add a launcher icon to the panel, right-click in an unused area on the panel and select Add to Panel => Launcher.

 

This will launch a dialog box that allows you to enter the name of the application, the location and name of the command that starts the application (such as /usr/bin/foo), and even choose an icon for the application. Click OK and the new launcher icon will appear on the panel.

 

Tip

Another quick and easy way to add a launcher to the panel is to right-click on an unused area of the panel and choose Add to Panel => Launcher from menu. Then select an application that appears in the menu. This will automatically add a launcher icon based on the properties of the item in the Main Menu.

 

2.2.5. Configuring the Desktop Panel

You can hide the panel automatically or manually, place it on any edge of your desktop, change its size and color, and change the way it behaves. To alter the default panel settings, right-click in an unused area of the panel and select Properties. You can set the size of the panel, its position on the desktop, and whether you want the panel to be automatically hidden (Autohide) when not in use. If you choose to Autohide the panel, it will not appear on the desktop until you move your mouse pointer toward it (called hovering).