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[[Category:Ubuntu]][[Category:Linux]] Currently, the two <u>most common </u> desktop environment used in Linux are:
* '''Gnome'''
This tutorial will try to teach the "basics of the Desktop environment". Although this tutorial will focus on the '''Gnome desktop environment''', it will also apply (in loose terms) to the KDE environment. This tutorial will use screen captures of the Gnome desktop environment...
== Purpose of the Desktop Environment ==
== Elements of the Desktop Environment ==
===Icons===
[[Image:desktop1.png|right|500px| '''Gnome Desktop Environment displaying Panels''' ]]
Contained on the desktop (located on the left-hand-side) are '''icons'''. These icons can represent '''hardware devices''', '''applications''', and other items such as '''documents''', '''pictures''', '''music''', etc... The user can open these files or run these applications by pointing and double-clicking on the icon.
===Panels=== Usually appearing along the edge of the desktop, '''panels ''' are areas that contain additional elements to assist the user to operate in the desktop environment. There is usually a primary and secondary panel that is created upon install.
* '''Workspace Switcher''' (Switch to difference desktop)
* '''Trash Bin''' (Stores Deleted Files)
===Docking Station (Avant Window Navigator)===
[[Image:awn.png|right|500px| '''Avant Window Navigator docking stations which resembles typical docking station in MAC OSX desktops''' ]]
'''NOTE:''' In other Linux environments, such as the Westminster Computer Lab (LTSP Project), it is using the Gnome desktop, but instead of using Panels, it is using the '''Avant Window Navigator (awn)''' which simulates a docking-station interface (similar to Mac OSX).
Certain accounts can allow the user to configure (add / remove) programs from the docking stations.
Other accounts (like jamm accounts) are "locked-down" to prevent users from making changes to the docking station.
Users launch applications simply by pointing and clicking on an application icon. Some accounts have a menu icon in the docking station in order to launch applications that are NOT contained in the docking station panel...
Below is a list of common mouse operations in Gnome/KDE:
<ul>
<li>'''Double-Click''' ''(While mouse is pointing on an object, press and release <u>left</u> mouse button in rapid succession)''</li>
<li>'''Right-Click''' ''(While mouse is pointing on an object, press right mouse button and release)''</li>
<li>'''Middle-click''' ''(While mouse is pointing on an object, press middle mouse button and release)''<br /><br />''('''NOTE''': If hour your mouse does not have a middle button, press and release <u>both</u> left '''<u>and''' </u> right mouse buttons simultaneously)''<br /><br /></li><li>'''Drag''' ''(While mouse is pointing on an object, press and hold left mouse button then move mouse to desired location, then release left mouse button)''</li>
</ul>
