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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 ==
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)===
'''NOTE:''' In other Linux enviroments, 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 simluates 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.