There are primarily two desktop environments on Linux as opposed
to one in other Operating Systems, they are called GNOME & KDE.
Gnome is the default desktop environemnt of Linux. KDE is more user friendly to Windows users
but Gnome is more powerful.
A Screenshot of GNOME on Red Hat Linux 9
In GNOME there is a home (demo's home on the image)
it is used to store all the files. Next is Start Here icon, it represents the directory
from where we can make changes & define our preferences. there is also a trash icon it
is the place where all the deleted items are stored after they are deleted, it is equivalent of
Recycle Bin in Windows.
There is all sorts of stuff that can be done in GNOME, some
are same as some other Opreating System while others are totally unique. Here we can create
folders to store our Music, Images, Packages,etc. We can also define which package will be
used to run/open a particular type of file. We can change Wallpapers, Themes & Screensavers
(a lot of cool screensavers come with the Linux Package.).We can also change the icons
to remind us that it is important or simply for better management. We can create documents,
add music, or download images from camera & store it in our home folder or any subfolder, The
home folder is not accessable to any user except the root user, so we can safely store our work
there. We can move, rename or delete the files. windows can be rolled up by double clicking
on the title bar, they can also be minimised, maximised or closed. There is also a neat feature
it is called the workplace switcher, using it we can switch between four workplaces.
Workplaces are great way to have multiple windows & still keep our desktop uncluttered.
There are also some cool stuff on the panel of GNOME. There is a terminal
from where we can run UNIX commands just as we can run DOS commands from Windows.
There is also a weather reporter which reports the weather (temperature, humidity,
forecast, wind speed & direction, etc.) of almost any place once we are loged in on the internet
For further information on
GNOME click here.
Go to Home
Go to KDE.
Best viewed on 800x600 resolution on Internet Explorer 6 or Mozilla 8
For optimum Performance active Internet connection advised.