This chapter introduces the default desktop environment in Fedora.
By providing a common terminology for the elements on the desktop,
it is easier to explain how to use the desktop throughout this
guide.
3.1. View of the Default Desktop
Upon the initial login into Fedora, you will see default desktop
shown here:
The default desktop has three distinct areas. From top to bottom,
the areas are:
-
The
menu panel
-
The
desktop area
-
The
window list panel
The layout location of these items can be customized, but the term
used for each of them remains the same.
The menu panel stretches across the top of the screen. It contains
three menus and a number of default icons that start software
applications. It also provides a clock, volume control applet, and
a notification area.
The desktop area is the screen space between the menu panel and
the window list panel. The
Computer
,
Home Directory
, and
Trash
icons are located in the top left
corner of this area. Those users more familiar with Microsoft
Windows may equate these icons to the
My
Computer
,
My Documents
, and
Recycle Bin
, respectively.
The window list panel is located at the bottom of the screen. It
features the
Show Desktop
icon, running
applications as icons, and it gives access to the workplace
switcher and the trash.
The following sections discuss the menu panel, desktop area, and
window list panel in further detail.