Desktop Icons: Click an icon on the desktop to access its associated program or application. Right-click to open a context menu for moving, copying, or performing other functions on an icon.

Desktop Context Menu: Right-click an empty area on the desktop to access this context menu for creating new objects, such as files, folders, or bookmarks; configuring the appearance of the desktop; running applications; and logging out.

KDE Panel: By default, the panel of your KDE desktop consists of the following areas (from left to right): main menu button, quick launcher, desktop previewer, taskbar, and system tray. You can add or remove icons in the panel and customize the appearance of the panel as well as its location on the desktop. Click the arrow at the far right to hide the panel. If you hold your mouse pointer over an icon in the panel, a short description is displayed.

Main Menu Button: Click the icon at the far left of the panel to access a menu leading to all programs, tools, and applications on your system. The function-oriented menu structure makes it easy to find the right application for your purpose even if you do not know the application names yet.

Quick Launcher The quick launcher contains some larger icons that are shortcuts to frequently used programs, folders, and functions, such as an Internet browser, your home folder, and the online Help Center.

Desktop Previewer: Between the quick launcher and the taskbar, find a miniature preview that shows your virtual desktops. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop allows you to organize your programs and tasks on several desktops, which minimizes the number of windows to arrange on the screen (Section 4.0, Using Virtual Desktops). To switch between desktops, click one of the symbols in the previewer.

Taskbar: By default, all started applications and open windows are displayed in the taskbar, which allows you to access any application regardless of the currently active desktop. Click to open the application. Right-click to see options for moving, restoring, or minimizing the window.

System Tray: This rightmost part of the panel usually holds some smaller icons, including the system clock displaying time and date, the volume control, and icons for several other helper applications.