Ubuntu: Up and Running

Desktop Layout

One of the best things about Ubuntu is the care and attention that’s gone into developing its desktop layout. Based on the GNOME desktop environment (unless you are using Kubuntu or Xubuntu), it provides a slick and intuitive interface to your computer (as do both Xfce and KDE).

The screen grab in Figure 4-6 shows a typical Ubuntu desktop soon after installation. The only minor difference between the screen grab and what you will see on your computer is the wallpaper, which was produced especially for this book.

Figure 4-6. Ubuntu’s default GNOME desktop environment, featuring a new wallpaper

So, let’s take a look at the various parts by taking a clockwise tour, starting at the top left where there are the three main menus. If you are used to using Windows, you can think of these menus as being three Start menus instead of one; rather than having to drill down through a single tree of menu items, Ubuntu divides the options into things dealing with applications, places, and the system itself.

The Applications Menu

The Applications menu (see Figure 4-7) contains the main programs and accessories you use. This includes things such as Calculator, CD/DVD Creator, and Terminal under the Accessories subheading; over a dozen games under Games; the GIMP image editor and F-Spot Photo Manager under Graphics; the Firefox web browser and Empathy instant messenger (IM) program under Internet; ...