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Unit 2: Red Hat Linux 9 Basics

The small applications that run on the Panel are called applets. These usually perform useful and Notes
informative tasks like setting the sound level of the soundcard, monitoring whether the system
software needs an update, etc. The following applets run by default.

z z The Workspace Switcher: We can consider the graphical desktop as a workspace
drawing an analogy with the working area on a real physical tabletop. Programs are run,
documents displayed and files opened on the workspace. To cut down on workspace
clutter and to allow the user to organise his workspace more efficiently, the graphical
desktop environment permits the usage of numerous workspaces. Every workspace can be
considered as a virtual desktop.
Figure 2.7: The Workspace Switcher

By default the user has four desktop workspace areas to work on. The workspace switcher
represents every workspace as a small square and shows the applications running in each
of them. To access a workspace click on the square with the mouse.
z z The Taskbar: This applet is situated next to the workspace switcher and displays the titles
of all the running applications in a virtual desktop (a workspace).

2.1.3 The Desktop Space

The Desktop space refers to the remaining screen. It consists of icons which are graphical
representations of short-cuts to application launchers, file folders, files and peripheral devices
like floppy disks, CD-ROM drives and printers. Double-clicking on an icon representing an
application will launch or execute the application. Generally used applications and/or files/
folders are usually located on the desktop space.

Figure 2.8: The Desktop Space

Source: http://linux.about.com/od/linux101/a/desktop01d.htm

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