The document discusses the graphical desktop environment in Linux. It describes the X Window System and its components including the X server, X clients, window managers and graphical libraries. It discusses the KDE and GNOME desktop interfaces, their components like panels and taskbars, and how to configure features. It also summarizes popular graphical utilities for file management, text editing, web browsing, productivity apps like OpenOffice, and email clients.

1. Chapter 2: Exploring the Desktop The Complete Guide to Linux System Administration

2. Objectives Understand the graphical system used by Linux Configure basic features of the GNOME and KDE desktop interfaces Use graphical utilities such as editors, terminals, and browsers Use productivity applications such as e-mail, calendar, and word processing

3. Linux Graphical Desktops Graphical display Optional Most users choose to use GUI X window system Foundation of graphical display

4. Understanding the X Window System Project Athena Graphical environment for UNIX Make UNIX easier to use Eventually called X Window System Released as public domain software in 1985 The XFree86 project Dedicated to creating version of X for Intel-based versions of UNIX

5. How the X Window System Functions Macintosh and Windows graphical environments Successful because they run on widely available computer hardware Developers of X took a different approach Difficult to install Xfree86 project Virtually all video cards are now automatically configured by the Linux installation program

6. Components of the X Window System X server X client Window manager Graphical libraries Graphical application Provides a comprehensive user interface

7. Components of the X Window System (continued)

8. Components of the X Window System (continued) During Linux installation process Xfree86 X server program installed Use different components at any “level” in graphical system twm (tab window manager) Basic window manager Available on most Linux distributions Does not include desktop interface Used to launch other graphical applications

9. Components of the X Window System (continued) Window managers available for Linux twm fvwm (feeble virtual window manager) wm2 Window Maker and Afterstep mwm (motif window manager) olwm (openlook window manager) kwm

10. Components of the X Window System (continued) Graphical library Installed on Linux system like any other application Provides tools for other applications KDE Qt GNOME Gtk+ Default desktop in Red Hat Linux

11. Starting X startx Standard command to start Xwindow system

12. Desktop Interfaces Graphical environment Provides collection of functions and utilities Makes using computer easier for those who do not have many commands memorized KDE interface Most widely used desktop environment on Linux systems Installed by default for most distributions, except Red Hat

13. Desktop Interfaces (continued) KDE interface includes suite of applications Internet access System maintenance Personal productivity Other basic tasks Panel Set of icons at bottom of screen

14. Desktop Interfaces (continued) GNOME desktop Stands for GNU object model environment Very similar to KDE Includes panel with integrated taskbar Applications included similar to those with KDE Installed by default for Red Hat

15. The Graphical Login Screen Provided X display manager xdm Display manager selects which programs to start based on session chosen by user Session Defines set of graphical programs to run when user logs in

16. Working with Graphical Windows Use mouse and keyboard to manipulate graphical windows open on graphical desktop Can perform actions using mouse Maximize and minimize windows Close windows Resize and move windows Has internal “clipboard”

17. Working with Graphical Windows (continued) Common to have multiple windows open at same time on desktop Workspace Empty background Can open application windows Typically have four Sometimes called virtual desktops Can use keyboard shortcuts

18. Working with Graphical Windows (continued)

19. Configuring GNOME and KDE GNOME and KDE Both highly configurable

20. Switching Between Desktop Interfaces switchdesk Followed by name of desktop to switch to Desktop switcher Graphical version Must exit X Window System and log in again for change to take effect

21. Saving Your Configuration Between Logins On logout GNOME can note which application windows were open Same applications are opened automatically at next login Can also save configuration between logins

22. Configuring the Graphical Login Screen Before you are permitted to configure most parts of graphical login screen Must be logged in as root or enter root password Select system settings, then Login Screen on GNOME main menu Or runrun gdmsetup command Configure login options

23. Configuring the Graphical Login Screen (continued)

24. Configuring the Graphical Login Screen (continued) Theme Collection of colors, fonts, and images that give display certain look and feel Face browser Feature of graphical login screen Causes it to display small graphic image for each user

25. The Panel Bar across bottom of GNOME desktop interface KDE includes similar bar Displays: Main menu of desktop interface Icons of programs you use frequently Workspace switcher Labeled button for each open window Date and time indicator Other informational items

26. The Panel (continued) Right-click any icon to: Move Remove View/edit properties Can have multiple panels on desktop at same time

27. Configuring Other GNOME Features Configure many additional features of desktop interface, including: Background Keyboard shortcuts Menus and toolbars Preferred applications Windows Theme

28. Configuring Other GNOME Features (continued)

29. Core Graphical Utilities Three key types of applications File manager Text editor Web browser

30. Configuring the Nautilus File Manager Nautilus file manager Provided with GNOME Can configure how Nautilus operates Using Preferences

31. Configuring the Nautilus File Manager (continued)

32. Configuring the Nautilus File Manager (continued)

33. Configuring the Use of Other Utilities gedit Default text editor Used to open text files in GNOME Choose web browser that GNOME opens whenever Web page selected

34. Popular Graphical Programs Graphical personal productivity applications for Linux

35. OpenOffice.org Office suite similar to Microsoft Office Includes: Writer Calc Impress Draw Database integration

36. OpenOffice.org (continued) Application features Available for several operating systems Microsoft office file formats supported Export in Adobe PDF and Macromedia Flash formats Macro recorder Development tool Available in over 30 languages

37. OpenOffice.org (continued)

38. OpenOffice.org (continued)

39. Using E-mail Clients Default Linux installation provides several powerful graphical e-mail clients Evolution Similar to Microsoft Outlook Start first time Presents user several setup windows Must set up your e-mail account information

40. Using E-mail Clients (continued) Mozilla Web browser Includes full-featured e-mail client similar to Evolution

41. Using E-mail Clients (continued)

42. Using E-mail Clients (continued)

43. Using E-mail Clients (continued)

44. Summary X Window System Powerful and flexible graphical environment Components include: X server that interacts with video card X client graphical application Window manager or desktop interface provides user interface to X Graphical libraries make it easier to create new graphical applications

45. Summary (continued) KDE and GNOME Provide convenient desktop interface with: Icons Menus Taskbars Graphical windows can be manipulated using mouse actions Ability to use multiple workspaces Can save current state of desktop interface

46. Summary (continued) KDE and GNOME include graphical utilities used for common system administration and management tasks OpenOffice.org Full-featured office suite similar to Microsoft office Linux provides several e-mail readers Evolution Mozilla