1.2 For Microsoft Windows Users
If you are coming from Microsoft Windows, take a look at how familiar elements of Windows translate to the Novell Linux Desktop. After logging in, you will notice that the desktop has a familiar layout and recognizable icons, many of them similar to the Windows and Macintosh* desktops.
Figure 1 Novell Linux Desktop (GNOME)
1.2.1 Start Menu
You can access all of your programs by clicking the menu, similar to the menu in Windows.
Figure 2 Novell Linux Desktop Programs Menu
1.2.2 Windows Explorer
To manage files, double-click on the desktop. This opens the contents of the Computer folder in File Manager.
Figure 3 Comparing Windows Explorer to the Novell Linux Desktop File Manager
For more information, see Managing Folders and Files with File Manager.
1.2.3 Command Prompt
To run commands from a command line, similar to what you might have done at Command Prompt in Windows, click . In the terminal window, you can run most Linux commands.
Figure 4 Comparing Windows Command Line Prompt to the Novell Linux Desktop Terminal Window
1.2.4 Control Panel
To change to the way NLD looks and behaves, click . Some of the settings you might want to change include the desktop background, screen saver, keyboard and mouse configuration, sounds, and file associations.
Figure 5 Comparing Windows Control Panel to Novell Linux Desktop Personal Settings
For more information, see Customizing Your Settings.
1.2.5 Print Manager
To set up or add a printer to NLD, click . In the Settings window, double-click .
Figure 6 Comparing the Printers and Faxes Folder in Windows to the Novell Linux Desktop Printers View
For more information, see Managing Printers.
1.2.6 Task Switching
Similar to the Task Bar in Windows, the bottom panel in NLD lets you easily switch between open windows. Unlike Windows, NLD lets you set up multiple desktops where each one can be running different programs. With a single click, you can switch between them.
HINT: You can also use the traditional Alt+Tab to switch between tasks.
Figure 7 Comparing Windows Task Bar to Novell Linux Desktop Bottom Panel
1.2.7 My Network Places
If your system is configured to access places on a network, you can use File Manager to access those locations. On the Desktop, click > . Depending on how your system was configured, select the network resource you want to browse.
Figure 8 Comparing Windows My Network Places to Novell Linux Desktop Network
For more information, see Accessing Files on the Network.