Logging In to the Desktop

The Linux security model requires that all users log in to the system before they can use applications, create files, or perform other computing tasks. When you boot Fedora Core 4, you eventually find yourself face to face with the desktop login prompt, shown in Figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1. The Fedora Core 4 login prompt appears after you boot the system.

To log in, simply enter your username, press Enter, and then enter your password. Note that your password is not displayed as you type it; this prevents others from stealing your password by looking over your shoulder. The username and password that you should enter now are the ones that you created in Chapter 3, "Booting, Logging In, and Configuring." If you enter the information correctly, you are soon greeted by the Fedora Core 4 desktop, as shown in Figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2. The default Fedora Core 4 desktop holds the tools you need to start working with applications.

Usernames and Passwords Are Case Sensitive

In the world of Unix and Linux, nearly everything is case sensitivemeaning that capital letters and lowercase letters cannot be used interchangeably. This goes for usernames and passwords, too! As you log in, keep in mind that Betsy is not at all the same thing as betsy to a Linux computer!

The components of the Fedora Core desktop shown in Figure 4.2 include the following:

• The menubar lies at the top of the screen and provides menus and icons to launch applications or change the settings that affect the appearance or behavior of your computer system. It also displays the system clock and volume control.

• Clickable menus provide the ability to launch Linux applications, change your computer's settings or your desktop's appearance, or log out of the desktop environment.

• Application launchers are icons in the menubar that start Linux applications when they are clicked.

• Desktop icons provide a graphical way to open storage devices or to manage your files.

• The taskbar lies at the bottom of the screen and displays a visual representation of each already-running application.

• The workspace switcher (which will be discussed later in this chapter) helps you to monitor and move between virtual workspacesthe GUI equivalent of virtual consoles.

Though the list of items on your Fedora Core 4 desktop can at first seem daunting, especially if you are already accustomed to other desktops (such as the Windows desktop), you will soon find the Linux desktop environment to be both intuitive and efficient.