Section 10.3. Desktop Environments


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10.3. Desktop Environments

A desktop environment (DE) is a fancy way of referring to all the programs that manage and render the conceptual desktop that is graphically represented on your screen by icons and windows. Although every DE has its own unique look and behavior, all provide the same basic set of components:

  • menus providing access to objects, tasks, or applications

  • icons representing devices or other objects in the system

  • status bars or areas where real-time status data is displayed

  • a cursor controlled by a mouse providing navigation among and interaction with desktop objects


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Three major Linux desktops are in common use today: CDE, KDE, and GNOME. Other desktop environments are available, but as with the "minor" distributions of Linux, it is impossible to discuss all the various DEs in the world. Information on many other DEs, including screenshots, can be found at:

http://www.xwinman.org

10.3.1. CDE

The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) was one of the first true DEs for UNIX systems. CDE is a cooperative venture by Hewlett-Packard, IBM, SunSoft, and Novell that is common to many UNIX platforms. A commercial product (not open source), it is available for Linux and is preferred by users who frequently work on both UNIX and Linux systems.

CDE is based in large part on Hewlett-Packard's Visual User Environment (VUE) and Sun Microsystem's OpenWindows. Both are based on the OSF's Motif windowing standards, common in UNIX environments. CDE's outward appearance is very much like that of VUE, although there are also OpenWindows influences apparent throughout. CDE was the first UNIX desktop to be adopted by multiple UNIX vendors.

CDE provides a working area (desktop), icons, and a control panel made up of expandable menus and status icons. CDE also provides its own terminal application (comparable to xterm) and a file manager application.

Since CDE is a commercial product, it is not included in Linux distributions. For more information on CDE, including screenshots, visit the web site:

http://www.opengroup.org/cde/

10.3.2. GNOME

The GNU Network Object Model Environment (GNOME) is the GNU Project's contribution to desktop environment. Like other GNU software, it is freely available, is included in most Linux distributions, and runs on most UNIX hardware platforms as well. GNOME's goal is to provide an easy-to-use desktop for beginning users without tying the hands of experienced users.

The GNOME Desktop Environment (GDE) is made up of a working area (the desktop), icons, and a control panel made up of expandable menus and status icons (which will feel familiar to Windows users). GNOME also provides its own terminal application (comparable to xterm), a file manager application, and a control center for modifying system and desktop configuration information.

The subsequent screenshots in this chapter are from a system running GNOME. Another sample screenshot can be found on page 25. For more information on GNOME, including other screenshots, visit the web site:

http://www.gnome.org


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10.3.3. KDE

The K Desktop Environment (KDE) has been developed by a loose group of programmers around the world. KDE is included in most Linux distributions and is available for just about every version of UNIX.

KDE attempts to provide an interface similar to those of MacOS and Windows desktops to encourage UNIX/Linux adoption in home and office environments (where MacOS and Windows have traditionally dominated). Many feel it is a "busier" desktop than some others, but also that it is more flexible and configurable.

KDE provides a working area (desktop), icons, and a control panel made up of expandable menus and status icons. KDE also provides its own terminal application (comparable to xterm), a file manager/browser application, and a control center for modifying system and desktop configuration information.

See page 26 for a sample screenshot of a KDE desktop. For more information on KDE, including screenshots, visit the web site:

http://www.kde.org




Linux for Programmers and Users
Linux for Programmers and Users
ISBN: 0131857487
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2007
Pages: 339

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