Summary

The CDE and KDE desktops are easy-to-use graphical user interfaces that provide both end-user and system administration functions through a familiar Windows-like interface. Users can take advantage of features such as icons and mouse movements to select applications to run; access devices, folders, or files; move about the desktop; and perform system routines.

The CDE environment is one of the original visual desktop environments for UNIX-based systems. While it requires a purchase license, it is still in use on a number of UNIX systems today It has evolved to the point where it is available on Linux systems as well, and an opensource desktop called Xfce-which is similar to CDE in function-has even been created for the Linux/UNIX environment.

This chapter also described how the KDE desktop is accessed via a login screen, as well as the items contained on the login screen. It also discussed each of the basic desktop components and how they are accessed and used. Further, it discussed how a user can customize the desktop environment to personalize it and make the things most useful to the user readily available on the desktop. Finally, it discussed many of the key applications and built-in tools that make KDE easy to use, including assistive-technology applications.

Remember, the best way to learn any desktop interface is through use. While you are learning to move around the CDE or KDE desktop, take advantage of the online help features available within applications as well as the online guides that come with your CDE or KDE distribution.