In this project, you briefly explore the Fedora 13 desktop. You need a computer set up w...

In this project, you briefly explore the Fedora 13 desktop. You need a computer set up with the default GNOME desktop. Steps 1 through 3 apply if you are using the Fedora 13 Live Media DVD that comes with this book. Steps 1 through 3 are included only once for this project to help you get started using the Fedora 13 Live Media DVD. In later projects it is assumed you are using these steps to boot into Fedora 13. If you are using a different Linux distribution, boot into that distribution and start at Step 4. Note that Fedora 13 Live Media on the DVD comes with the GNOME desktop by default.

To explore the Fedora 13 GNOME desktop:

1. Boot your computer from the Fedora 13 Live Media DVD that comes with this book. When you turn on the computer, insert the DVD and use the keyboard key combination specific to your computer for booting from the DVD/CD-ROM drive. The key combination is often displayed when you first turn on the computer, such as pressing F11 or F12 for some computers (consult with your instructor for your particular computer). When booting from the Fedora 13 Live Media DVD, press Enter as soon as you see the Automatic boot in … message. (Or, if you don’t press Enter, the system will automatically boot and you should skip to Step 3.)

2. On the welcome screen, select the Boot option using the up and down arrows, if necessary, and press Enter. The boot process will take a few minutes and you’ll see a progress bar at the bottom of the screen and then a small circle with circulating dots as the operating system initiates.

3. Click Log In on the Automatic Login window (or wait a few minutes and the operating system will automatically log in).

4. Notice the bars at the top and bottom of the desktop. These are called Panels (see Figure 1-14). The top Panel typically contains menus and icons for running Linux and operating system applications. The menus often include the Applications menu for running general applications, the Places menu for accessing folders, music, and other file locations, and the System menu for administering the operating system. The top Panel also usually contains a digital clock display and utility icons, such as for controlling sound or accessing a network. The bottom Panel is used for minimizing open windows and switching between desktops. Depending on the Linux distribution, the bottom Panel may also contain a trashcan icon for deleted files or folders.

5. Click the Applications menu in the top Panel to view categories of applications. What application program categories do you see?

6. Point to an application category, such as Accessories to see a list of links to accessory programs, such as the Calculator program.

7. Point to other application categories to view program links for those categories.

8. Click each of the Places and System menus to view their contents.

9. Click in a blank space on the desktop to close any open menu.

10. Move the pointer over all of the icons in the top Panel to see a short description of their purpose. Record the icons that are on the top Panel.