Java Desktop System 2003 Quick Start User Guide

GNOME 2.2 Desktop

The GNOME Desktop enables you to interact efficiently with the applications and documents that you use every day.

The most important software components of the GNOME Desktop are as follows:

Desktop Functionality 

Description 

File Manager

Enables you to do the following: 

  • Display your files and folders.

  • Manage your files and folders.

  • Run scripts.

  • Customize your files and folders.

  • Open special URL locations.

  • Write data to a CD.

Panels 

Contains application launchers, system menus, panel drawers, and applets. 

Window Manager 

Enables you to manage application windows and dialogs. 

Applications 

A broad range of full-featured applications that enable you to perform all your usual work activities. 

Applets 

Small applications for specific tasks. 

GNOME Desktop Applications

The following table lists the GNOME Desktop applications that are supported by Sun Microsystems:

Category 

Application 

Description 

Accessories 

Archive Manager

Enables you to create, view, modify, or unpack an archive.  

 

Calculator

Simple mathematical and scientific calculator that includes arithmetic, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions. 

 

Character Map

Enables you to select characters from a character table, then combine the characters into a text string with standard characters. 

 

Dictionary

Enables you to look up an online dictionary for definitions and correct spellings of words. 

 

Text Editor

A simple text editor that enables you create and edit text files.  

Graphics 

Image Viewer

Enables you to view and save images using standard image file formats. 

 

PDF Document Viewer

Enables you to view files in Portable Document Format (PDF). 

 

PostScript Viewer

Enables you to view files in PostScript format. 

Internet 

Instant Messenger

A multiprotocol instant messaging client. 

Multimedia 

CD Player

Enables you to play audio compact discs on your computer. 

 

Java Media Player

Enables you to play multimedia files. 

 

Sound Recorder

Enables you to record and play waveform (.wav) sound files. 

 

Volume Control

Enables you to adjust the volume level on your system. 

Programming 

Bug Report Tool

Desktop bug reporting tool. 

 

User Interface Designer

User interface builder for GNOME. 

GNOME Desktop Applets

The following table lists the GNOME Desktop applets that are supported by Sun Microsystems:

Category 

Applet 

Description 

Accessories 

Clock

Displays the time and the date. 

 

Dictionary Lookup

Enables you to look up an online dictionary for definitions and correct spelling of words. 

 

Now

A calendar server client. 

 

Sticky Notes

Enables you to create and view small notes on your desktop. 

 

Stock Ticker

Enables you to get continuously updated stock quotes. 

Amusements 

Fish

Displays an animated image and executes a user-specified command when you click on the image. 

 

Geyes

Displays a pair of eyes that follow the mouse pointer around the screen. 

Internet 

Inbox Monitor

Checks your mail server at regular intervals for new mail in your mailbox. 

 

Modem Lights

Indicates if your modem is working and tracks modem behavior and performance. 

 

Network Monitor

Monitors the activity of a network. 

 

Web Eyes

Enables you to access web search utilities and provides quick access to websites you previously accessed. 

 

Wireless Link Monitor

Monitors wireless links on your desktop. 

Multimedia 

CD Player

Enables you to play audio compact discs on your computer.  

 

Volume Control

Enables you to control the sound volume on your system.  

 UtilityAddress Search Searches for email addresses and phone numbers of people in your address book.
 

Battery Charge Monitor

Displays the status of the power management subsystem on laptop systems. 

 

Character Palette

Provides a convenient way to access non-standard characters. 

 

Command Line

Provides a command line that you can use within any panel on the desktop. 

 Disk Mounter Mounts local disks and devices.
 

Keyboard Accessibility Status

Shows the status of the keyboard accessibility features. 

 

Keyboard Layout Switcher

Enables you to assign different layouts to your keyboard. 

 

Notification Area

Displays icons from various applications to indicate activity in the application. For example, when you use the CD Player application to play a CD, a CD icon is displayed in the Notification Area applet. 

 

Pilot Applet

Enables you to configure Palm OS devices. 

 

Quick Lounge

Organizes your preferred applications on panels. 

 

System Monitor

A system load indicator capable of displaying graphs for CPU, RAM, swap space use, and network traffic. 

 

Window List

Enables you to manage the windows that are open on your Desktop. 

 

Window Menu

Displays a list of all visible windows open on your Desktop and allows you to select the one you want to activate. 

 

Workspace Switcher

Allows you to switch between workspaces.