Desktop Enhancements

This section describes all desktop features in the Solaris 10 3/05 release that are new or have been enhanced since the Solaris 9 OS was originally distributed in May 2002. The Java Desktop System, Release 3 is an important addition to the Solaris 10 system. To view desktop features that are new in the Solaris 10 7/05 release, see Desktop Enhancements.

Java Desktop System, Release 3

This feature is new in the Solaris Express 10/04 release.

Further enhancements are available in the Solaris 10 1/06 release. See in Enhancements to Java Desktop System Release 3.

The Sun Java Desktop System, Release 3 for the Solaris 10 OS combines open source software with Sun innovation to offer a comprehensive, fully integrated, and interoperable desktop environment with an accessible, modern user interface.

Comprehensive Environment

The Java Desktop System provides a comprehensive desktop environment that enables users to navigate and work effectively with the applications and documents on their desktop. The system includes the following:

• GNOME desktop environment

• StarOffice productivity suite

• Evolution mail, with calendar and tasks

• Mozilla browser and email client

• Complete set of software utilities and accessories

Intuitive User Interface

The Java Desktop System provides an intuitive desktop interface with familiar desktop themes and file manager views to enable users to work effectively and efficiently. Other features of the user interface include the following:

• Easy to learn and use, especially for users with Windows experience, featuring:

  • Familiar desktop themes for file management and desktop configuration

  • Standard keyboard shortcut conventions

  • Direct access to files and servers using the “Documents” and “Network Places” directories

  • Familiar access to networked computers from a single “Network Places” directory

• Comprehensive user documentation and Help

Integrated Desktop

Desktop applications are well integrated in the Java Desktop System, providing interoperability between applications. Interoperability features include the following:

• Drag-and-drop and copy or paste text, graphics, and other elements between applications

• Universal printer selection of available printers on the network, to include printers on Windows networks

• Single point of entry for directory and file management and networked computers

• Direct access to content in data and files by single-click application launch for files contained in e-mail, Web pages, and file manager

Enterprise-level Interoperability

In addition to providing interoperability between applications in the desktop, the Java Desktop System provides interoperability at the enterprise level. Features include the following:

• Users can access data, files, and printers with both Windows and UNIX environments.

• The system can connect to existing backend systems, including Sun Java System Calendaring and Messaging servers and Active Directory, POP3, LDAP, and SMTP mail servers.

For further information about the desktop, see the Java Desktop System Release 3 User Guide. For further information about the applications included in the Java Desktop System, open Help in the desktop and select the specific application from the navigation pane.

Accessibility Features

The Java Desktop System incorporates many new accessibility features to support people with disabilities. Features in the Solaris 10 OS include enhanced keyboard and desktop navigation, which make the desktop accessible and customizable. The new assistive technologies included in the release are gnopernicus, a screen reader and screen magnifier, and a GNOME onscreen keyboard (GOK).

For further information, see the Java Desktop System Release 3 Accessibility Guide.

Mozilla 1.7

Mozilla 1.4 is new in the Solaris Express 4/04 release. Mozilla 1.7 is new in the Solaris Express 10/04 release.

Mozilla is Sun's new standard browser for the Solaris Operating System, delivering functionality that enables industry-standard web interaction.

Mozilla includes tools for the following:

• Web browsing

• Managing email

• Communicating with colleagues

• Participating in discussion groups

• Creating dynamic web pages

Mozilla includes the following new features:

• Non-Standard web page support

• Profile roaming support

• Junk-mail filtering

• Enhanced pop-up window blocking

• Easier bookmark management

For more information about Mozilla, go to http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/browser/.