Using The Graphical Desktop; Using Nautilus - Red Hat ENTERPRISE LINUX 4 - STEP BY STEP GUIDE Manual

Chapter 2.

Using the Graphical Desktop

Red Hat Enterprise Linux includes a powerful graphical desktop environment where you can easily
access your applications, files, and system resources. Both new and experienced users can take full
advantage of their Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems using the graphical desktop.
This chapter covers the fundamentals of the desktop and how to configure it for your needs.

2.1. Using Nautilus

Your first view of the graphical desktop looks something like Figure 2-1. The desktop offers the fol-
lowing tools, represented as desktop icons: Computer, User's Home, and Trash. Each of these tools
is an application of the Nautilus file manager.
Figure 2-1. The Graphical Desktop
Nautilus provides a graphical display of your system and personal files. Nautilus is designed to be
much more than a visual listing of files, however. It allows you to configure your desktop, configure
your Red Hat Enterprise Linux system, browse your photo collection, access your network resources
and more — all from one integrated interface. In essence, Nautilus becomes a shell for your entire
desktop experience.
Working in Nautilus provides an alternative to using a shell prompt to navigate the file system. The
following sections explain how to use Nautilus to enhance your desktop experience.