Getting Started with the Linux Desktop Environment

Understanding Desktop Environments: GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, and Others

with Linux the GUI is just an app and not part of the OS
Desktop Environment is a bundle of components prvofing the GUI
generally includes

a Window Manager - handles how windows open, close and move
a File Manager - for browsing folders
a Panel - taskbar
a System Menu - start menu
a suite of basic applications - text editor image view, settings manager

GNOME (The Default for Ubuntu)

default DE for Ubuntu, Fedore and Red Hat Enterprise Linux
workflow relies on search and overview screens

KDE Plasma

exact opposite of GNOME
looks and behaves like Windows
can configure everything
can be overwhelming

XFCE

'old reliable'
not flashy
extremely light-weight and fast
stable, simple and functional

Navigating Your Desktop: Launcher, System Settings, and File Manager

The Dock (The Launcher)

by default in Ubuntu on the left side of screen
equivalent to Windows' Task Bar

Pinned Apps - click icons to open app
Running Apps - if an app is running its icon will have a small orange dot
Show Applications - at bottom of the Dock
clicking on it opens the App Drawer

The Top Bar

across top of screen

Activities - zooms out to show all open windows and virtual workspaces
the Super button does the same thing
Clock - clicking on it opens notifications and calendar
System Menu - opens a quick settings menu

The File Manager (Nautilus)

found in the Dock

Home - personal folder
by default can create, delete and edit files
Documents, Download, Pictures - subfolders in Home folder
Trash - where deleted files go until they are permanentlt erased
Other Locations - browse the rest of the hard drive (the "Computer") or connect to network servers

System Settings

Network/WiFi - connect to the Internet
Bluetooth - connect headohones of mice
Appearance - change themes and dock settings
Displays - change resolution and scaling
Sounds - change I/O devices
Power - control screen dimming and suspend settings
Users - add new accounts or change passwords

Installing and Managing Software with Graphical Tools

Linux uses a Repository model

Ubuntu Software (The App Store)

graphical front end for package management system

Explore - main page shows featured apps and categories
Search - click on magnifier
Installed - displays installed apps
can remove apps
Updates - checks for new versions of apps

Managing Updates

everything gets updated at the same time

Customizing Your Desktop Experience

change the wallpaper
dark mode and accent colors
configuring the Dock

GNOME Extensions (Advanced Customization)

supports extensions
manage extensions by installing Extension Manager

Accessing the Terminal from Your Desktop

click Super key
type Terminal into search box
press Enter key

Keyboard Shortcut

short cut is

Ctrl + Alt + T

Pinning the Terminal

open Terminal
Terminal icon will appear in the Dock
right click the icon
in menu select 'Pin to Dash' or 'Add to Favorites'

Customizing the Terminal

with Terminal open use the Hamburger menu to set preferences

Understanding the Relationship Between GUI and CLI

Translator Analogy

GUI and CLI are two different ways to interact with the kernel
kernel 'speaks' Binary or System Calls
GUI translates using graphics
CLI translates using words

Why Use the CLI?

Precision - can use specific details with commands
Visibility - terminal will display errors
Speed - can use two letter commands
Universality - CLI remains constant whike GUI is subject to change

The Backend Reality

graphical tools are wrapper around CLI

Summary

Modularity - Desktop Environment can be changed
GNOME - default environment for Ubuntu
System Settings - central hub for WiFi, displays and user management
Repositories - uses centralized, safe App Store
Software Center -graphical inerface for browsing and installing curated apps
GUI versus CLI - two different ways to accomplish the same task
Ctrl + Alt + T - shortcut to open the Terminal