KI 3447 Linux @ UiB: 2. GNOME desktop
(updated )
GNOME is not the only desktop available under Linux - there is KDE (Common Desktop Environment), Xfce to name but a few. We think that GNOME is a good choice: It is functional, it looks nice, and it is rock-solid. However, it is different from Windows, so here's a short primer on GNOME.
Our primer is intentionally short and covers just the very basics.
This is a screenshot of Ubuntu 26 LTS with GNOME3 desktop and 2 active applications - OpenOffice LibreWrite for text writing and editing and Zotero for reference management:
The main element is the launcher panel (or dock) on the left:
Each icon symbolizes one application. The red dots indicate each application window that is active. If an application opens 2 windows, you will see 2 dots. Click on the icon, and you can pick and choose which window you will work with.
The next important interface element is the Super key (called Windows key under Microsoft Windows). Press this key, and all applications will appear in reduced size. The most important item is the search box on the top: type the name of the program that you want to use or the item that you look for and it will be listed on the screen. To start an application, single-click on its icon. If you use an application frequently, right-click on the icon and select "Pin to Dock" in the context menu.
The next item of importance is the clock on the centre of the bar at the top of the screen:
Click on it, and it will expand and show you all notifications with a navigable calendar on the side:
Finally, there is the system tray on the top right:
Click on it, and it will expand into a settings panel:
To turn off your computer, press the button on the top right:
To change settings in your system, press the cog wheel that is second from the right:
If you don't find a setting, use the loupe tool on the top left.
This is about it!
GNOME has a lot of hidden power under the hood - but we leave this to you to discover.
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