Linux Terminology
If you've downloaded Linux and never used it before, these terms will help you better understand the Linux desktop environment. Just click the image below to view the full size and the terms. Then, check out their definitions below.
Terms
1. Firefox- This is the default browser that comes with Linux Ubuntu. You can download others for Linux such as Opera. Notice that I have an icon to that in my top Panel.
2. Pidgin Instant Messenger- A GNU program created for Gnome, this'll allow you to use many different IM logins from places such as MSN, AIM, and Yahoo
3. Terminal- This is the UNIX command line interface for Linux (What Linux is built on). It's comparable to Windows Command Line AKA DOS.
4. Workspace Switcher- This allows you to switch to a different screen without interrupting any of your currently running programs.
5. Panel/Workspace Area- The panel is comparable to the Windows Task Bar. Here you can add applications to personalize your panel. Also, this bottom panel here is my workspace area where my open programs are. As you can see I have one open: GNU Image Manipulator (GIMP).
6. Screenlet- These are like widgets in Mac, or gadgets in Windows Vista. By default they do not come with Linux Ubuntu. You must enter a command in the terminal to install them.
7. Panel-This is another panel on my desktop. As you can see, I have a lot of applications and icons on it. This is also where my Gnome Menu is
8. Mounted Drive- To "mount" something in Linux is to make it useable with Linux. You can see here I have mounted my HP flash drive. Some devices will work without mounting first; others won't
9. Gnome Menu- This is like the Windows Start Menu. You'll find your programs and applications here. You can see that there are three sections to the menu: "Applications", "Places", and "System"
