Configuring Your DesktopThis chapter describes how to use the preference tools to
customize the GNOME Desktop.A preference tool is a small application that allows you to change settings in the GNOME Desktop. Each preference tool covers a particular aspect of your computer. For example, with the Mouse preference tool you can set your mouse to left-handed or right-handed use, or change the speed of the pointer on the screen. With the Windows preference tool you can set behaviour common to all windows such as the way in which you select them with the mouse.To open a preference tool, choose DesktopPreferences in the top panel. Choose the tool
that you require from the submenu.With a few exceptions, the changes you make to settings in a preference tool take effect immediately, without needing to close the preference tool. You can keep the preference tool window open while you try the changes, and make further changes if you wish.Some applications or system components may add their own preference tools to the menu.Some settings for your system require administrator access. These are in the DesktopAdministration submenu.Assistive Technology Preferencesaccessibilitysetting assistive technology
preferencespreference toolsAssistive TechnologyUse the Assistive Technology preference tool to enable assistive technologies
in the GNOME Desktop. You can also use the Assistive Technology preference tool to specify assistive technology applications
to start automatically when you log in. lists the assistive technology
preferences that you can modify.
Assistive Technology PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionEnable assistive technologiesSelect this option to enable assistive technologies
in the GNOME Desktop. ScreenreaderSelect this option to start the Screenreader application automatically when you log in.MagnifierSelect this option to start the Magnifier application automatically when you log in.On-screen keyboardSelect this option to start the On-screen
keyboard application automatically when you log in.
CD Database Preferencespreference toolsCD DatabaseThe CD Database preference tool
enables you to configure a CD database that your system can query. A CD database
contains information about CDs, such as the name of the artist, the title,
and the track list. When an application plays a CD, the application can query
the CD database about the CD, then display the information.Not all applications that use audio CDs use the settings in this preference tool. Some may have supply their own settings in their preference dialog. describes the preferences in the CD Database preference tool.
CD Database PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSend no informationSelect this option if you do not want to send
any information to the CD database server.Send real informationSelect this option to send your name and hostname information to the CD database
server.Send other informationSelect this option to send another
name and hostname to the CD database server. Enter the name in the Name field. Enter the hostname in the Hostname
field.FreeDB round robin serverFreeDB is a CD database. The FreeDB
round robin server is a load-sharing configuration of FreeDB servers. Select
this option to access the FreeDB CD database from this server.Other FreeDB server Select this option to access the FreeDB CD
database from another server. Select the server that you require from the
server table.Update Server ListClick on this button to update the list of available
FreeDB servers in the server table.Other serverSelect this option to use another CD database.
Enter the name of the server on which the database resides in the Hostname field. Enter the port number on which you can access the
database in the Port field.
Desktop Background Preferencesdesktopcustomizing backgroundGNOME Desktop preference toolspreference toolspreference toolsBackgroundbackgroundscustomizing desktop backgroundThe desktop background is the image or color that is applied to your
desktop. You can open Desktop Background Preferences by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing Change Desktop Background, as well as from the DesktopPreferences menu.You can customize the desktop background in the following ways:Select an image for the desktop background. The image is superimposed
on the desktop background color. The desktop background color is visible if
you select a transparent image, or if the image does not cover the entire
desktop.Select a color for the desktop background. You can select
a solid color, or create a gradient effect with two colors. A gradient effect
is a visual effect where one color blends gradually into another color. You can also drag a color or a pattern to the desktop from the Backgrounds
and Emblems dialog in the Nautilus file manager. lists the background preferences
that you can modify.
Desktop Background PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionDesktop WallpaperChoose an image from the list. Alternately, you can select
Add Wallpaper to choose any image on your computer.StyleTo specify how to display the image, select one of the following
options from the Style drop-down list:Centered: Displays the image in the middle
of the desktop.Fill Screen: Enlarges the image to cover
the desktop and maintains the relative dimensions of the image.Scaled: Enlarges the image until the
image meets the screen edges, and maintains the relative dimensions of the
image.Tiled: Enlarges the image until the image
meets the screen edges, and maintains the relative dimensions of the image.Add WallpaperClick on Add Wallpaper to browse for
an image on your computer. A standard file selector will be presented. Choose
the image you want and click Open.RemoveChoose the Desktop Wallpaper that you want to remove,
then click Remove. This removes the image from the list of available wallpapers; however, it does not delete the image from your computer.
Desktop ColorsTo specify a color scheme, use the options
in the Background Style drop-down list, and the color
selector buttons.You can specify a color scheme in one of the
following ways:Choose Solid color from the Background Style drop-down list to specify a single color for the
desktop background. To choose the color that you require, click on the Color button. The Pick a Color dialog is displayed.
Choose a color, then click OK.Choose Horizontal gradient from the Background Style drop-down list. This option creates a gradient
effect from the left screen edge to the right screen edge.Click on the Left Color button to display the Pick a Color dialog. Choose the color that you want to appear at
the left edge.Click on the Right Color button. Choose the color
that you want to appear at the right edge.Choose Vertical gradient from the Background Style drop-down list. This creates a gradient effect
from the top screen edge to the bottom screen edge.Click on the Top Color button to display the Pick a Color dialog. Choose the color that you want to appear at
the top edge.Click on the Bottom Color button. Choose the
color that you want to appear at the bottom edge.
File Management Preferencespreference toolsFile Managementfile
managerpreferencespreference toolUse the File
Management preference tool to set your Nautilus
file manager preferences. You can also set your file manager preferences in
the File Management preferences
dialog, which you can open from the file manager application. For information
on the preferences in the File Management preferences dialog and File Management preference tool, see
.Font Preferencespreference toolsFontfontsdesktopfontsapplicationsfontswindow titlefontsterminalfontsrenderingUse the Font preference tool
to select the fonts to use in your applications, windows, terminals, and desktop. lists the font preferences that
you can modify.
Font PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionApplication
fontClick on the font selector button to select a font to use in your applications.Desktop fontClick on the font selector button to select
a font to use on your desktop only.Window title fontClick on the font selector button to select
a font to use in the titlebars of your windows.Terminal fontClick on the font selector button to select
a font to use in the Terminal applicationFont RenderingTo specify how to render fonts on your screen,
select one of the following options:Monochrome: Renders fonts in black and
white only. The edges of characters might appear jagged in some cases because
the characters are not antialiased. Antialiasing is
an effect that is applied to the edges of characters to make the characters
look smoother.Best shapes: Antialiases fonts where
possible. Use this option for standard Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors.Best contrast: Adjusts fonts to give
the sharpest possible contrast, and also antialiases fonts, so that characters
have smooth edges. This option might enhance the accessibility of the GNOME
Desktop to users with visual impairments.Subpixel smoothing (LCDs): Uses techniques
that exploit the shape of individual Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) pixels to
render fonts smoothly. Use this option for LCD or flat-screen displays.DetailsClick on this button to specify further details of how
to render fonts on your screen.Resolution (dots per inch): Use the spin
box to specify the resolution to use when your screen renders fonts.Smoothing: Select one of the options
to specify how to antialias fonts.Hinting: Hinting
is a font-rendering technique that improves the quality of fonts at small
sizes and an at low screen resolutions. Select one of the options to specify
how to apply hinting your fonts.Subpixel order: Select one of the options
to specify the subpixel color order for your fonts. Use this option for LCD
or flat-screen displays.Go
to font folderClick on this button to open the Fonts
folder.
Previewing a FontfontspreviewingA preview of a font shows the characters of a font at different sizes, as well as copyright and technical information. To preview a font, perform the following steps:Open the Font preference tool by choosing DesktopPreferencesFont in the top panel.Click on Details.Click on Go to font folder. The Fonts folder opens.Open a font to display a preview.Adding a TrueType FontTo add a TrueType font to your system, perform the following steps:Open the Font preference tool by choosing DesktopPreferencesFont in the top panel.Click on Details.Click on Go to font folder. The Fonts folder opens.Open a file manager window and select the TrueType font that
you want to add.Copy the TrueType font file that you want to add to the Fonts folder.You can also open the Fonts folder by typing the following URI into Nautilus file manager's Open Location dialog: fonts:///.Login Photo Preferencesdesktoplogin photoGNOME Desktop preference toolspreference
toolspreference toolsLogin PhotoThe Login Photo
preference tool enables you to change the picture that is displayed in your
login screen. From the Login Photo preference tool, select an
image to display in your login screen. Type the path for the folder from where
you want to select your image. Alternatively, click Browse
to display a dialog from which you can select an image to display as your
photograph and click OK.Keyboard Accessibility PreferencesAccessXpreference tools, Keyboard Accessibilitykeyboardconfiguring
accessibility optionsaccessibilityconfiguring keyboardpreference toolsKeyboard AccessibilityThe Keyboard Accessibility preference tool allows you to set options such as filtering out accidental keypresses, using the keyboard as a substitute for the mouse, and using shortcut keys without having to hold down several keys at once. The Keyboard accessibility preference tool is also known as AccessX.This section describes each of the preferences you can set. For a more task-oriented description of keyboard accessibility, see the GNOME Desktop Accessibility Guide.To open the Keyboard Accessibility preference tool, do one of the following:From the Main Menu, choose DesktopPreferencesAccessibilityKeyboard.
In the Keyboard preference tool, click the Accessibility button.
You can customize the preferences for the keyboard accessibility in
the following functional areas:BasicFiltersMouseBasic Preferences lists the basic keyboard accessibility
preferences that you can modify.
Keyboard Accessibility PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionEnable keyboard
accessibility featuresSelect this option to enable keyboard accessibility features.
When you select this option, the other options in the preference tool become
available.Disable if unused
forSelect this option to deactivate keyboard accessibility preferences if the
keyboard is not used for a specified period of time. Use the slider to specify
the number of seconds of keyboard idle time required before the system disables
the keyboard accessibility preferences. When the specified number of seconds
elapses, the following keyboard accessibility preferences are disabled:Bounce keysMouse keysSlow keysSticky keysToggle keysBeep when features
turned on or off from keyboardSelect this option for an audible indication when a feature
such as sticky keys or slow keys is activated, or deactivated.Import Feature
SettingsClick on this button to import an AccessX configuration
file. Enable Sticky
Keysaccessibilitysticky keysSelect this option to perform multiple simultaneous keypress operations by
pressing the keys in sequence. Alternatively, to enable the sticky keys feature,
press Shift five times.You can set the following
sticky keys preferences:Beep when modifier is pressed: Select
this option for an audible indication when you press a modifier key. Disable if two keys pressed together:
Select this option to specify that when you press two keys simultaneously,
you can no longer press keys in sequence to perform multiple simultaneous
keypresses.Enable Repeat
Keysaccessibilityrepeat keysSelect this option to enable the autorepeat settings for your keyboard. You
can set the following autorepeat preferences:Delay: Use the slider or the spin box
to specify the interval to wait after the first keypress before the automatic
repeat of a pressed key. Speed: Use the slider or the spin box
to specify the number of characters per second to enter. Type to test settingsThe
test area is an interactive interface so you can see how the keyboard settings
affect the display as you type. Type text in the test area to test the effect
of your settings.
For more information on configuring keyboard accessibility preferences,
see the GNOME Desktop Accessibility Guide.Filter Preferences lists the filter preferences that
you can modify.
Filter PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionEnable keyboard
accessibility featuresSelect this option to enable keyboard accessibility features.
When you select this option, the other options in the preference tool become
available.Enable Slow Keysaccessibilityslow keysSelect this option to control the period of time that you must press-and-hold
a key before acceptance. Alternatively, to enable the slow keys feature, press-and-hold Shift for eight seconds.You can set the following slow
keys preferences: Only accept keys held for: Use the slider
or the spin box to specify the period of time that you must press-and-hold
a key before acceptance. Beep when key is: Select the appropriate
option or options for an audible indication when a key is pressed, accepted,
or rejected. Enable Bounce
Keysaccessibilitybounce keysSelect this option to accept a key input and to control the key repeat characteristics
of the keyboard. You can set the following bounce keys preferences: Ignore duplicate keypresses within: Use
the slider or the spin box to specify the interval to wait after the first
keypress before the automatic repeat of a pressed key. Beep if key is rejected: Select this
option for an audible indication of key rejection. Enable Toggle
Keysaccessibilitytoggle keysSelect this option for an audible indication of a toggle keypress. You hear
one beep when a toggle key is turned on. You hear two beeps when a toggle
key is turned off.Type to test settingsThe
test area is an interactive interface so you can see how the keyboard settings
affect the display as you type. Type text in the test area to test the effect
of your settings.
For more information on configuring keyboard accessibility preferences,
see the GNOME Desktop Accessibility Guide.Mouse Preferences lists the mouse preferences that
you can modify.
Mouse PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionEnable keyboard
accessibility featuresSelect this option to enable keyboard accessibility features.
When you select this option, the other options in the preference tool become
available.Enable Mouse Keysaccessibilitymouse keysSelect this option to make the numeric keypad emulate mouse actions. The list of keys and their equivalences is in the GNOME Desktop Accessibility Guide under the heading To Enable the Keyboard to Emulate the Mouse.You can
set the following mouse key preferences: Maximum pointer speed: Use the slider
or the spin box to specify the maximum speed that the pointer moves across
the screen.Time to accelerate to maximum speed:
Use the slider or the spin box to specify the duration of the acceleration
time of the pointer. Delay between keypress and pointer movement:
Use the slider or the spin box to specify the period of time that must pass
after a keypress before the pointer moves. Mouse PreferencesClick on this button to open the Mouse preference tool.
For more information on configuring keyboard accessibility preferences,
see the GNOME Desktop Accessibility Guide.Keyboard Preferencespreference toolsKeyboardkeyboardconfiguring
general preferencesUse the Keyboard preference tool to modify the autorepeat preferences for
your keyboard, and to configure typing break settings. To open the Keyboard Accessibility preference tool, click the Accessibility button.Keyboard PreferencesUse the Keyboard tabbed section to set general
keyboard preferences. To start the Keyboardaccessibility preference tool, that is, AccessX,
click on the Accessibility button. lists the keyboard preferences
that you can modify.
Keyboard PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionKey presses
repeat when key is held downSelect this option to enable keyboard repeat. If keyboard
repeat is enabled, when you press-and-hold a key, the action associated with
the key is performed repeatedly. For example, if you press-and-hold a character
key, the character is typed repeatedly.DelaySelect the delay from the time you press a key to the time
that the action repeats.SpeedSelect the speed at which the action is repeated. Cursor blinks in text boxes and fieldsSelect this option to enable the
cursor to blink in fields and text boxes.SpeedUse the slider to specify the speed at which the cursor
blinks in fields and text boxes.Type
to test settingsThe test area is an interactive interface so you can see
how the keyboard settings affect the display as you type. Type text in the
test area to test the effect of your settings.
Keyboard Layouts PreferencesUse the Layouts tabbed section to set the your keyboard's language, and also the make and model of keyboard you are using.This will allow GNOME to make use of special media keys on your keyboard, and to show the correct characters for your keyboard's language.Keyboard modelUse the browse button (labelled with an ellipsis, ...) to choose another keyboard make and model.Selected LayoutsYou can switch between selected layouts to change the characters your keyboard produces when you type. To add a layout, click Add. To remove a layout, select it and press Remove.To switch between keyboard layouts, use the Keyboard Indicator panel applet. Separate group for each window
When this option is selected, each window has its own keyboard layout. Changing to a different layout will only affect the current window.This allows you to to type with a Russian keyboard layout in a word processor, then switch to your web browser and type with an English keyboard layout, for example. Click Reset to Defaults to restore all keyboard layout settings to their initial state for your system and locale.Keyboard Layout OptionsUse the Layout Options tabbed section to set options for the behaviour of keyboard modifier keys, and certain shortcut options.A label in boldface indicates that group of options has been changed from the default.Typing Break PreferencesConfigure the Typing Break Preferences to make GNOME remind you to rest after you have been using the keyboard and mouse for a long time. During a Typing Break, the screen will be locked. lists the typing break preferences
that you can modify.
Typing Break PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionLock screen to enforce typing breakSelect this option to
lock the screen when you are due a typing break.Work interval lastsUse the spin box to specify how long you can work
before a typing break occurs.Break interval lastsUse the spin box to specify the length of your typing
breaks.Allow postponing of breaksSelect this option if you want to be able to postpone
typing breaks.
If you stop using the keyboard and mouse for a length of time equal to the Break interval setting, the current work interval will be reset.
Keyboard Shortcuts Preferencespreference toolsKeyboard Shortcutsshortcut
keysconfiguringkeyboard shortcutsconfiguringA keyboard shortcut is a key or combination of
keys that provides an alternative to standard ways of performing an action. Use the Keyboard Shortcuts preference tool to display the default keyboard
shortcuts. You can customize the default keyboard shortcuts to your requirements.
lists the keyboard shortcut settings that you can customize.
Keyboard Shortcuts PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionText editing shortcutsSelect
one of the following settings:GNOME Default: Use this setting for standard
shortcut keys.Emacs: Use this setting for Emacs shortcut keys.Desktop shortcutsThis
table lists actions and the shortcut keys that are associated with each action. To change the shortcut keys for an action, click on the action
to select the action, then click on the shortcut for the action. Press the
keys that you want to associate with the action.To disable the
shortcut keys for an action, click on the action to select the action, then
click on the shortcut for the action. Press the Backspace key.
Menus & Toolbars Preferencestoolbars, customizing appearancepreference toolsMenus & Toolbarsmenusin applications,
customizing appearanceYou can use the Menus & Toolbars preference tool to customize the appearance
of menus, menubars, and toolbars for GNOME-compliant applications. lists the menu and toolbar preferences that
you can modify for GNOME-compliant applications.
Menu and Toolbar PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionShow icons in menusSelect this option to display an icon beside
each item in a menu. Some menu items do not have an icon.Detachable toolbarsSelect this option if you want to move toolbars
from application windows to any location on the screen. If you select this
option, handles are displayed on the left side of the toolbars in your applications.
To move a toolbar, click-and-hold on the handle, then drag the toolbar to
the new location.Toolbar button labelsChoose one of the following options to specify
what to display on the toolbars in your GNOME-compliant applications:Text Below Icons: Select this option
to display toolbars with text as well as an icon on each button. Text Beside Icons: Select this option
to display toolbars with an icon only on each button, and with text on the
most important buttons.Icons Only: Select this option to display
toolbars with an icon only on each button.Text Only: Select this option to display
toolbars with text only on each button.
Mouse Preferencespreference toolsMousemouseconfiguringWith the Mouse preference tool
you can:configure your mouse for right-hand use or for left-hand use,specify the speed and sensitivity of mouse movement.Buttons PreferencesUse the Buttons tabbed section to specify whether
the mouse buttons are configured for left-hand use. You can also specify the
delay between clicks for a double-click. lists the mouse button preferences
that you can modify.
Mouse Button PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionLeft-handed
mouseSelect this option to configure your mouse for left-hand use. When you configure
your mouse for left-hand use, the functions of the left mouse button and the
right mouse button are swapped.TimeoutUse the slider to specify
the amount of time that can pass between clicks when you double-click. If
the interval between the first and second clicks exceeds the time that is
specified here, the action is not interpreted as a double-click. Use the light bulb icon to check double-click sensitivity: the light will light up briefly for a click, but stay lit for a double-click.
Pointer PreferencesUse the Pointers tabbed section to set
your mouse pointer preferences.
lists the mouse pointer preferences
that you can modify:
Mouse Pointer PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionPointer ThemeSelect the mouse pointer theme that you require
from the list box. Highlight the
pointer when you press CtrlSelect this option to enable a mouse pointer animation
when you press and release Ctrl. This feature can assist
you to locate the mouse pointer.
Motion PreferencesUse the Motion tabbed section to set your preferences
for mouse movement. lists the mouse motion preferences
that you can modify:
Mouse Motion PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionAccelerationUse the slider to specify the speed at which your
mouse pointer moves on your screen when you move your mouse.SensitivityUse the slider to specify how sensitive your mouse
pointer is to movements of your mouse.ThresholdUse the slider to specify the distance that you
must move an item before the move action is interpreted as a drag-and-drop
action.
Multimedia Systems SelectorSee the GStreamer Properties Manual.Network Proxy Preferencespreference
toolsNetwork Proxynetwork proxysetting preferencesInternetconfiguring connectionproxysetting preferencesThe Network Proxy
preference tool enables you to configure how your system connects to the Internet.
You can configure the GNOME Desktop to connect to a proxy server, and specify the details of the proxy server. A proxy server
is a server that intercepts requests to another server, and fulfills the request
itself, if it can. You can enter the Domain Name Service (DNS) name or the
Internet Protocol (IP) address of the proxy server. A DNS name is a unique alphabetic identifier for a computer on a network.
An IP address is a unique numeric identifier for a
computer on a network. lists the Internet connection preferences
that you can modify.
Internet Connection PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionDirect internet
connectionSelect this option if you want to connect directly to the Internet, without
a proxy server.Manual proxy configurationSelect
this option if you want to connect to the Internet through a proxy server,
and you want to configure the proxy server manually.HTTP proxyEnter the DNS name, or the IP
address of the proxy server to use when you request a HTTP service. Enter
the port number of the HTTP service on the proxy server in the Port spin box.Secure HTTP proxyEnter
the DNS name, or the IP address of the proxy server to use when you request
a Secure HTTP service. Enter the port number of the Secure HTTP service on
the proxy server in the Port spin box.FTP proxyEnter the DNS name, or the IP
address of the proxy server to use when you request a FTP service. Enter the
port number of the FTP service on the proxy server in the Port
spin box.Socks hostEnter the DNS name, or the IP
address of the Socks host to use. Enter the port number for the Socks protocol
on the proxy server in the Port spin box.Automatic proxy
configurationSelect this option if you want to connect to the Internet through a proxy
server, and you want to configure the proxy server automatically.Autoconfiguration
URLEnter the URL that contains the information required to configure the proxy
server automatically.
Preferred Applicationspreference toolsPreferred Applicationsdefault applicationspreferred applicationsUse the Preferred
Applications preference tool to specify the applications that
you want the GNOME Desktop to use when the GNOME Desktop starts an application
for you. For example, you can specify Xterm as
your preferred terminal application. When you open the Desktop
menu then choose Open Terminal, Xterm starts.You can customize the preferences for the Preferred Applications preference tool in the following functional areas.Web BrowserMail ReaderText EditorTerminalWeb Browser Preferencespreferred applicationsweb browserweb browser, preferred applicationUse the Web Browser
tabbed section to configure your preferred web browser. The preferred web
browser opens when you click on a URL. For example, the preferred web browser
opens when you select a URL in an application, or when you select a URL launcher
on the desktop. lists the preferred web browser
preferences that you can modify.
Preferred Web Browser PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSelect a Web BrowserSelect this option if you want to use a standard
web browser. Use the drop-down combination box to select your preferred web
browser.Custom Web BrowserSelect this option if you want to use a custom
web browser. CommandEnter the command to execute to start the custom web browser.
To enable the browser to display a URL that you click on, include "%s" after the command.Start in TerminalSelect this option to run the command in a terminal
window. Select this option for a browser that does not create a window in
which to run.
Email Client Preferencespreferred applicationsemail clientemail client, preferred applicationUse the Mail Reader
tabbed section to configure your preferred email client. lists the preferred email
client preferences that you can modify.
Preferred Email Client PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSelect a Mail ReaderSelect this option if you want to use a standard
email client. Use the drop-down combination box to select your preferred email
client.Custom Mail ReaderSelect this option if you want to use a custom
email client. CommandEnter the command to execute to start the custom email
client.Start in TerminalSelect this option to run the command in a terminal
window. Select this option for an email client that does not create a window
in which to run.
Text Editor Preferencespreferred applicationstext editortext editor, preferred applicationUse the Text Editor
tabbed section to configure your preferred text editor. lists the preferred text editor preferences
that you can modify.
Preferred Text Editor PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSelect an EditorSelect this option if you want to use a standard
text editor. Use the drop-down combination box to specify your preferred text
editor.Custom EditorSelect this option if you want to use a custom
text editor. A Custom Editor Properties dialog is displayed.Name: Type the name of the custom text
editor.Command: Enter the command to start the
custom text editor.This application can open multiple files:
Select this option if the default text editor can open multiple files.This application needs to be run in a shell:
Select this option to run the command in a terminal window. Select this option
for an editor that does not create a window in which to run.After you specify a custom text editor, you can click
on the Properties button to display the Custom Editor Properties dialog. You can use the dialog to modify
the properties of the custom text editor.Use this editor to open text files in the file managerSelect
this option if you want the file manager to start the custom text editor to
display text files.
Terminal Preferencespreferred applicationsterminalterminal, preferred applicationUse the Terminal tabbed section
to configure your preferred terminal. lists the preferred terminal
preferences that you can modify.
Preferred Terminal PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSelect a TerminalSelect this option if you want to use a standard
terminal. Use the drop-down combination box to specify your preferred terminal.Custom TerminalSelect this option if you want to use a custom
terminal. CommandEnter the command to execute to start the custom terminal.Exec FlagEnter the exec option to use with the
command.
Remote Desktop Preferencessetting session sharing preferencesThe Remote Desktop preference tool enables you to share a GNOME Desktop session
between multiple users, and to set session-sharing preferences. lists the session-sharing preferences
that you can set. These preferences have a direct impact on the security of
your system.
Session Sharing PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionAllow other
users to view your desktopSelect this option to enable remote users to view your
session. All keyboard, pointer, and clipboard events from the remote user
are ignored.Allow other
users to control your desktopSelect this option to enable other to access and control
your session from a remote location.Users
can view your desktop using this command:Click on the highlighted text to system address by email to
a remote user.When
a user tries to view or control your desktopSelect the following security
considerations when a user tries to view or control your session:Ask you for confirmation: Select this
option if you want remote users to ask you for confirmation when they want
to share your session. This option enables you to be aware of other users
who connect to your session. You can also decide what time is suitable for
the remote user to connect to your session.Require the user to enter this password:
Select this option to authenticate the remote user if authentication is used.
This option provides an extra level of security.PasswordEnter the password that the client who attempts to view or control your session
must enter.
Screen Resolution Preferencespreference toolsScreen ResolutionUse the Screen Resolution
preference tool to specify the resolution settings for your screen. lists the screen resolution preferences that
you can modify.
Screen Resolution PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionResolutionSelect the resolution to use for the screen from
the drop-down list.Refresh rateSelect the screen refresh rate to use for the screen
from the drop-down list.Make default for
this computer onlySelect this option to make the screen resolution settings the default settings
for the system that you are logged in to only.
Screensaver Preferencespreference toolsscreensaverA screensaver displays moving images on your screen when your computer is not being used. Screensavers also help prevent older monitors being damaged by the same image being displayed for long periods of time.Use the Screensaver preference tool to set the type of screensaver, the time before the screensaver starts, and whether to require a password to return to the desktop.You can modify the following settings:ScreensaverSelect the type of screensaver to display. The preview area to the right of the list shows the how the selected screensaver will look on your screen.The Blank screen screensaver displays no image and only shows a black screen.The Random screensaver selects a screensaver to display from the list at random.Which screensavers are shown in the remainder of the list depends on your distributor or vendor.Set session as idle after ... minutesIf GNOME receives no input from you for this length of time (such as moving the mouse or typing), the computer is set as idle. This may affect power management (the monitor may power down for example) or instant messaging (chat applications may set your status as "away"). Use the slider to set the length of time in minutes.Activate the screensaver when session is idleSelect this option to have the screensaver start after the set length of time. To stop the screensaver and return to the desktop, move the mouse or press a key on the keyboard.Lock screen when screensaver is activeWhen this option is selected, the screensaver will prompt you for your password when you try to return to the desktop. For more on locking your screen, see .Sessions Preferencespreference toolsSessionssessionspreferencesstartup applicationscustomizingThe Sessions
preference tool enables you to manage your sessions. You can set session preferences,
and specify which applications to start when you start a session. You can
configure sessions to save the state of applications in the GNOME Desktop,
and to restore the state when you start another session. You can also use
this preference tool to manage multiple GNOME sessions.You can customize the settings for sessions and startup applications
in the following functional areas:Session OptionsCurrent SessionStartup ProgramsSetting Session Preferencessessionssetting optionsUse the Session Options tabbed section
to manage multiple sessions, and to set preferences for the current session. lists the session options that
you can modify.
Session OptionsDialog ElementDescriptionShow splash
screen on loginSelect this option to display a splash screen when you start a session. Prompt on logoutSelect this option to display a confirmation
dialog when you end a session. Automatically save changes to sessionstartup applicationssession-managedSelect this
option if you want the session manager to save the current state of your session.
The session manager saves the session-managed applications that are open,
and the settings associated with the session-managed applications. The next
time that you start a session, the applications start automatically, with
the saved settings. If you do not select this option, when you
end your session the Logout Confirmation dialog displays
a Save current setup option.SessionsUse this area of the dialog to manage multiple sessions
in the GNOME Desktop, as follows:To create a new session, click on the Add
button. The Add a new session dialog is displayed. Use
this dialog to specify a name for your session.To change the name of a session, select the session in the Sessions table. Click on the Edit
button. The Edit session name dialog is displayed. Type
a new name for your session.To delete a session, select the session in the Sessions table. Click on the Delete
button.When you log in on GDM, you choose
a session. When you choose a session, you can select which of the multiple
sessions to use.
Setting Session Propertiesstartup applicationssession-managedsessionssetting propertiesUse the Current
Session tabbed section to specify startup order values, and to
choose restart styles for the session-managed applications in your current
session. lists the session properties that you can
configure.
Session PropertiesDialog ElementDescriptionOrderThe Order
property specifies the order in which the session manager starts session-managed
startup applications. The session manager starts applications with lower order
values first. The default value is 50.To specify the startup
order of an application, select the application in the table. Use the Order spin box to specify the startup order value.StyleThe Style property determines the
restart style of an application. To select a restart style for an application,
select the application in the table, then choose one of the following styles:NormalStarts automatically when you start a GNOME session.RestartRestarts automatically whenever you close or terminate the application.
Choose this style for an application if the application must run continuously
during your session.TrashDoes not start when you start a GNOME session.SettingsStarts automatically when you start a session. Applications with this
style usually have a low startup order, and store your configuration settings
for GNOME and session-managed applications.RemoveClick on the Remove button to delete
the selected application from the list. The application is removed from the
session manager, and closed. If you save the session after doing this any
deleted applications will not start the next time you start a session.ApplyClick on the Apply button to apply changes to the startup
order and the restart style.
Configuring Startup Applicationsstartup applicationsnon-session-managedUse the Startup Programs
tabbed section of the Sessions preference tool
to specify non-session-managed startup applications.
Startup applications are applications that start automatically when you start
a session. You specify the commands that run the non-session-managed applications
in the Startup Programs tabbed section. The commands
execute automatically when you log in.You can also start session-managed applications automatically. For more
information, see . lists the startup applications
preferences that you can modify.
Startup Programs PreferencesDialog ElementDescription Additional startup programsUse this table to manage non-session-managed
startup applications as follows:To add a startup application, click on the Add button. The Add Startup Program dialog is
displayed. Enter the command to start the application in the Startup
Command field. If you specify more than one startup application, use the Priority spin box to specify the startup order of the each application.
The startup order is the order in which you want the startup applications
to start.To edit a startup application, select the startup application,
then click on the Edit button. The Edit Startup
Program dialog is displayed. Use the dialog to modify the command
and the startup order for the startup application.To delete a startup application, select the startup application,
then click on the Delete button.
Sound Preferencespreference toolsSoundsoundsetting preferencessoundassociating
events with soundsevents, associating
sounds withsound serverThe Sound preference tool enables
you to control when the GNOME sound server starts. You can also specify which
sounds to play when particular events occur.You can customize the settings for the Sound
preference tool in the following functional areas:GeneralSound EventsSystem BellGeneral Sound PreferencesUse the General tabbed section of the Sound preference tool to specify when to launch the GNOME sound
server. You can also enable sound event functions. lists the general sound preferences
that you can modify.
General Sound PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionEnable sound
server startupSelect this option to start the GNOME sound server when you start a GNOME
session. When the sound server is active, the GNOME Desktop can play sounds.Sounds for
eventsSelect this option to play sounds when particular events occur in the GNOME
Desktop. You can select this option only if the Enable sound server
startup option is selected.
Sound Event PreferencesUse the Sound Events tabbed section of the Sound preference tool to associate particular sounds with particular
events. You must select the Enable sound server startup
option, and the Sounds for events option before you can
access the Sound Events tabbed section. lists the sound events preferences
that you can modify.
Sound Event PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSounds tableUse the Sounds table to
associate particular sounds with particular events. The Event column displays a hierarchical list of events that can occur.
To expand a category of events, click on the right arrow beside a category
of events.The File to play column lists
the sound file that plays when the event occurs.Play Click on this button to play
the sound file that is associated with the selected event. Sound file drop-down combination box, Browse To associate
a sound with an event, select the event in the Sounds
table. Enter the name of the sound file that you want to associate with the
selected event in the drop-down combination box. Alternatively, click Browse to display a Select sound file dialog.
Use the dialog to specify the sound file that you want to associate with the
selected event.You can only associate sound files in .wav format with events.
System Bell Settingskeyboardconfiguring sound preferencessoundconfiguring
system bell preferencessystem
bellconfiguring preferencesUse the System Bell tabbed section to set your preferences
for the system bell.Some applications play a bell sound to indicate a keyboard input error.
Use the preferences in the System Bell tabbed section
to configure the bell sound. lists the
system bell preferences that you can modify.
System Bell PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSound
an audible bellSelect this option to enable the system bell.Visual feedbackSelect this option to enable visual feedback
to indicate input errors. Flash
window titlebarSelect this option if you want window titlebars to flash
to indicate an input error. Flash
entire screenSelect this option if you want the entire screen to flash
to indicate an input error.
Theme Preferencesthemessetting controls optionsthemessetting window
frame optionsthemessetting icons optionswindowssetting frame theme optionspreference toolsThemeA theme is a group of coordinated settings that specifies
the visual appearance of a part of the GNOME Desktop. You can choose themes
to change the appearance of the GNOME Desktop. Use the Theme preference tool to select a theme. You can choose from a list
of available themes. The list of available themes includes several themes
for users with accessibility requirements. A theme contains settings that affect different parts of the GNOME Desktop,
as follows:ControlsGTK+
themesthemes, controls optionsthemescontrols optionsintroductionThe controls setting for a theme determines
the visual appearance of windows, panels, and applets. The controls setting
also determines the visual appearance of the GNOME-compliant interface items
that appear on windows, panels, and applets, such as menus, icons, and buttons.
Some of the controls setting options that are available are designed for special
accessibility needs. You can choose an option for the controls setting from
the Controls tabbed section in the Theme Details.Window framethemeswindow frame optionsintroductionMetacity themesthemes, window frame optionsThe window frame setting for
a theme determines the appearance of the frames around windows only. You can
choose an option for the window frame setting from the Window Border tabbed section in the Theme Details.Iconthemesicons optionsintroductionicon themesthemes, icons optionsThe icon setting for a theme determines the appearance of
the icons on panels and the desktop background. You can choose an option for
the icon setting from the Icons tabbed section in the Theme Details.To Create a Custom ThemeThe themes that are listed in the Theme preferences
tool are different combinations of controls options, window frame options,
and icon options. You can create a custom theme that uses different combinations
of controls options, window frame options, and icon options.To create a custom theme, perform the following steps:Start the Theme preference tool.Select a theme in the list of themes.Click on the Theme Details button. A Theme Details dialog is displayed.Select the controls option that you want to use in the custom
theme from the list in the Controls tabbed section. The
list of available controls options includes several options for users with
accessibility requirements.Click on the Window Border tab to display
the Window Border tabbed section. Select the window frame
option that you want to use in the custom theme from the list of available
options. The list of available window frame options includes several options
for users with accessibility requirements.Click on the Icons tab to display the Icons tabbed section. Select the icons option that you want to
use in the custom theme from the list of available options. The list of available
icons options includes several options for users with accessibility requirements.Click Close to close the Theme Details dialog.On the Theme preferences tool,
click on the Save theme button. A Save theme
to disk dialog is displayed.Type a name and a short description for the custom theme in
the dialog, then click Save. The custom theme now appears
in your list of available themes.To Install a New ThemeYou can add a theme to the list of available themes. The new theme must
be an archive file that is tarred and zipped. That is, the new theme must
be a .tar.gz file.To install a new theme, perform the following steps:Start the Theme preference tool.Click on the Install Theme button.
A Theme Installation dialog is displayed.Enter the location of the theme archive file in the drop-down
combination box. Alternatively, to browse for the file, click on the Browse button. When you have selected the file, click OK.Click on the Install button to install
the new theme. To Install a New Theme OptionYou can install new controls options, window frame options, or icons
options. You can find many controls options on the Internet.To install a new controls option, window frame option, or icons option,
perform the following steps:Start the Theme preference tool.Click on the Theme Details button.
An Theme Details dialog is displayed.Click on the tab for the type of theme that you want to install.
For example, to install an icons option, click on the Icons
tab.Click on the Install Theme button.
A Theme Installation dialog is displayed.Enter the location of the option archive file in the drop-down
combination box. Alternatively, to browse for the file, click on the Browse button. When you have selected the file, click OK.Click on the Install button to install
the new option. To Delete a Theme OptionYou can delete controls options, window frame options, or icons options.To delete a controls option, window frame option, or icons option, perform
the following steps:Start the Theme preference tool.Click on the Theme Details button.
A Theme Details dialog is displayed.Click on the tab for the type of option that you want to delete. Click on the Go To Theme Folder button.
A file manager window opens on the default option folder.Use the file manager window to delete the option.Previewing ThemesAs well as the Theme preference tool, you can also use the file manager to change themes. To change
themes, perform the following steps:Use the file manager to access the themes:///
URI. The themes are displayed as icons.Double-click on a theme to change the theme.Windows Preferenceswindow managercustomizingpreference toolsWindowsUse the Windows
preference tool to customize window behavior for the GNOME Desktop. lists the windows preferences
that you can modify.
Windows PreferencesDialog ElementDescriptionSelect windows when the mouse moves over themSelect this option
to give focus to a window when you point to the window. The window retains
focus until you point to another window.Raise selected windows after an intervalSelect this option to raise windows
a short time after the window receives focus.Interval before raisingSpecify the interval to wait before
raising a window that has received focus.Double-click titlebar to perform this actionSelect the behavior
that you want to occur when you double-click on a window titlebar. Select
one of the following options:Maximize: Maximizes the window.Roll up: Roll up the window.To move a window, press-and-hold this key then grab the windowSelect
the key to press-and-hold when you drag a window to move the window.