# Preface

The Common Desktop Environment: User's Guide describes the basic features of the Common Desktop Environment (CDE). It describes how to use the desktop and desktop applications.

## How This Book Is Organized

This book contains the following chapters:

UG.BSkls.mkr.1, describes the basic skills you need to work with the Common Desktop Environment, keyboard navigation, and some common interface aspects of the desktop.

UG.LogIn.mkr.1,“ describes how to log in to and out of the desktop, and how to set the session that will appear at login.

UG.GHelp.mkr.1, explains how to get help about an application and how to navigate within the help viewer.

UG.FrPU.mkr.1, describes the Front Panel, a special desktop window that contains a set of controls for doing common tasks. It explains the Front Panel controls and how to customize the Front Panel.

UG.FMgr.mkr.1, explains how to work with files and folders in the graphical user interface File Manager. It describes basic skills, navigation, manipulating and locating files and folders, and the Trash Can.

UG.UAppM.mkr.1, explains how to run applications from the desktop using Application Manager, File Manager, the Front Panel, and terminal emulator windows.

UG.StylM.mkr.1, explains how to use Style Manager to customize the look and behavior of your desktop. It also describes how to set personal environment variables.

UG.Mailr.mkr.1, describes how to send and receive electronic mail messages through Mailer, and how to add and retrieve attachments.

UG.Print.mkr.1, explains how to print through the desktop, and how to change the default printer.

UG.TextE.mkr.1, describes the desktop Text Editor, which you can use to create and edit short documents such as memos, mail messages, or resource files.

UG.Cal.mkr.1, explains how to use Calendar to set appointments for yourself or a group, and how to create To Do lists.

UG.UTrmE.mkr.1, explains how to display and customize terminal emulator windows on the desktop.

UG.IconE.mkr.1, explains how to create files for use as desktop icons or backdrops.

UG.keysh.mkr.1, describes desktop keyboard navigation.

UG.uI18N.mkr.1, explains how to change the language for your desktop session, and how to change fonts for different languages.

## Related Books

Once you've read this book, you may want to read more detailed information on the desktop in Common Desktop Environment: Advanced User's and System Administration Guide.

## What DocBook SGML Markup Means

This book is written in the Structured Generalized Markup Language (SGML) using the DocBook Document Type Definition (DTD). The following table describes the DocBook markup used for various semantic elements.

## DocBook SGML Markup

`Markup Appearance` | `Semantic Element(s)` | `Example`
`AaBbCc123` | The names of commands. | Use the `ls` command to list files.
`AaBbCc123` | The names of command options. | Use `ls` `−a` to list all files.
AaBbCc123 | Command-line placeholder: replace with a real name or value. | To delete a file, type `rm` filename.
`AaBbCc123` | The names of files and directories. | Edit your `.login` file.
AaBbCc123 | Book titles, new words or terms, or words to be emphasized. | Read Chapter 6 in User's Guide. These are called class options. You must be root to do this.