# Using Preference Tools

This chapter describes how to use the preference tools to customize the GNOME Desktop.

## Setting Assistive Technology Preferences

Use 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.

goscustaccess-TBL-14 lists the assistive technology preferences that you can modify.

## Assistive Technology Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Enable assistive technologies | Select this option to enable assistive technologies in the GNOME Desktop.
Screenreader | Select this option to start the Screenreader application automatically when you log in.
Magnifier | Select this option to start the Magnifier application automatically when you log in.
On-screen keyboard | Select this option to start the On-screen keyboard application automatically when you log in.

## Customizing the Desktop Background

The desktop background is the image or color that is applied to your desktop. 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 change the appearance of your desktop background from within the Nautilus file manager.

goscustdesk-TBL-14 lists the background preferences that you can modify.

## Desktop Background Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Desktop Wallpaper | Choose an image to display on the desktop. To choose an image, click on the Select picture button. An image selector dialog is displayed. Use the dialog to choose an image. When you choose an image, click OK.
Style | To 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 Wallpaper | Click on Add Wallpaper to display the Add Wallpapers dialog. Choose the wallpaper that you want to appear as the background, then click OK.
Remove | Choose the Desktop Wallpaper that you want to remove, then click Remove.
Desktop Colors | To 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.

## Configuring a CD Database

The 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.

goscustlookandfeel-TBL-40 describes the preferences in the CD Database preference tool.

## CD Database Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Send no information | Select this option if you do not want to send any information to the CD database server.
Send real information | Select this option to send your name and hostname information to the CD database server.
Send other information | Select 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 server | FreeDB 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 List | Click on this button to update the list of available FreeDB servers in the server table.
Other server | Select 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.

## Setting File Management Preferences

Use 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 Nautilus File Manager.

## Configuring File Types and Programs

Use the File Types and Programs preference tool to configure the following:

File types

- You can specify how files of various types are displayed and edited. For example, you can specify an icon to represent a particular type of file. For another example, you can specify that if a file is a plain text file, the file is launched in a text editor.

  The file manager and other GNOME applications check the contents of a file to determine the type of a file. If the first lines do not determine the type of the file, then the application checks the filename.

Services

- A Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) is a string that identifies a particular location in a file system or on the Web. For example, the web address of a web page is a URI. A service is a protocol or task that a URI requests. For example, the `http://www.gnome.org` URI requests the `http` service.

  You can associate an application with a service, so that the application performs the task required by the service. For example, you can associate your preferred web browser with the `http` service.

goscustdoc-TBL-8 describes the elements on the File Types and Programs preference tool.

## Elements on File Types and Programs Preference Tool

Element | Description
Table | To view the contents of a category of file types, click on the right arrow next to the category name. The category expands, and displays a description of each file type, and the file extension that is associated with the file type. To select a file type that you want to work with, click on the file type.
Add File Type | Click on this button to add a file type. For more information, see goscustlookandfeel-28.
Add Service | Click on this button to add a service. For more information, see goscustlookandfeel-30.
Edit | To edit a file type, a service, or a file type category, select the item that you want to edit, then click Edit.
Remove | To delete a file type or a service, select the item that you want to delete, then click Remove.

### To Add a File Type

To add a file type, perform the following steps:

1. Start the File Types and Programs preference tool.

2. Click on the Add File Type button. The Add File Type dialog is displayed.

3. Enter the properties of the file type in the dialog. The following table describes the dialog elements on the Add File Type dialog:

   Dialog Element | Description
   No Icon | Choose an icon to represent the file type. To choose an icon, click on the No Icon button. An icon selector dialog is displayed. Choose an icon from the dialog. Alternatively, to choose an icon from another directory, click Browse. When you choose an icon, click OK.
   Description | Type a description of the file type.
   MIME type | Enter the MIME type for this type of file.
   Category | Enter the category to which you want the file type to belong in this preference tool. Click on the Choose to choose a category from the Choose a file category dialog.
   Filename extensions | Enter the file extensions to associate with the file type. Enter a file extension in the field on the left side, then press Return. To delete a file extension, select the file extension in the field on the right side, then click on the Remove button.
   Viewer Component | Select the viewer component to use to display files of this type in the file manager.
   Default action | Select the default application to use to open files of this type.
   Program to run | Specify a program to associate with the file type. Enter the command to start the program in this field. Alternatively, to choose a command that you entered previously, click the down arrow button, then choose the command to run. You can also use the Browse button to choose a command to run.
   Run in Terminal | Select this option to run the program in a terminal window. Choose this option for a program that does not create a window in which to run.

4. Click OK.

### To Add a Service

To add a service, perform the following steps:

1. Start the File Types and Programs preference tool.

2. Click on the Add Service button. The Add Service dialog is displayed.

3. Enter the properties of the service in the dialog. The following table describes the dialog elements on the Add Service dialog:

   Dialog Element | Description
   Description | Type a description of the service.
   Protocol | Enter the protocol for the service.
   Program to Run | Information to be supplied in a future release.
   Program | Specify the program to associate with the service. Enter the command to start the program in this field. Alternatively, to choose a command that you entered previously, click the down arrow button, then choose the command to run. You can also use the Browse button to choose a command to run.
   Run in Terminal | Select this option to run the program in a terminal window. Choose this option for a program that does not create a window in which to run.

4. Click OK.

## Choosing Default Fonts

Use the Font preference tool to select the fonts to use in your applications, windows, terminals, and desktop.

goscustdesk-TBL-26 lists the font preferences that you can modify.

## Font Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Application font | Click on the font selector button to select a font to use in your applications.
Desktop font | Click on the font selector button to select a font to use on your desktop only.
Window title font | Click on the font selector button to select a font to use in the titlebars of your windows.
Terminal font | Click on the font selector button to select a font to use in the Terminal application
Font Rendering | To 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.
Details | Click 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 folder | Click on this button to open the Fonts folder.

### To Preview a Font

You can use the file manager to preview a font. To preview a font, perform the following steps:

1. Open a file manager window.

2. Enter the URI `fonts:///` in the location bar. The fonts are displayed as icons in the view pane.

3. Double-click on an icon to display a preview of the font.

### To Add a TrueType Font

You can use the file manager to add a TrueType font. To add a TrueType font, perform the following steps:

1. Open a file manager window and select the TrueType font that you want to add.

2. From a file browser window, access the fonts:/// location. The fonts are displayed as icons.

3. Copy the TrueType font file that you want to add to the fonts:/// location.

## Setting Your Login Photo

The 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.

## Configuring Your Network Proxy Connection

The 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.

goscustdesk-TBL-52 lists the Internet connection preferences that you can modify.

## Internet Connection Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Direct internet connection | Select this option if you want to connect directly to the Internet, without a proxy server.
Manual proxy configuration | Select this option if you want to connect to the Internet through a proxy server, and you want to configure the proxy server manually.
HTTP proxy | Enter 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 proxy | Enter 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 proxy | Enter 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 host | Enter 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 configuration | Select this option if you want to connect to the Internet through a proxy server, and you want to configure the proxy server automatically.
Autoconfiguration URL | Enter the URL that contains the information required to configure the proxy server automatically.

## Configuring Keyboard Accessibility Options

Use the Keyboard accessibility preference tool to set the keyboard accessibility preferences. The Keyboard accessibility preference tool is also known as AccessX.

You can customize the preferences for the keyboard accessibility in the following functional areas:

- Basic

- Filters

- Mouse

### Basic Preferences

goscustaccess-TBL-1 lists the basic keyboard accessibility preferences that you can modify.

### Keyboard Accessibility Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Enable keyboard accessibility features | Select this option to enable keyboard accessibility features. When you select this option, the other options in the preference tool become available.
Disable if unused for | Select 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 keys Mouse keys Slow keys Sticky keys Toggle keys
Beep when features turned on or off from keyboard | Select this option for an audible indication when a feature such as sticky keys or slow keys is activated, or deactivated.
Import Feature Settings | Click on this button to import an AccessX configuration file.
Enable Sticky Keys | Select 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 Keys | Select 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 settings | The 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 GNOME 2.6 Desktop Accessibility Guide.

### Filter Preferences

goscustaccess-TBL-11 lists the filter preferences that you can modify.

### Filter Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Enable keyboard accessibility features | Select this option to enable keyboard accessibility features. When you select this option, the other options in the preference tool become available.
Enable Slow Keys | Select 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 Keys | Select 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 Keys | Select 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 settings | The 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 GNOME 2.6 Desktop Accessibility Guide.

### Mouse Preferences

goscustaccess-TBL-12 lists the mouse preferences that you can modify.

### Mouse Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Enable keyboard accessibility features | Select this option to enable keyboard accessibility features. When you select this option, the other options in the preference tool become available.
Enable Mouse Keys | Select this option to make the numeric keypad emulate mouse actions. 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 Preferences | Click on this button to open the Mouse preference tool.

For more information on configuring keyboard accessibility preferences, see GNOME 2.6 Desktop Accessibility Guide.

## Configuring Keyboard Preferences

Use the Keyboard preference tool to modify the autorepeat preferences for your keyboard, and to configure typing break settings.

You can set the preferences for the Keyboard preference tool in the following functional areas:

- Keyboard

- Typing Break

- Layouts

- Layout Options

### Keyboard Preferences

Use the Keyboard tabbed section to set general keyboard preferences. To start the Keyboard accessibility preference tool, that is, AccessX, click on the Accessibility button.

goscustperiph-TBL-3 lists the keyboard preferences that you can modify.

### Keyboard Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Key presses repeat when key is held down | Select 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.
Delay | Select the delay from the time you press a key to the time that the action repeats.
Speed | Select the speed at which the action is repeated.
Cursor blinks in text boxes and fields | Select this option to enable the cursor to blink in fields and text boxes.
Speed | Use the slider to specify the speed at which the cursor blinks in fields and text boxes.
Type to test settings | The 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.

### Typing Break Preferences

Use the Typing Break tabbed section to set typing break preferences. To start the Keyboard accessibility preference tool, that is, AccessX, click on the Accessibility button.

goscustdesk-TBL-87 lists the typing break preferences that you can modify.

### Typing Break Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Lock screen to enforce typing break | Select this option to lock the screen when you are due a typing break.
Work interval lasts | Use the spin box to specify how long you can work before a typing break occurs.
Break interval lasts | Use the spin box to specify the length of your typing breaks.
Allow postponing of breaks | Select this option if you want to be able to postpone typing breaks.

### Keyboard Layout

Use the Layouts tabbed section to set your keyboard layout. Select your keyboard model from the drop-down list. Use the navigational buttons to add or remove a selected layout from the list of available layouts.

You can choose different layouts to suit different locales. For more information on keyboard layouts, see the Keyboard Layout Switcher manual.

To start the Keyboard accessibility preference tool, that is, AccessX, click on the Accessibility button.

### Keyboard Layout Options

Use the Layout Options tabbed section to set your keyboard layout options. Select an option from the list of available layout options and click Add to select an option. Use Remove to remove a selected option.

For more information on the layout options, see the Keyboard Layout Switcher manual.

To start the Keyboard accessibility preference tool, that is, AccessX, click on the Accessibility button.

## Customizing Menus and Toolbars in Applications

You can use the Menus & Toolbars preference tool to customize the appearance of menus, menubars, and toolbars for GNOME-compliant applications.

goscustuserinter-TBL-8 lists the menu and toolbar preferences that you can modify for GNOME-compliant applications.

## Menu and Toolbar Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Show icons in menus | Select this option to display an icon beside each item in a menu. Some menu items do not have an icon.
Detachable toolbars | Select 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 labels | Choose 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.

## Setting Mouse Preferences

Use the Mouse preference tool to configure your mouse for right-hand use or for left-hand use. You can also specify the speed and sensitivity of mouse movement.

You can customize the settings for the Mouse preference tool in the following functional areas:

- Buttons

- Cursors

- Motion

### Buttons Preferences

Use 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.

goscustperiph-TBL-6 lists the mouse button preferences that you can modify.

### Mouse Button Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Left-handed mouse | Select 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.
Timeout | Use 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.

### Pointer Preferences

Use the Cursors tabbed section to set your mouse pointer preferences.

goscustdesk-TBL-45 lists the mouse pointer preferences that you can modify:

### Mouse Pointer Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Small | Select this option to display a small mouse pointer.
Medium | Select this option to display a medium mouse pointer.
Large | Select this option to display a large mouse pointer.
Highlight the pointer when you press Ctrl | Select 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 Preferences

Use the Motion tabbed section to set your preferences for mouse movement.

goscustdesk-TBL-47 lists the mouse motion preferences that you can modify:

### Mouse Motion Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Acceleration | Use the slider to specify the speed at which your mouse pointer moves on your screen when you move your mouse.
Sensitivity | Use the slider to specify how sensitive your mouse pointer is to movements of your mouse.
Threshold | Use the slider to specify the distance that you must move an item before the move action is interpreted as a drag-and-drop action.

## Customizing Your Panels

The Panel Preferences preference tool enables you to configure the behavior of panels. Any changes that you make with the Panel Preferences preference tool affect all of your panels.

goscustlookandfeel-TBL-22 lists the panel preferences that you can modify:

## Panel Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Close drawer when launcher is clicked | Select this option if you want a drawer on a panel to close when you choose a launcher in the drawer.
Drawer and panel animation | Select this option if you want your panels and drawers to show and to hide in an animated style.
Animation speed | Select the speed of the panel animation from the drop-down list.

## Choosing Your Preferred Applications

Use 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 New Terminal, Xterm starts.

You can customize the preferences for the Preferred Applications preference tool in the following functional areas.

- Web Browser

- Mail Reader

- Text Editor

- Terminal

### Web Browser Preferences

Use 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.

goscustlookandfeel-TBL-37 lists the preferred web browser preferences that you can modify.

### Preferred Web Browser Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Select a Web Browser | Select 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 Browser | Select this option if you want to use a custom web browser.
Command | Enter 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 Terminal | Select 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 Preferences

Use the Mail Reader tabbed section to configure your preferred email client.

goscustlookandfeel-TBL-43 lists the preferred email client preferences that you can modify.

### Preferred Email Client Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Select a Mail Reader | Select 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 Reader | Select this option if you want to use a custom email client.
Command | Enter the command to execute to start the custom email client.
Start in Terminal | Select 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 Preferences

Use the Text Editor tabbed section to configure your preferred text editor.

goscustdoc-TBL-1 lists the preferred text editor preferences that you can modify.

### Preferred Text Editor Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Select an Editor | Select this option if you want to use a standard text editor. Use the drop-down combination box to specify your preferred text editor.
Custom Editor | Select 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 manager | Select this option if you want the file manager to start the custom text editor to display text files.

### Terminal Preferences

Use the Terminal tabbed section to configure your preferred terminal.

goscustlookandfeel-TBL-35 lists the preferred terminal preferences that you can modify.

### Preferred Terminal Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Select a Terminal | Select this option if you want to use a standard terminal. Use the drop-down combination box to specify your preferred terminal.
Custom Terminal | Select this option if you want to use a custom terminal.
Command | Enter the command to execute to start the custom terminal.
Exec Flag | Enter the `exec` option to use with the command.

## Setting Screen Resolution Preferences

Use the Screen Resolution preference tool to specify the resolution settings for your screen. goscustdesk-TBL-72 lists the screen resolution preferences that you can modify.

## Screen Resolution Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Resolution | Select the resolution to use for the screen from the drop-down list.
Refresh rate | Select the screen refresh rate to use for the screen from the drop-down list.
Make default for this computer only | Select this option to make the screen resolution settings the default settings for the system that you are logged in to only.

## Configuring Sessions

The 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 Options

- Current Session

- Startup Programs

### Setting Session Preferences

Use the Session Options tabbed section to manage multiple sessions, and to set preferences for the current session.

goscustsession-TBL-11 lists the session options that you can modify.

### Session Options

Dialog Element | Description
Show splash screen on login | Select this option to display a splash screen when you start a session.
Prompt on logout | Select this option to display a confirmation dialog when you end a session.
Automatically save changes to session | Select 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 you session the Logout Confirmation dialog displays a Save current setup option.
Sessions | Use 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 Choose Current Session 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 Choose Current Session 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 Properties

Use the Current Session tabbed section to specify startup order values, and to choose restart styles for the session-managed applications in your current session.

sessprop01 lists the session properties that you can configure.

### Session Properties

Dialog Element | Description
Order | The 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.
Style | The 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: Normal Starts automatically when you start a GNOME session. Use the `kill` command to terminate applications with this restart style during a session. Restart Restarts automatically whenever you close or terminate the application. Choose this style for an application if the application must run continuously during your session. To terminate an application with this restart style, select the application in the table, then click on the Remove button. Trash Does not start when you start a GNOME session. Settings Starts 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.
Remove | Click on the Remove button to delete the selected application from the list. The application is removed from the session manager, and closed. Application that you delete are not started the next time that you start a session.
Apply | Click on the Apply button to apply changes to the startup order and the restart style.

### Configuring Startup Applications

Use 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 goscustsession-16.

goscustsession-TBL-19 lists the startup applications preferences that you can modify.

### Startup Programs Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Additional startup programs | Use 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.

## Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts

A 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.

goscustdesk-TBL-5 lists the keyboard shortcut settings that you can customize.

## Keyboard Shortcuts Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Text editing shortcuts | Select one of the following settings: GNOME Default: Use this setting for standard shortcut keys. Emacs: Use this setting for Emacs shortcut keys.
Desktop shortcuts | This 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 Back Space.

## Setting Sound Preferences

The 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:

- General

- Sound Events

- System Bell

### General Sound Preferences

Use 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.

goscustmulti-TBL-4 lists the general sound preferences that you can modify.

### General Sound Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Enable sound server startup | Select 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 events | Select 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 Preferences

Use 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.

goscustmulti-TBL-6 lists the sound events preferences that you can modify.

### Sound Event Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Sounds table | Use 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 Settings

Use 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. goscustdesk-TBL-1 lists the system bell preferences that you can modify.

### System Bell Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Sound an audible bell | Select this option to enable the system bell.
Visual feedback | Select this option to enable visual feedback to indicate input errors.
Flash window titlebar | Select this option if you want window titlebars to flash to indicate an input error.
Flash entire screen | Select this option if you want the entire screen to flash to indicate an input error.

## Customizing Themes

A 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:

Controls

- The 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 preference tool.

Window frame

- The 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 preference tool.

Icon

- The 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 preference tool.

### To Create a Custom Theme

The 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:

1. Start the Theme preference tool.

2. Select a theme in the list of themes.

3. Click on the Details button. A Theme Details dialog is displayed.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Click Close to close the Theme Details dialog.

8. On the Theme preferences tool, click on the Save theme button. A Save theme to disk dialog is displayed.

9. 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 Theme

You 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:

1. Start the Theme preference tool.

2. Click on the Install Theme button. A Theme Installation dialog is displayed.

3. 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.

4. Click on the Install button to install the new theme.

### To Install a New Theme Option

You 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:

1. Start the Theme preference tool.

2. Click on the Theme Details button. An Theme Details dialog is displayed.

3. 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.

4. Click on the Install Theme button. A Theme Installation dialog is displayed.

5. 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.

6. Click on the Install button to install the new option.

### To Delete a Theme Option

You 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:

1. Start the Theme preference tool.

2. Click on the Theme Details button. A Theme Details dialog is displayed.

3. Click on the tab for the type of option that you want to delete.

4. Click on the Go To Theme Folder button. A file manager window opens on the default option folder.

5. Use the file manager window to delete the option.

### Previewing Themes

You can use the file manager to preview and change themes. To change themes, perform the following steps:

1. Use the file manager to access the `themes:///` URI. The themes are displayed as icons.

2. Double-click on a theme to change the theme.

## Customizing Windows

Use the Windows preference tool to customize window behavior for the GNOME Desktop.

goscustwindows-TBL-14 lists the windows preferences that you can modify.

## Windows Preferences

Dialog Element | Description
Select windows when the mouse moves over them | Select 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 interval | Select this option to raise windows a short time after the window receives focus.
Interval before raising | Specify the interval to wait before raising a window that has received focus.
Double-click titlebar to perform this action | Select 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 window | Select the key to press-and-hold when you drag a window to move the window.