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Subject : LUG: Desktop, Panel, Dock, ...

From : Richard Carter <rwcarter@ncsu.[redacted]>

Date : Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:45:57 -0500

There are tons of different ways to execute programs on a computer, whether Linux or Windows. Since I run GNOME, I know of only the GNOME-related ones; top and/or bottom panel buttons (and left and right, if you enable them), main menu shortcuts, desktop shortcuts, alt+f2, any of numerous dock programs, keyboard shortcuts... And of course in Windows, you have the taskbar (or quick launch for XP/Vista), desktop shortcuts, pinned and recent start menu shortcuts, start menu > all programs, and various dock programs.

For email, there's Inbox Zero and GTD methodologies about tagging, starring, etc.; I've mostly gotten the hang of them. For todo and calendar items there's GTD and, well, whatever it is I do to keep myself organized, if it has a name. I've got these systems down, I know exactly what to do so that I keep track of my busy schedule and keep on top of important emails (for the most part). I've even figured out my dual boot situation (some of you may remember my email a while back). But time and time again, I can't figure out whether I want a dock, if my desktop should be empty or full, if I should put application shortcuts on my desktop, which shortcuts to put on my panel/taskbar, etc.

When an installer asks you to install a menu shortcut or a desktop shortcut, which checkboxes do you choose? Do you have a dock, or is that redundant to the application menu/start menu? Do you prefer a desktop clean of all icons, or only system shortcuts (i.e. mounted drives), or some application shortcuts, or files that you're working on, or is it just a mess (like mine is)?

Basically, what is your methodology behind application shortcuts? Where do you put them so that the most important ones are easiest to reach? Are you happy with the places you've put your shortcuts, or are you in the same boat as me, feeling as if there's a better way to organize them? (or are you simply going with the defaults?)


Ricket

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