Hacks 45-48

Though Linux users have plenty of choices as to which desktop environment or window manager they use, the reality is that the vast majority of them choose KDE or GNOME. Chapter 5 was about KDE, and this chapter is focused on GNOME.

GNOME has become the default desktop for Fedora and Red Hat, is the only desktop for Sun's Java Desktop System, and is currently fighting it out with KDE to become Novell's preferred corporate desktop. Since the introduction of the 2.0 series GNOME has moved to a time-based release schedule, with new major versions out every six months. This has led to rapid development of the core environment, advanced features, and even wider acceptance as a desktop than it previously enjoyed. Combine this with outstanding applications such as Evolution and Gaim (which look more at home on the GTK-based GNOME desktop than the QT-based KDE desktop) and developers' adherence to the GNOME Human Interface Guidelines, and you have a desktop environment that is loved by many.

This chapter provides a few hacks to help you customize your GNOME desktop even further, and one hack to keep you up-to-date with the latest development releases.