Datasheet

Chapter 1: An Overview of Red Hat Linux 15
You can launch the tools associated with the previous packages either from the main Red Hat
menu or from a Terminal window. In most cases, the name of the command you run to launch
the window is the same name as the package it comes in.
Red Hat desktop interfaces
KDE and GNOME are desktop environments that provide a framework for running and
developing graphical applications and offer a full range of preferences to allow users to tailor
the exact desktop look-and-feel. There was some hubbub surrounding the new “Red Hat”
look-and-feel implemented in Red Hat Linux 8, which gave both GNOME and KDE similar
menus, icons, and colors. Die-hard GNOME and KDE users, however, are free to change their
desktops however they like.
Unlike previous releases of Red Hat Linux, you have to work a bit to get the KDE desktop. If
you choose to install Red Hat Linux as a Personal Desktop or Workstation system, you get the
GNOME desktop by default. You must specifically ask to install additional packages to get
KDE. By default, it is only included in an Everything install.
Additional software packages
By far, most of the enhancements to Red Hat Linux in version 9 have come in existing
packages. Some new packages have been added, however. Along with those mentioned in
previous sections, the following list gives you an idea of some of the new software packages
added to Red Hat Linux 9:
• bluez-utils — Utilities for configuring Bluetooth wireless networking devices.
• ckermit — Replaces the gkermit package for dial-up networking.
• ddd — Contains the Data Display Debugger, a GUI for command-line debuggers.
• desktop-printing — Contains support for drag-and-drop printing to CUPS printers.
• expectk — Contains the expectk application for automating interactive applications.
• fontilus — An extension to Nautilus file manager for managing fonts.
• gnome-themes — Contains themes to replace the default GNOME Blue Curve theme.
• gstreamer — Contains the GStreamer framework for streaming media.
• gthumb — Contains the gthumb utility for managing image collections.
• kde* — The entire packaging of KDE utilities was reorganized for KDE 3.1.
• nautilus-cd-burner — A CD burning utility that is integrated into Nautilus.
• nautilus-media — Contains GStreamer audio support in Nautilus.
• printman — Contains the GNOME print manager for monitoring printing.
• redhat-config-samba — Contains a graphical tool for configuring Samba file sharing.
• vconfig — Contains the vconfig utility for configuring VLAN parameters.