Nautilus User Manual
<<< Previous |  | Next >>>

# Introducing Nautilus

Nautilus is a core component of the GNOME desktop environment. Nautilus provides an easy way to view, manage, and customize your files and folders, as well as browse the Web.

Nautilus integrates your access to files, applications, media, Internet-based resources, and the Web, making it easy and fast for you to locate and use all the resources available to you.

# The Nautilus Window

Figure 1. The Nautilus Window

Menu Bar

The eight menus contain options for most file- and folder- management tasks and let you personalize your view of all the applications, folders, and files on your hard disk. The Preferences menu lets you specify your level of Linux and GNOME experience.

Toolbar

The toolbar lets you use a single click for browsing and searching your computer's directories as well as locations on the Web. Click the Home button to move to your home folder.

Location Bar

Use the location bar to enter path names, Web addresses (URLs), or other types of addresses. The pop-up menu on the right end of the bar lets you choose various views - for instance, View as Icons or View as List. Click the + and - signs to enlarge or reduce icon or list view. Click the magnifying glass to return to original size. (If you've changed your theme, the magnifying glass may be replaced by another symbol.)

Sidebar

The sidebar displays information about the current file or folder. Each of the tabs at the bottom of the sidebar provide additional information or help:

- The Tree tab displays the tree, a hierarchical view of your computer's organization of folders and files.

- The History tab lists the path names or addresses of locations you've previously visited.

- The Help tab gives you quick access to information resources - manuals, GNOME info pages, Linux man pages, and more.

- The Notes tab provides a space where you can jot notes about the current folder.

- The News tab displays the latest news items from your favorite news sources on the web.

Note: Depending on your user level and Preferences settings, you may not see all of the sidebar tabs.

Status Bar

The status bar contains information about menu items. To see an description of a menu item, point to it and read the status bar text.

Main Panel

The main panel in the Nautilus window is where you do most of your browsing. Files, folders, and applications are displayed here. You have several options for modifying and customizing your views.

<<< Previous | Home | Next >>>
Nautilus User Manual |  | The Nautilus Desktop