i have tried using the default browser OPERA for a while and it doesn't even come close to firefox. somehow i lucked out and was able to install firefox, but have been unable to put a shortcut icon on the desktop. i use firefox alot, so this would make the OS alot better for me. presently i have to click the pcos globe, then network, then scroll over to firefox. the places i need to put the cursor and click are small too.
is there a way to put a shortcut icon for firefox on the desktop?
thanks.

Hello,

Well I didn't put firefox as a desktop icon but on taskbar. If this turns to be useful this is how to do it:

-Right click on taskbar 'add new item' option ->choose 'launcher' and add it to taskbar
-Right click on the new icon and choose 'properties'. enter name of program (description field can be left void), then choose the image for the icon (third field; navigate with button on the right side and go to /usr/share/pixmaps/firefox-3.0.png, locate the file and choose 'open'; the firefox icon will be added to the window )
-add command line on fourth field (just type firefox)
-close the program launcher window

The Firefox icon should appear on the taskbar; if you right click on it you may choose to move the icon on any place of the taskbar.

If you wish to navigate the menus without going each time to the pcos globe just go to:applications-settings-settings manager-desktop-behaviour tab
and tick
Show desktop menu on right click

Thus you will be prompted to the 'globe' menu manager when you are on the desktop (i.e. application not running or minimised).

Hope this helps,
Antonio

Antonio S,

it works like a charm (i now have the icon, but i just put it on there). will it still be there after shutdown still remains to be seen.
i hope i still have you available. there are a couple things i would like to investigate further if possible.

you said: "Show desktop menu on right click"
how can i use this? where and when do i right click, and what do i get?

you said: "Thus you will be prompted to the 'globe' menu manager when you are on the desktop (i.e. application not running or minimised)."
i don't have a clue what you mean by this. to begin with, what is ""globe" menu manager" and when/how am i prompted? what action would cause me to receive this prompt? i am yet to experience this (i feel deprived, lol).

also, if i could be so bold as not to scare you off? how could i make a screenshot? there have been several instances already where that could have came in handy. i know it's available in there somewhere. i just haven't found it yet.

thanks. you really know your stuff.

Hello,
Glad to know you have succeded in having the firefox icon in the taskbar; don't worry, it won't disappear on next boot (of course, if you log in with the same user..). Now, for the rest
Show desktop menu on right click : this is useful to me to avoid to go to the taskbar each time I have to go the main menu and click on the very first icon (the 'globe' icon). If you follow the steps I have noted below you may stay at any place on the desktop, right click and the main menu will appear.
Btw, on the taskbar I have added the 'Hide windows and show desktop' icon (right click on taskbar->choose 'add new item' and 'show desktop' icon, then click on the 'add' button). This is more similar to the standard configuration of a windows desktop so I feel more comfortable with it.

To take screenshot go to main Menu ('globe' icon) -Add/remove software-search for key word 'screenshot' and you will find the 'capture screenshot' application to install, tick the relevant field and press apply to have it installed. Now you should be able to find it in the main menu. If not, always on main menu choose 'run an application' and type 'gnome-screenshot' (without the ' ') on the relevant field. A window will appear with the image of the desktop you were using when you launched the command, you have have to name the taken screenshot and decide wjere to save the file. Actually I have not tried it a lot but I think you will find more documentation about it on the ubuntu website or in the related forums.

Tip: if not done before before I suggest to have alook at the screenlets section ('globe' icon-accessories-screenlets); a set of small applications to build a customisable sidebar, similar to the google-gadgets sidebar); just activate it and enjoy.

Regards,
Antonio

Antonio S,

shame on me for not reviewing everything in the "right-click the taskbar>add new item" list. the "screenshot" applet is listed there.
is there a way to post a screenshot on this site (it's probably right in front of my face, again)?

i carried out the procedure you outlined in regards to the globe menu manager, and what i get now seems like the same thing i got before (if i could post a screenshot it would be so much easier to show you). this is what i get when i right-click on the desktop.

back
forward (greyed out)
reload
stop (greyed out)
bookmark this page
save page as
send link
view background image
select all
view page source
view page info
properties


if i click on the globe i get this:

settings
mobile applications
extra applications
accessories
games
graphics
multimedia
network
office
other
system
wine
file search
file manager
file manager (super user)
help
about pc/os
run an application
about Xfce
quit



thank you for your help.

Hello James,
First of all, thanks for the tip about the screenshot applet, didn't notice it before (see, I dont' really 'know my stuff', I'm just learning so I can just share my two cents ).
Unfortunately, I cannot tell if there is way to post screeshots on the forum (tried with a test file but does not seem to work).
As per the Globe menu manager from the indications you have given below it seems to that you have a firefox instance open so you are right clicking when the browser is open. To let the globe menu manager appear you have to be on the void desktop (the one showing Trash, File system and Home Icons only); if you have set Globe-settings-settings manager-desktop- and ticked the option 'show desktop menu on right click' on the 'behaviour' tab then you should be able to recall the menu manager from anhy place on the desktop.
In case send me a PM with your mail address and I will send you some step by step screenshots.

Greetings from Italy,
Antonio

I found the answer to placing it on the desktop here in the forums:

Re: Are you still alive
by Dai777 on Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:25 am
Talking of videos here are two that I made.
http://showmedo.com/videotutorials/vide ... riesID=259
http://showmedo.com/videotutorials/vide ... riesID=259
One is putting a shortcut on the desktop th eother is using thunar as admin.

BASICALLY:
launch Thunar as adminitrator (launch a terminal then 'gksudo thunar'),
navigate to /usr/share/applications
hold down [SHIFT] and [CONTROL]
left click -and- drag the application to the desktop
release [SHIFT] and [CONTROL] keys
release left mouse button

I had to do it twice, the first time it didn't quite take, but it works now.

-RedBeard