The Panel

Like much of GNOME, the Panel is highly configurable (see Figure 1-4 for an example panel).

From the Panel , you can launch applications and applets , small applications and utilities which are meant to be docked into the panel. Among the applets already running on the Panel are the Pager and a clock applet . Other applets which can enhance productivity and enjoyment range from a mail checker and a CD player to system monitors.

Figure 1-4. The Panel at the Bottom of the Desktop

To add an applet -- Right-click on the Panel , as in Figure 1-5 . Select one of the applets listed in the sub-menu, and it will be docked into the Panel .
Changing the Panel -- You can add more than one Panel to your desktop, or convert the current orientation of the Panel from horizontal to vertical, or "shrink" the Panel to appear in a corner of the Desktop, rather than extend across the screen.

Figure 1-5. Adding an Applet

Applications, folders and applets can be anchored on the Panel , so that they can be launched with a single click of the button.