2.2 Becoming Familiar with the Common Desktop Environment
2.2.1 Front panel layout
Workspace Buttons
When you login to a CDE session four workspaces are available to you by default. Each workspace is equivalent to a desktop environment with it's own workstation lock icon, a "system busy" icon, and an EXIT icon.

You can independently set the characteristics of each workspace and add more workspaces (desktops).

Alternate among your workspaces by left clicking on the appropriate workspace button or by using the keyboard metakey (diamond) combined with the left or right arrow keys (Sun workstation only).

Note: In some locations the function of the metakey differs. It may be necessary to use the Alt key or space bar with the arrow keys to perform the function described here.

Multiple workspaces or virtual desktops can be very useful. As an example, you could have one desktop arrangement for administrative tasks, one for applications and regular user tasks, one for special projects and another for application development.

The Front Panel Arrangement 
The Front Panel allows you to manage applications, files, and network services easily. The Front Panel has been organized to include icons for a web browser, text notes, and a performance meter. The subpanels contain cascading submenus for ease of navigation. Click on an up-arrow button to open a subpanel; click on an item in a subpanel to run it. The spinning globe above the Exit button indicates the system is busy. When it is clicked, it will prompt you for a uniform resource locator (URL), pathname, host, or email address to open.  

Front Panel Menu Button 
At the top left side of the Front Panel is the Front Panel window menu button. If this is selected, a menu of choices is displayed. From this menu, it is possible to perform the following actions:

  • Move the Front Panel to another location on screen. (This can also be done by dragging the Front Panel to a new position by clicking on one of the moving handles.)
  • Minimize the Front Panel display.
  • Lower the Front Panel display behind overlapping windows.
  • Refresh the entire workspace display.
  • Log out from the CDE session.