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People new to the Linux operating system, debiantutorials.org focuses on Debian GNU/Linux, often are frustrated after installing programs because there is no menu item created yet. I can certainly understand this frustration. Seeking out newly installed apps is non-intuitive in Linux because there is no Program Files as with that OS from Redmond. Read on to learn how to work around this issue and get some shortcuts to your programs.
You've been following my tutorials and you've downloaded and installed Debian. Like everyone else that send me an email you love Debian, but you're having some problems. No worries, that's what I'm here for. I'll write mostly about Gnome becasue that's what I use as my (DE) desktop environment. KDE is better at adding newly installed apps to its menu, but it won't add all of them right away. Also, understand that some of the 50 zillion programmers making applications for linux don't add menu item creation to their code. One day, when programmers decide that they really want to see Linux (DEBIAN!) take over the desktop, they'll remedy this situation. Today we have to do it the hard way. It's not so hard, though. Let's get to it.
One thing you can do after you install a bunch of cool and functional new apps is to open your terminal and run this command:
$ update-menus - Go ahead and run the command as root, too.
This command will not add a menu item for all of the new apps you just installed, but it's a start, ey? There are other ways. You can also run kappfinder and scan for items not already listed in your menu.
When I was a rookie at Linux I realized this limitation quickly and sought a work around. One thing that I did was to fire up my file manager and start dragging the executables for programs I wanted shortcuts to to my desktop or manu bar. After all, Linux doesn't have a Program Files directory as does that OS from Redmond. Again, I'm right there with you, this is all non-intuitive. Why don't you try this right now - open Nautilus or Konqueror or Rox-Filer ('cause you're savy and you found this bad-boy) or Krusader and goto the directories that contain Linux programs. Linux installs packages (programs - can't we settle on one term?) to any number of locations, but there are 4 you'll be concerned with: - /usr/bin
- /usr/sbin
- /usr/local/bin
- /usr/local/sbin
Sure, there are other locations. For instance many java apps that are installed as root (so all of your users can use the program) are installed in the /opt directory. Other times, if you are installing an app by compiling from a .tar file, you can choose the location the app is installed in. See my Installing programs in Linux tutorial. In a nutshell, the command to pick your directory would look like this: $ ./configure /path/to/directory So, go ahead, fire up your file manager and start dragging programs to your desktop. Fun, ey? You're right - NO. However, it gets the job done. There is yet another way to get shortcuts to your newly added programs. It's pretty simple but will require you to hunt apps down. Remember where they are located, see the aforementioned locations above. Right-click on your panel (with Applications in it, and choose Add to Panel. You will see that a dialog box opens.  Now, if there already is a menu item for the program you want a shortcut, or direct link to, you can just click on Application Launcher and you can choose from your sub-menus. However, we wouldn't be doing this if there was already a menu item, so you'll be clicking on Custom Application Launcher. When you do, another dialog box opens, this time it wants you to click on the application you want a launcher for. Go ahead and try it one time, it's easy. I'll wait... If you have installed your cool-ass-gotta-have-app in the wee hours, or around 4:20 and you have completely forgotten what your app is called, no worries. There is a simple fix for that as well. Open Synaptic and do a Description and Name search for your program. If you installed Gtk-Gnutella and you forgot the name (who wouldn't) then search for "file sharing" or similar. In the resulting list you will see your app and instantly remember. To find out where it is withour searching all of those directories click the "installed files" tab beneath the program list. You will see which directory your app was installed in. Did I forget anything? There are probably a zillion other ways to accomplish this task. Do some research, poke around, dance a little number - who knows. It's your box, man. Get to know it. Keep remembering - you ditched that other OS because it's craptastic and now you run something solid - it's just a little different and you'll have to spend a little time. Believe me, the reward is great. Or, you could keep comming back to debiantutorials.org to see what new tutorial I have written. They are all written because someone requested a tutorial on a certain subject. Email me and I'll try to accomodate you, too. machiner - 10 June 2005 10:06 in the AM
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When I install Notemeister, a Python app, I notice that a menu item is in the Applications, Accessories menu right away - no logoff..
Sometimes seeing your new menu item is as simple as a logoff - sometimes you\'ll never see it and must perform some of what I mentioned in the article.
You\'ll do fine and you\'ll have your menu items. In Gnome 2.8 and above, not sure about 2.12, there is no menu editor. they removed it...HUH?
There are some Gnome menu apps out there that you can install and they\'re fine - The Menu is a Gnome issue, as well as some programs, it is NOT a Debian or Linux issue in general.
KDE is better with menus and has kappfinder as well. I don\'t use or like KDE - but it\'s your computer.
Keep the emails and requests for help cooming - I love this.
Hug your kids - they are not a nail and yo are not a hammer!
--machiner (and Carter)