Using Solaris: Part 2
The Solaris interface is based upon the same fundamentals as Windows or MacOS. Information is stored in files which are collected in folders. The tricky part for a new user is knowing where to look for a particular folder or file. To familiarize you with the Solaris file system, the next part of the tutorial will walk you through the process of locating and opening a file.
Browsing for Files
- When looking at the Solaris desktop, your first question might be "where are the files?" There are no "My Computer" or disk icons to be found on the desktop. Unless you have done something to close it, there will be a square icon with a picture of a file folder on it located in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. If the icon is not there, skip to step 3. Square icons like this one are minimized windows. Much like the minimized items in a Windows taskbar, they can be folders, files, or programs. This default icon is a minimized version of your home folder. Since you saved the sample text file in your home folder, this is a good place to start. Double click on the home folder icon to restore the minimized folder.
- Now you have an open window with at least one file in it. Solaris windows have the same general functions as the windows in Windows (is that enough windows for you?), but the controls are arranged a bit differently. In the upper right hand corner of the window are two buttons. The button at the far right is the maximize button. Single clicking this button will cause the window to fill the entire screen. Just to the left of the maximize button is the minimize button. Single clicking this button will cause the window to reduce to a small square on the left side of the screen. In the upper left corner of the window is a button with a horizontal line in it. Single clicking the button brings up a menu of options for the window. Double clicking the button closes the window. Double click the button now to close your home folder.
- Oh no! Now you have no window and no desktop icon to guide you to your files. No problem. There is an icon on the toolbar for just that purpose. Click on the icon with a picture of file folders. Voila! Your home folder is now open.
- If you followed the steps in Part 1 correctly, your practice file will be in your home folder. To open the file, simply double click its icon.
- Success! You have now finished this tutorial. Feel free to explore the Solaris environment on your own. Now that you know how to open your home folder, you should have no trouble restoring the desktop to its stardard settings if you get confused. This is far from a complete explanation of the operating system, so don't be afraid to ask your coworkers for help.