Linux has been a success, but has not made a significant dent on personal computers and mobile devices. It has nothing to do with Linux itself. It is a very capable operating system and is easy to use. Linux based operating systems like Android are clear proof that Linux could have been a success in all areas of computing.

So, why has it failed so far?

Microsoft has had 90% of the desktop market for as long as I can remember. Apple's Mac OSX has g between 6-7% of the market, and Linux about 1-2%. While a monopoly usually leads to strong competitor as the monopoly becomes too oppressive, Microsoft has managed to run its monopoly  in a manner that did not result in widespread revolt. In sum, the Microsoft tax is not all the bad. Microsoft Windows is available at all segments of the PC market, from fantastically priced hardware to the lowest end computers. 

Even when you go to the camps of the second and third largest segments of the PC market a number split time with Windows. A fair number of Apple users actually also use Windows part of the time, as can be gleaned from the popularity of BootCamp. A fair number of Linux users dual boot. Why bother dual booting? Well really, Microsoft's hold on the Market has been about trivial things, like being compatible with all the major games titles.  Basically, on the desktop, Microsoft still has the best ecosystem, followed by Apple, with Linux being a far third place in this regard.

If you look at the mobile market, Apple was disrupted the market with an innovative. It brought a touch based operating system to the market which made the Nokia's Symbian OS, Microsoft's Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices and operating system obsolescent. Apple's iOS had an uphill fight for a bit, with Symbian, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry having better ecosystems. But new technology, plus Apple's ability to build a large ecosystem in a short span of time killed the old guard. 

Unlike Microsoft, the Apple Tax is fairly steep, hence Android arose. When you create market awareness for a new generation of products, and do not supply the entire market, well you expect this to happen.

If Linux wants to succeed on the desktop, the path to success has already been outline for it by Apple and Google.

1. Build an operating system which meets a new need. Apple and Android succeeded because of the touchscreen, and the need of operating systems to take advantage of this technology. 
2. Build a strong app ecosystem. 

Apple built new hardware for iOS. Google got partners to build new hardware for Android. If you had placed iOS or Android in an old touchpad or QWERTY form factor phone, Symbian, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry would still rule today.

Linux efforts have been directed at migrating Microsoft users with the ideals of software freedom, with free software and with a promise of malware free computing. This is not a recipe for success. Software freedom appeals to the idealist, and after nearly two decades of domination no one really believes that Microsoft is an evil empire that will ruin our lives. Microsoft sells software and its main goal is to keep a healthy bottom line. There are no discussions of world domination in Microsofts boardroom, just how to keep Windows on your PC. Free software is cool, until you realize few developers want to give away their work for free. Software developers have to eat too. The result, Linux has some really fine apps, just not all that many. As for threat of malware, user habit dictates as to how much risk you are in.

Linux distributors have built great operating systems. But trying to invade enemy territory is hard. For Linux to succeed it has to find a new hardware niche, a next generation computing platform, and build an operating system around that. The year of the Linux Desktop, as we know it today will not come, because if Linux is to succeed on the desktop, it would have to build a new type of desktop.

Now what this new type of desktop should be, I don't know. If I did, I would put up a hardware design company, patent a design and ship it to China for mass production. There is one new personal computer form factor that is unserved: The USB Dongle PC.

These small devices can convert your LCD or LED TV to a computer or Smart TV. Coming in as low as US$70 these devices are very interesting, but there really is no operating system which is optimized to take advantage of them. You can load Android, which is optimized for the touchscreen (which your TV is not) or Linux, which is optimized for a keyboard and a mouse (which is not all that comfortable to use when lounging on a couch or in bed).

A operating system with a simplified interface, with a few key apps built in, and a new control system could become an overnight sensation. Maybe it could use the smartphone to act as a trackpad, keyboard and game controller. Monetization of this new operating system could be done through app sales.

This is just an example, and it maybe a bad one. I am no Steve Job's or Eric Schmidt. I am not sure how popular these USB PC's will be. But it would take something like this, to push a "new" operating system. Breaking new ground is an easier way to break into the consumer market, If the year of the Linux desktop will comes, it won't be on the the old clunky desktops and laptops we are all so familiar with, but some new an exciting amalgamation of software and hardware.

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I have five Android devices used by different members of the family.

• HTC Desire HD (Released Q4 2010)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000 (Released Q4 2010)
• HTC Sensation XE (Released Q4 2011)
• Google Galaxy Nexus (Released Q4 2011)
• Samsung Galaxy S III (Released Q2 2012)

All these are, or were, top of the line handsets at the time of their release. However, software support has been so so.

1. The HTC Desire HD and Samsung Galaxy Tab are officially stuck at Gingerbread (Android 2.3.x) due to alleged "performance issues" or other issues. 
2. The HTC Sensation is on Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.3), and while HTC may update this phone to Android 4.1, my view in HTC's support for softwares updates these days is dimm, so I think this phone will get stuck here.
3. The Google Galaxy Nexus and Samsung Galaxy S III are on Ice Cream Sandwich with Jelly Bean on the way.

So, if we were to look at just Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades, with five top end Android devices, we would have 40% fragmentation. 

But Android is open source. It means kind hearted third parties can mess around with it and give, us what the manufacturers don't want too.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000 is now on Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.04) courtesy of CyanogenMod.  Work is already being done on a Jelly Bean ROM (Android 4.1), with a very functional experimental version on its third release, expect a stable version of this ROM out within the month, or next.

The HTC Desire HD is now also on Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.04) courtesy of Team Blackouts ICS Incredible. Actually, it is hard to pick a good Ice Cream Sandwich ROM for the HTC Desire HD. You have too many choices. You have a nice stable full Sense 4 ROM from the Virtuous Team, a nice AOKP (Nexus like) ROM from LorD CloakaN, and literally another dozen other versions. There are already several mature Jelly Bean options too, and if that suits you randomblame's Jelly Time is a good bet.

Of course, you will need to root your phone, and many fora are not too newbie friendly. Don't go it on your own. The nice people at the Phandroid Android Forums are very happy to help first time rooters.

So, what is the bottom line? 

Manufacturers Ice Cream Sandwich compliance for < 2 year old devices = 60%.

Manufacturers + Community Ice Cream Sandwich compliance for < 2 year old devices = 100%.

Will report on the Jelly Bean score card in a few months.

In the end, two obsolete devices, the HTC Desire HD and the Samsung Galaxy Tab have gotten updated that make them viable for a another year or so of use.

Look at this in contrast to a closed environment. The original Apple iPad has good hardware, better than the Apple iPhone 3GS. But the 3GS get one more update to let it live on till 2013. In a few days or weeks, the Apple iPad will be offically obsolete.

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Love or hate Windows, one really good thing about Microsoft is that they support a Windows version forever. Well, not literally forever,  but longer than the computer you bought it with is likely to last. Todays new generation computers, made up of smartphones and tablets, are not as lucky. One to two years is what you are likely to get. 

Apple's original iPad, released in March 2010, came with  iOS 4, was upgraded to for two years all the way to iOS 5.1. It wont be getting iOS 6 which will be rolling out to other iOS devices this September.  The Google Nexus One launched in January 2010, started life with Eclair (Android 2.1) and moved on to Gingerbread (Android 2.3). It did not officially get Ice Cream Sandwich, released on October 2011. Basically, you can expect high end devices to get the latest OS for 18-months to 2-years. That does not sound all the impressive.

Many devices are less fortunate. The Samsung Galaxy Tab and HTC Desire HD, both released on October 2010, did not get official an official Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) updates from Samsung and HTC. Pretty much it got OS updates for just 12-months. Notably, these two devices are more powerful than several new Android phones and tablets which today come with Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box.

But Android is open source. This means, that someone else can legally build what the the Original Equipment Manufacturer does not. This month I upgraded a HTC Desire HD to Android 4.0.4 courtesy of the Blackout ICS Incredible ROM Blackout Team. The Samsung Galaxy Tab got Ice Cream Sandwich via CM9 form the CyanogenMod Team. These are stable ROM's which I now use as my daily drivers and based on months of test versions being released. This illustrates the power of open source. Two obsolete devices are now good for use for another year. And it does not end there. Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) ROM's for both devices have been on beta tests for over a month now. 

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The Gnome 3 desktop has been controversial since its release last year, with many Linux users disagreeing with the design decisions of the Gnome Team. Personally, it has been my favorite desktop environment in the past year. I think most people agree that the empty desktop that Gnome 3 boots too is a bit odd.

Rather than being able to do anything productive, you have to click the Windows Key or move your mouse to the top right corner of the screen in which will reveal a quick launch dock, a link to your to other apps and any open Windows.

There are plenty of available Gnome 3 extensions which allow you to customize the Gnome 3 desktop experience, even allowing you to bring it back to something more like Gnome 2.

I like the stock Gnome 3 experience well enough so I just made minor changes which tweak it in a way I like better. I used the Dash to Dock extension so that the quick launch dock would always be visible unless I run an app full screen. So, when I boot into Gnome 3, this is what I see. 

I also reduced the size of the icons on the dock.

There are 156 extensions right now, which can customize Gnome 3 in different ways, with more being added with each passing week. If you are a Gnome 3 user, give the extensions a look.

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Ubuntu for Android is an initiative by Canonical which involves having two operating systems installed on an Android phone. The first operating system is Android which is used while the phone is used as a phone. 

The second is Ubuntu Linux which takes over when the phone is used as a CPU for a desktop. While on Ubuntu your phone can continue to receive calls and SMS.

Here is a video of how the whole thing works.

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The final version of Ubuntu 12.04 is now available for download. This is the third version of Ubuntu which uses the controversial Unity desktop. The new desktop is something new Ubuntu adopters will appreciate. It is intuitive and easy to use. It ruffled some feathers with the existing users who preferred the older Gnome 2 interface. If you have never tried Linux before, or if tried it and felt it was not yet ready from mainstream use, give Ubuntu 12.04 a try. You can also take a look at the Ubuntu online tour here, which will actually to manipulate a mock Ubuntu desktop on your browser.

Ubuntu 12.04 is also the first Ubuntu release with the Unity desktop which is a long term support release (LTS). It will be supported with updates for a period of five (5) years. If you are looking at the possibility of deploying one for institutional or business organizations, this is the one ideal one to evaluate for that purpose.

If you have never tried Ubuntu, you can try it without installing it on your hard drive. You can run it of a USB drive or CD and it wont affect the contents of your hard drive.

You can download Ubuntu 12.04 from the Ubuntu website at this link.

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 The latest version of the Linux kernel, version 3.3, released was on March 18, 2012  which now include code from the Android Project.  In theory this means that in the future you should be able to run your favorite Android apps from within Linux. We place a stress on should, since as Google continuous to tweak it phone OS it is possible that significant forking may again happen in the future.

Google does need a desktop operating system which is compatible with Android. Android is back home for now. Lets hope it stays that way.

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PCWorld has a preview of the upcoming Ubuntu Linux for Android. Basically, Ubuntu for Android will allow you to install a fully functional Ubuntu Operating System in your Android mobile phone. The phone will operate as a normal Android phone. When placed on a dock connected to a screen and keyboard, your Android phone now acts as the CPU for your desktop

While this particular use is very interesting, the next logical step in this evolution is even more so. How long before we see Motorola like webtops. Basically, plug your phone into a screen and keyboard dock and have a fully functional Ubuntu Linux laptop. We might even see a device which converts your phone into a tablet. 

A Motorola Webtop

Canonical and Motorola (Google extended) should really get together for a talk.

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Apple started out a computer manufacturer, and by Apple's definition it meant creating their own hardware and software. In a perfect Apple world, an Apple personal computer would be 100% designed and manufactured by Apple, with the installed software being 100% developed by Apple and the only computers would be Apple computers.

Microsoft and the IBM PC, pretty much opened up the the personal computer industry by letting multiple manufacturers and multiple software developers work in a relatively open environment. The end result is what you have today, lower and lower cost personal computers which also means opening access to more and more of the world. What Microsoft and IBM strive to create was an environment where there are more and more computers. As the computer has morphed from a business machine to a communications and information device, this has become more important. Microsoft perceived by many people as "evil" had a large part in opening up the PC world. True, they do their best to keep Linux at bay, but remember these are all companies trying to turn a profit. Even Free and open-source software companies had to find a way to turn a profit. The FOSS companies are manned by men and women who like everyone else need to earn a living and have families to feed and so is Microsoft.

Still, if Linux had been more dominant, the spread of the computer would have even been much faster I think. If Linux did not exist, well that is a scary thought.

As Apple morphed into a consumer electronics company, it kept pretty much the same mindset as it had as a personal computer company. Apples own services are kept proprietary to its own platform. Apple makes money selling hardware, music and apps from its own stores and over time if feasible would probably want to extend the reach of its proprietary services. In areas where they cannot monopolized proprietary content, Apple would want it sold through its own stores. Where they can create their own content, Apple would eventually want to close the market so that only its own software would run in its hardware. I think it is not unreasonable to think that in the future Apple may launch its own gaming label like Sony Playstation or Microsoft's Xbox.  In a perfect Apple world, an Apple ecosystem would be hardware 100% designed and manufactured by Apple, with the installed software being 100% developed by Apple and with the only devices available being Apple manufacture devices.

This is really nothing new, RIM and its BlackBerry were designed to run its services only to run only on its own hardware. Looking back at things now, BlackBerry excessively charged for its hardware and services. When BlackBerry ruled, 24/7 mobile email and instant messaging access was really just limited to corporate users and the affluent. Nokia tried to follow the BlackBerry model, and when Apple entered the mobile phone market it too was hoping to take over from BlackBerry, only on an even large scale.

Google destroyed all of this. Google's Android platform supports its own apps and services, but it also provides these apps and services to other platforms. Any manufacturer who wants to can manufacture a Google Android device.

For Google, Android is just one way to expand it services to a larger base of users. What Google wants is more and more persons on the web. If a person accessed Google services using an Apple, BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7, it benefits Google just as much as if a user accessed the service from an Android.

Smartphone's have gone below Php5,000 in price. Access to communications and information is lower than ever. But as Android succeeds, I suspect Google will be cast in the same light as Microsoft more and more. 

If Apple iOS were to disappear from the world tomorrow, users could migrate to Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7 devices. If Android operating were to disappear from the world tomorrow many users would not be able to migrate to iOS,BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7 devices. They just cost too much.

Fortunately there can be no Wintel in the mobile world as pretty much anyone can license ARM technology, unlike the all but closed x86 licensing.
 
PC's, smartphones and the Internet have created a whole new world, with communications smudging borders and with cultural divides being eradicated.

Apple, BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7 may still emerge as the dominant phone platform, but only by reaching out to a larger user base. If not, Google Android will probably become the most dominant system.

The smartphone wars are over. The consumer wins.
 

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Ubuntu's Unity desktop no longer has the bar on the bottom of the screen which would display open windows. You can multi-task with with Ubuntu's Unity desktop using the other traditional ways by using the nearly universal "Alt + Tab" key combination or using the workspace switcher you can use in Linux and Mac OS, but I think most Ubuntu users will multi-task using the launcher.

We already took a look at the launcher in Unity is where you place your most commonly used apps, and it will also display any open apps which are not place on the launcher permanently. The behavior is similar to the dock in Mac OSX. An active app in the launcher is indicated by a marker on the left side of the icon of the app.

Unity does add some new tweaks.  If you launch two instances of the same up, it will have two markers, three or more instances of the same app, will be indicated by three markers.

In the next screen shot, it displays two instances of Mozilla and one instance of LibreOffice Writer running.

To go from one app to another, just click the icon and that app will come to the front of the screen. When you have two instances running it will show you both windows in a reduce sized and you can click on the one you want to focus on.

It's that simple.

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When you boot into the Gnome 3 desktop you get an empty screen. There are no icons on the desktop and no way to put icons on it at the present time.

The empty Gnome 3 desktop on startup

I guess the Gnome development team is planning to place widgets here in the future. In order to get productive work done, you have to go into the activities menu, either by (a) pressing the Windows key, (b) moving you mouse to the top right corner or the screen, or (c) by clicking the word activities on the top right of the screen. Doing this place you in the Windows view which gives you access to your launcher and work spaces.

The "Windows" view

I do not see the point of booting up into a screen which requires an additional key press to be useful. Since I pretty much use the web browser every time I boot my computer, one way to make Gnome 3 more useful at startup is to autostart the web browser.

To do this launch the application called Startup Applications and Add a new startup program. Just type in "Firefox" the box for name, "firefox" in the box for command and click "save". Next time you boot, Firefox will autostart so this is what you will see after the computer boots.

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In our previous article, we took a look at the Ubuntu Linux Unity launcher. On the right upper corner of the desktop you have application and system indicators.

Ubuntu Linux 11.10 Unity Desktop

Ubuntu calls the information area the Application and System indicators. 

Clicking the icon of the right most point of the bar gives you access to settings, informs you if updates are available or it you need to restart your computer, switch between accounts and "power" down your system.

From here you can configure your instant messenger, email, check your battery life and configure power settings, Bluetooth, WiFi and speakers. On the computer in the screen shot, Dropbox has been installed and the indicator icon shows up on the same area.

Notifications from your email, messenger apps and system will pop-up in this area.

To take a look at multi-tasking follow this link.

   

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Users who have never tried Linux might be surprised how wrong their impressions are of what using Linux is like. I think Ubuntu Linux is probably the best entry into the Linux world for the non-Linux user.

Ubuntu Linux 11.10 Unity Desktop

When you boot into Ubuntu Linux, you are greeted by a nice familiar interface. It is different from the Windows or Mac desktops, but the elements are familiar. On the left side of the screen you have a launcher where you can pin your most frequently used applications.  One click launches the app.

Ubuntu decided to put the launcher on the left side to maximize the vertical area available for applications. With laptop screens now following HD 16:9, modern laptops have more horizontal space and less vertical space, this decision makes sense. Still the launcher hides when you launch, leaving only the top bar so it does not necessarily have to be on the left side.

Unity does a great job of maximizing the screen space available for your apps

That it the entire point of the Unity interface I think. Maximizing desktop space.

Moving your mouse to the left edge of the screen brings back the launcher. Well, that's all for now. Take a look at Application and System indicators by following this link.

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One of the more challenging aspects of Linux, for those migrating from Windows or Mac OS, is finding compatible software and installing it. There is enough software in the Linux world to do pretty much any task you want to do, and most are free. Gamers would be the ones hardest pressed by software compatibility issues.

Ubuntu has always had a good graphical Software Center to help users find relevant software. The Software Center in Ubuntu 11.10 Beta 1 has gotten a nice upgrade making it visually more pleasing and I think more enticing to woo new users into the Linux fold. 

Here are some screen grabs:

Installation is a one-click affair. 

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I finally downloaded Ubuntu 11.10 Beta 1, code named "Oneiric Ocelot". The first thing you will probably notice when you get to desktop is the Applications and Files shortcuts on the dock are missing, and the Dash shortcut has moved from the task bar to a more prominent place on the dock.

Ubuntu 11.04 Desktop

Ubuntu 11.10 Desktop

Dash takes a more prominent place in Oneiric Ocelot. Lets fire up the dash and look for my apps. Apps can be found on the third button at the bottom of the Dash.

After navigating to the apps menu, I am happy to see Ubuntu cleaned things up already removed the list of "Favorites" (errata: I was wrong about this. The most frequenty used apps are displayed again). My favorite apps would be on my dock anyway once I customize the dock. Putting a app short cut on the dock, gives you one click access to your favorite apps. 

The applications menu will show you installed apps and apps available for download. You can click "See 77 more results to show you all your installed apps" or "Filter results".

Selecting Filter results brings up Lenses. Lenses allows you to filter results by type. In this case I selected accessories. Here I selected "Accessories", which will show you the first four installed apps by alphabetical order.

To show all accessories you have to select "See more 11 results".

Ubuntu insistence on showing you applications installed for download, in the application menu, results in the need for additional mouse clicks. I think applications available for download should be move somewhere else.

The path to launching an app can be as long as:

a) Dash ---> Applications ---> Filter results ---> Select Filter ----> See more results ---> Scroll to app ---> Launch app 

This requires 8 separate actions. The available filters should be shown by default. This would save you one mouse click.  Removing apps available for download would save one more mouse click.

If you opt not to use filters you could locate apps this way:

b) Dash ---> Applications ---> Show all apps ---> Scroll to app ---> Launch app

This requires 5 separate actions. Removing apps available for download would one more mouse click.

But really, launching an app should be as simple as:

a) Applications ---> Select Filter ----> Scroll to app ---> Launch app

This requires 4 separate actions.

- or -

a) Applications ---> Scroll to app ---> Launch app

This requires 3 separate actions.

Basically, I think Unity is 2 to 4 mouse clicks from the an optimum set-up.

If you compare this to Gnome 3, launching an app with Gnome 3 requires less actions:

a) Activities ---> Applications ---> Select Filter ----> Scroll to app ---> Launch app

This requires 5 separate actions.

- or -

a) Activities ---> Applications ---> Scroll to app ---> Launch app

This requires 4 separate actions.

As far as launching apps is concerned, Gnome 3 requires 1 to 3 "steps" less than Unity.

Overall though, Unity is a nice desktop, but a little more evolution, and simplification is needed.

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Linux Girl of PCWorld reports that:

Now, however, it looks like there may be another big change coming down the pike. Specifically, in what feels almost like a tip of the hat to Firefox, a proposal has been made to switch Ubuntu to a monthly release cycle.

x x x

As a possible solution to those and other related problems, Remnant proposes switching Ubuntu to a rapid monthly release process, beginning with the 11.10 release due in October.

Following that version, then, release 11.11 would arrive in November, version 11.12 would come in December, version 12.01 would be released in January, and so on.

Lets leave that for a bit.

Among all Linux distributions I think Ubuntu is the one which has the best chance at the mainstream consumer market. The Ubuntu One cloud based service, their focus on making Linux easier to use for the new user, and the clear nod to new and developing hardware by making their interface easier to port to the  touchscreen makes them the most relevant Linux distribution for the average user.

Unity. Earlier this year, Ubuntu got a new desktop with the controversial Unity desktop.

The new desktop is designed to be more user friendly. After booting up this is what you will see:

Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop

There is a dock on the left side of the screen which you can customize and pin your most commonly used applications to the dock. There is enough space on the dock so that the average user wont have to dig into the applications menu.

Once an application is launch the dock is hidden. The task bar on the bottom has also been remove to maximize the space available for the application.

Ubuntu 11.04 Unity Desktop

Unity tries to get to helpful.  Once you go into Unity's application and file management, it gets too helpful in my opinion. 

Ubuntu 11.04 Application Menu

When you go into the applications menu it shows you your most frequently used applications, which should be redundant. If I set up my dock properly, the contents of "Most Frequently Used" and the dock should be the same. Than it shows me apps available for download. That should really be kept somewhere else, like in the Ubuntu Software Center (an "App Store").

I prefer the simplistic approach of the Gnome 3 desktop - Just scroll down and look for what you want.

Fedora 15 Gnome 3

The situation is the same with Unity File Manager, places which places an emphasis on favorites, but since Ubuntu 11.04 allows users access to a tradition file manager (folders and sub-folders) and is being radically changed to Lenses in a months time, I see no reason to delve in that.

I do not expect all Ubuntu's changes to be what I personally prefer. Being an old dog, I have gotten used to doing things the old way. The input of new young users would be more relevant. They are after all Ubuntu's target. Suffice it to say with about a 2% share in the desktop market, I can respect any attempt at change. 

Monthly releases. But this new proposal for monthly releases is clearly a step in the wrong direction I think. 

A operating system is just an app launcher. A good desktop is one that is simple to use and gets out of the way as quickly as possible. We do not spend our time on a computer to marvel at the operating system. When go on the computer to access the web browser, word processor, play a game or some other application to achieve some purpose.

I understood Ubuntu's frequest six month cycle as the operating system develops, but at some point in time it should really stabilize and other than bug fixes and security updates, I think major updates should come once every one to three years.

Well, my 2-cents.

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The new Gnome 3 desktop has become my favorite Linux desktop environment. Many in the Linux Community have give this desktop environment the thumbs down. Granted, it is the most radical change in the Linux desktop environment in recent history. I will leave the debates on this issue for another fora.

Lets just take a look at Gnome 3 on its own merit. When you first boot the computer you will be greeted by a very bare desktop.

To start getting work done you have to move  to the "Activities" view, which can be down by clicking the either "Activities" button, moving your mouse pointer to the top left edge of the screen, pressing the "Windows" key or pressing "ALT + F1".

Going to the Activities view will display a dock on the left side of the screen where you can pin your favorite programs. On the right side it displays the work-space switcher, and this view will also display open Windows. Right now we don't have any.

I think it might have been better if this was the default view for Gnome 3. The bare home screen can be a source of confusion at first. Maybe the Gnome Team plans to put widgets on the home screen in the future, so lets see how this plays out.

You can launch applications from the dock on the right side on the right side of the screen, but to view all installed applications you have to click the "Applications" button at the upper left section of the "Activities" view.

You can  scroll up and down the screen to find the application you are looking for or select the particular category of apps you want to view.

I think this feature will be removed from the next version of Gnome 3.

Lets launch a few applications to see what "Activities" view looks like.

You can switch between open windows from this view by clicking the one you want to bring to the front. Each instance of each app is displayed separately. I will open to documents to show you what it looks like.

 
You can also switch between Windows using the "Alt + Tab" keyboard shortcut.

There is something is the "Alt + Tab" which some user might not like. When you have two instances of the same application it aggregates them in the "Alt + Tab" view. This would mean having to use the "Alt+Tab" keyboard shortcut and without releasing these keys navigate to the the desire Window using the arrow keys on the keyboard.  

I never use work spaces, but if you do, they are on the right side of the screen.

Accessibility options, volume controls, Bluetooth and wireless and other functions can be accessed through drop down menu's at the top right of the screen.

Well, that is all for now. If there are other parts of the Gnome 3 desktop you would to see, leave a comment. 

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This is what the current Gnome 3 desktop app "drawer" looks like:

Here is a screenshot of the upcoming Gnome 3.2 desktop for Linux:

The app drawer which will jump from page to page just like a Android apps drawer. Looking more and more like its taking some cues from Android. What do you think?

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My biggest grip about Fedora is the fonts. After having tweak them as much as I can following the steps at this link, I wanted to compare how they looked liked against Ubuntu fonts. 

Fedora on top, Ubuntu below. Click to enlarge.

Even without tweaking, Ubuntu's fonts still look better. What do you think?

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