Desktop environment
In a work environment (English work environment ) are understood in the information technology, the resources available for the human user of the computer tools for the performance of work. Depending task can include different components of the hardware, system software and application software.
A narrow interpretation of the concept of work environment, the respective components are technically to equip a specific job, while they are only available in an extended sense out of him, but technically, for example, provided by a server.
Criteria for the architecture of the working environment
- In essence, the application software is often geared specifically to the work to be supported content. Examples: For the business in general, finance, graphic artists, architects, designers, filmmakers, etc. For this purpose, can be used as an alternative standard software or custom software.
- For the same reasons also special system software is used, eg for application development (see Integrated Development Environment ) or for system administrators.
- In some areas, is also focused on job content, also used special hardware (scanners, CNC machines, plotters, etc.)
- Further distinctions can be made of the required performance of components - yield such as memory size, processor performance, transmission rates, etc..
- Basically, the membership determines to certain types of system architectures ( hardware and operating system is installed) equipping the working environment - including the usability of application software and the possible principle of the user interface.
Similar considerations lead within the enterprise architecture and IT architecture for providing different system environments in general and work environments in particular. The spectrum of as many single universal jobs enough (with whom the widest possible use of the framework can be covered ) to individually configured environments for special requirements.
User interface
An important aspect for the user is how the user can interact with the system and the components provided. In the area of commercial application can be basically classified into graphical and command - oriented user principles in this regard.
Desktop environment
With respect to the operating system, we now speak mostly of the desktop environment and refers to the using the graphical user interface (English GUI for Graphical User Interface) developed parts of the work environment. The graphical user interface provides for the technical implementation of the so-called desktop metaphor ( the graphical user interface is named in reference to the office workstation " desktop " which means in English desk surface). The desktop environment is either fix planned (for example Microsoft Windows) or flexibly coupled (examples: Linux and FreeBSD with working environments such as GNOME, KDE Plasma Workspaces, Xfce, LXDE, Cinnamon, Enlightenment, Razor -qt, Etoile, EDE, MATE or ROX desktop).
In a narrow sense, with the "Desktop Environment" is a collection of design elements, the " Toolkit " is meant that a typical look and feel give a graphical user interface: appearance and function of window titles, controls the window, menu design, mouse, etc., are the application programs provided and should be used to give the total of all applications on the desktop a uniform appearance.
Manager window: A window manager is generally responsible for managing the window. However, there are also those which parts of a desktop environment - bring with them - such as a panel. Nevertheless, it is not spoken at this from a desktop environment.
Command line control
The desktop environment distinguishes itself from the command line, which represents the whole of the operating system near text- and character-based tools. The command line does not need a mouse, graphic boxes and clickable areas and selection is a collection of programs.
- User interface