A.2. Introducing Konqueror
Konqueror is the file manager for KDE. It is equivalent to GNOME's Nautilus.
Konqueror provides a graphical display of your system and personal files. Like Nautilus, Konqueror allows you to configure your desktop and your Red Hat Enterprise Linux system, access network resources and more. Konqueror makes use of icons, the Panel, and Trash. Below are some of the tools KDE provides; each is an example of Konqueror.
A.2.1. User's Home
KDE does not place a Home icon on the Desktop by default. It can be reached from the Main Menu, however. This opens a Konqueror window with the contents of the user's home directory.
 | Tip |
|---|---|
You can add a Home icon to your desktop by dragging the icon from the Main Menu to the desktop and selecting Copy Here. |
Konqueror behaves as a browser by default; it opens files and directories inside the large pane of the current window rather than opening a new instance of Konqueror. You can open directories and files in new tabs, just as in Firefox or other web browsers. To do so, right-click on the file or directory to open and select Open in New Tab.
A.2.2. Trash
KDE includes a Trash icon similar to that of other operating systems; files inside the Trash are not deleted until you choose to do so. The Trash bin can be opened by double-clicking on the desktop icon. The Trash opens as a Konqueror window, which allows you to easily nove files in and out. To empty the Trash, right-click on the desktop icon and select Empty Trash Bin.
A.2.3. Removable Media
KDE works with removable media, including diskettes, CD-, and DVD-ROMs.
A.2.3.1. Diskettes
Recall that diskettes must be mounted before use and unmounted after use to be sure that your files are not damaged. To mount a diskette with Konqueror, first open a Konqueror window, then choose Devices from the sidebar. Double-click on the Floppy icon to mount the diskette. When you are finished, return to the Devices directory, right-click on the Floppy icon, and select Unmount Volume before ejecting the diskette.
A.2.3.2. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
CDs and DVDs auto-mount when you insert them into the appropriate drive. To display the contents of the media, open a Konqueror window, choose Devices from the sidebar, and double-click on the appropriate icon. If the media does not auto-mount, open a Konqueror window and choose Devices from the sidebar. Right-click on the appropriate icon in the large pane of the Konqueror window and select Mount Volume. Konqueror mounts the media and displays its contents in the large pane of the window. When you are finished, right-click on the appropriate icon in the Devices section of Konqueror and select Eject. Konqueror unmounts the media and ejects the CD or DVD.
A.2.4. Customizing Konqueror
The behavior of Konqueror can also be customized. With a Konqueror window open, select Settings => Configure Konqueror.
The configuration window opens. in the left pane is a list of icons representing the types of customizatins you can make. Clicking on each icon in turn displays customization options. For example, the Appearance icon allows you to select the font face and size of your Konqueror windows. Browse through the various options and make your selections. Click the Apply button to save your changes, and finally click the OK button to exit the configuration window.