What do the icons mean?

[riceandlentils]

Hi,
I'm an Ubuntu noob and cannot figure out why I have a different icon -next to the username on the menubar - depending on who's logged in. There seems to be nothing in the documentation about it.
Thanks:confused:

[mcduck]

Are you perhaps using Pidgin? If you do, the User Switcher-applet's icon will change to reflect Pidgin's status (active, away, invisible etc..), and you'll also be able to change this status through that applet.

[keithld]

Put your Mouse Pointer over the Icons and it should tell you what they are...

[riceandlentils]

I'm not knowingly using pidgin. If I hover over it it just says 'switch users or shut down' regardless of icon. One is a red startup icon the other a green running person.

[steveneddy]

If each user has a different "theme" then the icons on the taskbar and the icons in the menus will all be different.

Each individual can have a completely different GUI theme from all of the other users on one PC.

Icon, colors, backgrounds, wallpapers and desktop effects all are part of a theme.

EDIT:

To choose a new theme, right click on the desktop, select Change Desktop Background. In the window choose the Theme tab at the top and then choose a theme you would like to try and then Customize it with the button at the bottom of that window.

Have fun.

You can also DL new theme's at gnome-look.org and art.gnome.com

Here are some great looking themes you can add that will make your desktop look amazing.

http://ubuntumanual.org/posts/177/eyecandy-themes-for-ubuntu-download-via-launchpad-ppa-repo-and-be-safe

[riceandlentils]

OK. Different themes might explain it. thanks.

It DOES explain it as I've changed both to the same icon.

[steveneddy]

If there is still a question, post a screenshot so we can all be clear about your question.

But I'm guessing that is is a theme issue.