Gnome 3 & Unity & Files question

[zami]

Is it possible to still have a "desktop" with a big heap of files scattered all over it, with Gnome 3?

Or is it like Unity, and I have to open the file browser to even get to my files?

Thanks for any help.

-zami

[MARP1961]

If you wish to open new folders, place icons etc. on the desktop and generally clutter it up then you can. However, Gnome 3 Shell will not let you do it by default.

You can install Gnome Tweak Tool http://mail.gnome.org/archives/gnome-shell-list/2011-March/msg00291.html and then set the File Manager to 'Handle the Desktop'. You will then have right click access to your desktop and be able to place short cuts on it.

[zami]

Excellent, thank you!

And yes, call me old fashioned but I still prefer a "desktop" with a heap of files sitting on it. :)

I don't start programs with icon launchers anyhow so I don't need the panels and fancy sorting - I just alt+f2 to start programs. (Except the trash can. Heh.)

"Desktop" really is my dumping and sorting grounds. It's not really a big mess, currently it's about four directories. But it serves as my "inbox" I guess. When files automatically go to /home/me or /downloads I just forget to deal with them, because they aren't staring me in the face.

Thanks for the help!

-zami