[PLUG-TALK] Locking the Task Bar

Michael M. mcubed at slashmail.org
Wed Aug 22 14:23:01 UTC 2007


On Tue, 2007-08-21 at 16:54 -0700, Richard C. Steffens wrote:
> One of the convenience features of a window style user interface is the
> ability to move the task bar from the bottom to either side or the top
> of the screen. While intended as a feature, it is an annoyance to some
> folks. This is not a problem for most of us, but it is a problem for
> some folks who grew up before there was TV. From time to time, I've had
> to figure out (over the phone) that in dragging the mouse they managed
> to grab the top edge of the task bar, and either hid it, or moved it.
> Once I figure it out, it's usually not too hard to talk them through
> putting it back.
> 
> Does the concept of locking the task bar exist in either Linux or
> Windows? Most of the folks I have to support are still using Win98
> machines, so that's where I need the specific answer. But eventually, I
> expect those machines to be replaced, and some of those will be Linux
> machines.


AFAIK, you can't lock the GNOME panel by default.  Panel applets can be
locked into place on the panel.  There's a tool called Pessulus that
locks down GNOME configurations, including locking the panel(s) into
place.

I've not had the problem you describe since using GNOME, though that did
happen to me a few times using Windows.  IIRC, it was possible
inadvertently to move the Windows task bar by double-clicking somewhere
on it.  At least, I think that's how I managed it.  It's kinda hard to
move the GNOME panel by mistake, since you have to grab & hold an empty
part of the panel with your mouse and drag it all the way to another
side of the screen.  It lacks the "snappy" action Windows has that makes
it easier to move the task bar, whether on purpose or by mistake.  But
if you don't use the GNOME panel "expanded" to take the full width or
length of the screen, it might be easier accidentally to move it.

All the other settings for the panel (orientation, background color and
transparency, autohide or no, expanded or not) are modifiable through a
right-click on any empty panel space, which is also how you add applets
to the panel.


-- 
Michael M. ++ Portland, OR ++ USA
"No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions
of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to
dream." --S. Jackson




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