Ubuntu users often try to simplify the OS by creating shortcuts to the most used applications on the desktop. Recent versions of this operating system have made this procedure somewhat more complicated.
Creating desktop shortcuts in Ubuntu prior to 11.04 was easy with just a few clicks. In all subsequent OS distributions, this process has become somewhat more complicated.
Create a shortcut using the command line
These days, in order to create shortcuts in Ubuntu, you need to install additional packages and then run a special command. To start downloading them, you need to simultaneously press Ctrl + alt="Image" + T to open a terminal window. After it is displayed, enter the following in the command line, then press ENTER:
sudo apt-get install –no-install-recommends gnome-panel
The no-install-recommends entry ensures that only the required packages are installed, thereby saving free hard disk space.
Enter your password when prompted. You will then receive a system message with information about the packages to install and the amount of disk space that should be used. As soon as the system asks if you intend to continue, enter "Y" (without the quotes), then press ENTER. At the end of the installation process, you will be able to create a new shortcut using the command line.
Type the following at the command prompt and then press ENTER:
gnome-desktop-item-edit –create-new ~ / Desktop
The settings window will appear, where you must fill in the required parameters. In the upper drop-down list, select the "Application" option, and then write the name of the shortcut in the "Name" field. Enter a command with the full path to run the program in the command edit window. You can also use the Browse button to select a command. Most of the programs running on your computer are located in the / usr / bin directory.
Optionally, you can enter a description for the shortcut in the comment edit box. Click OK to create a shortcut in Ubuntu. Since the dialog was opened from the command line, you will return to it after you close it. To close a terminal window, type "exit" (without quotes) at the command line and press Enter. The shortcut will be displayed on the desktop, and you only need to double-click on it to open the program.
How to create shortcuts in Ubuntu in a different way
You can also create shortcuts by pressing alt="Image" + F2 and entering the commands listed above in the input field. Then a pop-up window will appear in which you must enter all the requested data. With this method, you can create multiple shortcuts on your desktop in a short amount of time.
